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Pakistan is set to host high-level talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, with a modest goal of getting the two nations to find common ground to continue negotiations. The talks, which will be held in a 'proximity format' with Pakistani officials shuttling messages between the two teams, follow a Pakistan-mediated two-week ceasefire agreed upon by the US and Iran.The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, and the Iranian team, expected to be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, will meet at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. Despite the significant differences between the two nations, experts and sources close to the mediation effort have expressed little expectation of a major breakthrough.Pakistan's goal is to secure an agreement for the US and Iran to continue dialogue, with the aim of building on the truce that led to a collective sigh of relief globally. The talks will focus on finding a lasting peace deal, with key issues including verifiable restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme and full sanctions relief.The talks are taking place against a backdrop of escalating tensions in Lebanon, with Iran framing Israeli strikes on Lebanon as a direct challenge to the ceasefire. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that continued attacks would render negotiations meaningless.Despite these challenges, there are tentative signs of easing tensions ahead of the talks, with US Vice President JD Vance expressing optimism about the negotiations and Saudi Arabia's foreign minister speaking with his Iranian counterpart for the first time since the war started.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that his country's technology played a crucial role in shooting down Iranian drones in the Middle East. This development comes after Zelenskyy announced last month that expert teams had been deployed to the region following the outbreak of the United States-Israeli war on Iran.In a recent statement, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian forces participated in operations using domestically produced interceptor drones against 'Shahed' drones, which are similar to those used by Russia during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.Key highlights of Zelenskyy's statement include:Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed Iranian 'shaheds' in several countries.The operations were not limited to training missions but involved actual support in building modern air defence systems.Ukrainian experts provided crucial advice on strengthening air defence systems in countries that collaborated with them.Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the future, stating that it is only a matter of time before mass production of interceptors capable of destroying drones with jet engines commences.Kyiv has effectively utilized cheap drone interceptors to neutralize Russian drones before they reach their targets. As part of the agreement, Ukraine is receiving weapons to protect its energy infrastructure and, in some cases, financial arrangements.During his recent visits to Gulf nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, Zelenskyy signed defence agreements with the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

JD Vance, the United States vice‑president, issued a stark warning to Tehran as he boarded Air Force Two for Pakistan: Iran must not attempt to "play" the United States at the peace talks scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad. The talks, mediated by Pakistan, could determine whether the fragile ceasefire in the region holds or if hostilities resume, with significant repercussions for the global economy, especially oil markets. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi have conditioned their participation on two unmet measures: a full ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets. Ghalibaf posted on X that "Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented." Uncertainty lingered on Friday night about whether the Iranian delegation would even travel to Islamabad. Earlier reports indicated that Israel had removed the Iranian officials from its bombing target list at Washington’s request. Meanwhile, Donald Trump amplified the tension, telling the New York Post that U.S. forces were "loading up the ships with the best ammunition" and would use them if negotiations failed. He later posted that Iran "has no cards" except short‑term extortion of international waterways. The backdrop to the talks is a worsening Lebanon‑Israel confrontation. More than 300 Lebanese civilians have been killed since the ceasefire began, and 13 Lebanese security personnel died in an Israeli strike on a government building in Nabatieh. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispute whether the April 7 ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran includes Lebanon, and Israel continues bombing Hezbollah‑linked targets despite Netanyahu’s earlier statements about opening negotiations with the Lebanese government. Oil markets have felt the shock. The February 28 U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz—shutting off roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas—triggered a sharp price spike, adding political pressure ahead of the November U.S. congressional elections. Vance, however, expressed optimism as he departed for Islamabad: "We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive. If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand." He added, "If they’re going to try and play us, then they’ll find the negotiating team is not that receptive." The U.S. delegation also includes senior adviser Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner, both of whom participated in earlier talks on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes before the February attack. Negotiations are expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the future of Iran’s nuclear program, potential sanctions relief, reparations for war damage, and the release of Americans detained in Iran, according to the Washington Post. Advance teams from the United States and Iran have already taken up rooms at Islamabad’s five‑star Serena hotel, with Pakistani officials acting as intermediaries. Security forces have established a two‑mile perimeter around the hotel, declared a public holiday, and locked down the city centre to ensure a safe environment for the high‑stakes mediation. Hezbollah, while not commenting directly on the Lebanese‑Israeli negotiations, issued a statement urging the Lebanese government to stop "making gratuitous concessions" and vowed to continue fighting to "expel the occupier." The Lebanese army has reinforced its presence in Beirut following an Israeli strike that killed at least 303 people. Fighting persists in southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah claiming to have struck Israeli soldiers near Bint Jbeil—a town symbolic of resistance from the 2006 war—and launching rockets into Israel throughout Friday. Israel’s airstrikes across Lebanon have intensified, culminating in the Nabatieh attack that killed the highest number of Lebanese security forces to date.

