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Iran’s Deputy FM Signals Readiness for a US‑Iran DealSaeed Khatibzadeh told Al Jazeera Arabic on Friday that Tehran is prepared to proceed step‑by‑step with the United States, provided the U.S. demonstrates “the same seriousness” and Israel adheres to the memorandum of understanding (MoU).Swiss Negotiations Called Off as Regional Violence EscalatesTalks scheduled in Switzerland were abruptly cancelled, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance scrapped his planned trip. Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar had hoped the parties would meet in Burgenstock to discuss the MoU’s broad agenda.Swiss talks cancelled – no official date given.Vance’s trip cancelled – same day as the talks.Lebanon Casualties Highlight Fragile CeasefireIntense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon resulted in at least 47 deaths since midnight, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Khatibzadeh warned that Israel’s “continued war‑making” could have “serious and immediate consequences” and stressed that ending the Lebanon conflict is integral to the MoU.Broader Implications for US‑Iran Relations and Regional StabilityThe deputy minister emphasized Iran’s commitment to “peace on all fronts, including Gaza,” and outlined continued navigation services in the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Oman, without imposing passage fees for the initial 60‑day period. He also called for the release of all frozen Iranian funds in any future agreement.What the Next Steps Could Look LikeIran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that consultations via mediators are ongoing and that an official announcement will follow if conditions for negotiations are met. The continuation of the ceasefire in Lebanon, contingent on Israel’s compliance, appears to be the immediate litmus test for resuming US‑Iran talks.

The Pre-Game Analysis The Scotland national team, also known as the Tartan Army, is gearing up to face Morocco in the World Cup 2026. This match is significant for Scotland as they seek to secure their first win since 1990. In their previous match, Scotland beat Haiti, but they were not particularly impressive. Morocco, on the other hand, were semi-finalists in the last World Cup and have a more expansive playing style. Morocco's Strength and Scotland's Strategy Morocco's fans were noticeably louder in their opening match against Brazil, creating an electric atmosphere. Scotland's coach, Steve Clarke, has acknowledged Morocco's strengths, stating that they are a 'really, really good side' with power, pace, and skill. Clarke emphasized that Scotland will need to be at their best to compete against Morocco. Key Players and Team Dynamics Scotland's key player, Scott McTominay, did not have his best game against Haiti but remains a crucial figure for the team. McTominay has a significant following in Scotland, with his iconic moment against Denmark last November being remembered as an artistic reference point. The Road to Qualification A draw in this match would be handy for Scotland, as the equation for qualification is four points. Exiting the group stage via the front door for the first time would be within Scotland's grasp if they can secure a positive result against Morocco.

The 2026 World Cup: A Global Experiment in HostingThe upcoming World Cup 2026 represents a monumental shift in the landscape of international football, transcending the sport to become a massive logistical and social experiment. As the tournament officially begins with 48 teams competing in 104 matches over 39 days, the focus shifts from the pitch to the streets of the host cities. The Guardian is actively soliciting firsthand accounts to capture the true pulse of this unprecedented event. The Scale of the Tournament: 48 Teams, 16 CitiesThis edition of the tournament is the largest in history, requiring a coordinated effort across three nations. The event spans a diverse geographic and cultural landscape, bringing together fans from around the globe. Host Cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey (Mexico); Toronto and Vancouver (Canada); Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York/New Jersey (USA). Duration: 39 days of intense competition. Format: An expanded format featuring 48 teams, increasing the number of matches significantly compared to previous tournaments. Measuring the Pulse of Host CitiesWith such a vast scale, the impact on local populations varies wildly. The Guardian’s initiative to gather stories aims to quantify the qualitative changes occurring in these metropolitan areas. The call for submissions covers a wide spectrum of experiences, from the economic boom for local businesses to the logistical challenges of navigating increased traffic and crowds. Beyond the Stadium: Economic and Social RipplesThe influx of millions of visitors presents a unique opportunity and challenge for host cities. The stories shared will likely reveal a dichotomy between the excitement of the diehard fans and the concerns of local residents regarding the disruption of daily life. Whether it is the hospitality sector seeing a surge or commuters facing delays, the human element of hosting a global event is complex and multifaceted. The Legacy of the 2026 World CupAs the tournament progresses, the collective experiences of residents will shape the narrative of the World Cup. The insights gathered will not only serve as a historical record of this specific edition but also provide a blueprint for future mega-events, highlighting the delicate balance between global spectacle and local community well-being.

The LeadWatching a comedian crumble onstage is hellish. In Ted Walliker's new play, the performer's breakdown is deliberate but the show's wider ambitions miss their mark. Pitched as a standup set that swivels into an absurd faux-confessional, this first foray into co-production for Riverside Studios is a one-man tangent.The Event DetailsThe trouble starts with how quickly the framing device of a standup show is shoved aside. When bumbling posh-boy comedian Tony (Walliker) fails to get the laughs he wants, he tries on a tougher persona and launches into a violent story of misadventure with Mike, his best friend, long-time crush and all-round scoundrel. A delirious pep enters Tony's step as he outlines a gratuitously gruesome night of pulled-off faces and munched-up bones. Spiralling from a mistake in McDonald's where we meet the titular character, we are hurled into an entirely different play, with only the occasional address to us "folks" to remind us this is supposed to be a comedy set.The Performance AnalysisInto this second show we leap: a slapdash, Tarantino-esque odyssey told with non sequiturs and a total lack of consequences. The lightly told tale arbitrarily ticks off kidnaps, gangsters and cannibalism, with some thinly written nods to unrequited love as Tony avoids telling us what's really wrong. We're meant to know he is floundering, with Walliker's outfit changes designed to make us feel a little loopy. But there is no incentive to get to the root of our narrator's derangement. We barely know the guy.The Production ElementsThere are big, bold expressions of creativity here. The most striking comes with the extravagant reveal of the set, hinting at the story coming to life around Tony, or at him falling too far into his own telling. Walliker has given himself a gargantuan task in writing, performing and co-directing the show (with Lev Govorovski, with whom he also designed the set and costumes), as well as doing the lighting and sound. He is an assured performer, neatly capturing the rhythm of standup and painting the story alone.The VerdictThe show would benefit from letting us feel what Tony's running from, rather than just watching him run. At Riverside Studios, London, until 5 July.

The Rise of Elliot Anderson Elliot Anderson is running. It’s the 88th minute against Croatia, and the game is won, and the game is done, and this is the 60th game of his season and there are deeper challenges to come. But as long as the ball is loose, he’s going to chase it down: first Josip Sutalo and then Josko Gvardiol, a simple recycling of defensive possession rapidly mutating into an unpleasant ordeal. Anderson's Key Role in England's Midfield Anderson has assumed the role of England's spirit animal, its mathematical constant, its barometer, the reliable rock to which – for better and worse – England’s fate over the coming weeks will be inescapably yoked. In short, if you want to know how England are doing in the coming weeks, you basically just need to watch him. Analyzing Anderson's Playing Style Central to Anderson’s role, paradoxically, is the fact that it is not always a central role. Indeed, if you look at his heat map from the Croatia game the most striking element was how much of it he spent in wide areas: linking play with the full-backs, creating overloads and triangles, playing the