Bath Rugby has secured a spot in the Champions Cup semi-finals for the first time in 20 years with a stunning comeback against Northampton Saints. The match was an 11-try epic, with Bath ultimately prevailing thanks to a 76th-minute try by replacement forward Ted Hill.The game was a thrilling contest from start to finish, with Northampton Saints dominating early on. They scored five tries in the first half-hour, including scores from Henry Pollock, Archie McParland, Fraser Dingwall, Tom Lockett, and Josh Kemeny. However, Bath refused to give up, and their renowned forward strength eventually tipped the scales in their favor.Alfie Barbeary and Thomas du Toit were among the key figures for Bath, who came roaring back to trail by only 38-33 with 20 minutes left. The visitors were temporarily down to 14 players during this period, which Bath capitalized on.The match was a grand advert for the English club game, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. Bath's coach, Johann van Graan, marveled at his side's dramatic fightback, saying, 'I have been in rugby for a long time and this ranks as one of the best I have been involved in.' Northampton Saints' director of rugby, Phil Dowson, was frustrated with the loss, stating, 'It was obviously a good game of rugby but it’s frustrating to be on the wrong side of it.' The win sets up a semi-final clash for Bath against the winners of the all-French tie between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

Roberto De Zerbi has vowed to bring back the attacking style of football known as 'Ange-ball' to Tottenham Hotspur in a bid to prevent the club's first relegation in 49 years. The Italian manager has only seven games to impart his complex football philosophy to his players. De Zerbi wants to replicate the rampant, marauding style of his predecessor Ange Postecoglou, who won Tottenham's first trophy in 17 years but was dismissed after finishing 17th in the Premier League last season. “I want to keep the ball,” De Zerbi said. “I want to see again the Tottenham I watched with Postecoglou because, in my second season in Brighton, there was Postecoglou here with a lot of these players and it was one of the best teams in terms of quality of play.” De Zerbi has kept things simple in his early days at Tottenham, with individual meetings and training sessions on the pitch. The first test of what has been absorbed will be away to Sunderland on Sunday. De Zerbi has often been criticised for short stays at previous clubs, but he insists he is committed to Spurs “for a long time” after signing a contract to 2031, which does not include a break clause if they are relegated. Spurs have lost seven of their past nine games but De Zerbi has analysed their recent matches and taken encouragement from the 1-1 draw at Liverpool and 3-2 Champions League win against Atlético Madrid. “We have to show this for 90 minutes and we have to believe in ourselves,” he said. “The most important part in football is the mental part. You are used to speaking too much about the style of play, the tactical disposition, blah, blah, blah. But in the end, the mental part is crucial in every work, especially in football, especially in this moment in Tottenham.”

The 2026 NFL draft is shaping up to be an interesting one, with a mediocre quarterback class and a lack of standout players at skill positions. However, amidst the uncertainty, several under-the-radar prospects have emerged as potential game-changers. Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State, is a one-year starter with impressive athleticism, but his throwing mechanics need refinement. He could be a late-round pick with potential as a developmental quarterback or a do-everything offensive weapon.Chris Bell, WR, Louisville, is a big, physical receiver who excels on short routes and has the ability to create after the catch. Despite concerns about his injury history and penalty issues, Bell has the talent to make an impact outside the top 50 picks.Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State, is a mammoth tackle with exceptional size, athleticism, and strength. Despite being a relative newcomer to football, Iheanachor has shown promise and could sneak into the first round if teams bet on his raw talent.Caleb Banks, DL, Florida, is a disruptive defensive lineman with a rare combination of size, speed, and power. However, his persistent foot injuries and relatively muted production raise concerns about his durability and potential impact.Uar Bernard, DL, NFL International Player Pathway Program, is a 21-year-old Nigerian prospect with extraordinary athleticism, but it's unclear if he can translate his skills to the football field. Teams will likely take a chance on him in the seventh round, given his roster exemption and potential for development.

Sue Day, the FA’s director of women’s football, defended a radical overhaul of the women’s lower‑league structure, asserting that the sport is at a crucial turning point. The proposal, first reported by The Guardian, would see four Women’s Super League academy sides compete in the third tier of the Women’s National League starting in the 2027‑28 season. The reform package also includes a mid‑season split for tier three, an expanded loan system, additional relegation places and new playoffs in tier four, and a £1 million financial boost aimed at supporting clubs during the transition. FA officials argue the move is needed because the share of England‑qualified players in the WSL has fallen dramatically, dropping from roughly two‑thirds in 2017‑18 to just over a quarter this season. Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea’s manager, warned that the gap between academy football and the top flight is widening, citing her experience in Lyon where academy graduates regularly contributed at senior level. Critics in the third tier are skeptical. Daniel McNamara, head coach of Wolves Women, questioned on X whether the league’s purpose is to chase promotion or to serve as a development platform for elite WSL players. Several other third‑tier coaches have voiced strong opposition, fearing the integration of academy teams could dilute competition. Day emphasized that the proposals aim to “future‑proof” the women’s game by increasing meaningful competitive minutes for young English players and strengthening the national team pipeline. She added that no final decisions have been made; the FA is still consulting stakeholders and will consider feedback before any vote. The FA hopes to ratify the changes this summer, with implementation slated for the 2027‑28 season and a two‑year review built into the plan to assess whether the objectives are being met.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the draw for the 2027 men’s Asian Cup, originally scheduled for Riyadh, and is exploring contingency plans. Australia has been urged to submit an emergency hosting bid to ensure the tournament proceeds as planned.The competition, set to kick off on 7 January 2027 and run for four weeks, will feature 24 national teams, including the Socceroos, across venues in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar. With the draw delayed and the Saudi venue’s security under question, AFC officials are weighing alternative locations.Former Australian international Craig Foster argues that the nation is uniquely positioned to step in on short notice. He highlights the success of the 2015 men’s Asian Cup and the recent Women’s Asian Cup hosted in Australia, noting that the country demonstrated both logistical capability and fan engagement.“Hosting the tournament would be a vital diplomatic gesture at a time when Australia’s reputation in the Middle East has suffered,” Foster said, adding that the event could deliver a significant economic uplift for the hospitality industry as teams and supporters flock to Australian cities.Data from the 2015 edition show that 15,000 overseas visitors generated more than half of the tournament’s $81 million direct spend. By contrast, the federal and state contributions to the women’s Asian Cup exceeded $20 million, underscoring the financial stakes involved.The Australian government has indicated willingness to collaborate with Football Australia, stating that any investment in international sport would be considered through regular budget processes. Foster has called on sport minister Anika Wells to endorse an emergency hosting proposal.Football Australia emphasizes that AFC tournaments have become “some of the most significant events in the global football calendar,” delivering “substantial economic, diplomatic, social, and health value for Australia.” Continued support from all government levels, they argue, is essential to maintain the country’s status as a premier host nation.Saudi Arabia, which secured hosting rights in 2023 and will later stage the 2034 FIFA World Cup, now faces uncertainty as its venues sit within striking distance of ongoing regional hostilities, including recent Iranian counter‑attacks near the under‑construction Aramco Stadium in Khobar.

In the 1970s and 80s, fewer than 250 mountain gorillas survived worldwide, prompting dire predictions of extinction. Decades of focused protection have lifted that number to over a thousand, and the trend continues upward.Recent patrols on the Democratic Republic of the Congo side of the Virunga range have documented an extraordinary event: two pairs of twin gorilla infants were born within a three‑month span. Twins are exceptionally uncommon in this species, representing less than 1% of all births, making the double occurrence a remarkable indicator of population health.Jacques Katutu, head of gorilla monitoring at Virunga, emphasized that the twin births “provide another vital indicator that dedicated conservation efforts… support the growth of the endangered mountain gorilla population within Virunga National Park.” Rangers suggest the thriving families are robust enough to meet the added demands of raising twins.Infant mountain gorillas face high mortality, often succumbing to infanticide, injury or disease. Yet the first twin pair, born in January, is reported to be alive and thriving, with troop members assisting the mother, Mafuko, in caring for her male infants.The achievements occur against a backdrop of extreme danger for park staff. More than 220 rangers have been killed protecting wildlife in the DRC over the past two decades, while rebel groups such as M23 continue to operate with impunity.Integral to this success are the Gorilla Doctors, a veterinary NGO whose interventions are credited with about half of the species’ population increase. Their teams trek daily through the dense forest, identifying each gorilla by name and providing medical care for injuries and disease in the isolated habitats of Virunga and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.Dr. Benard Ssebide, a leading Gorilla Doctor, guided the author through the gorilla family on Mount Muhabura, narrating each animal’s story as they foraged for thistles, leaves and wild blackberries.These twin births serve as a powerful reminder that, even amid global environmental challenges, concerted human effort can foster tangible recovery for one of the planet’s most iconic endangered species.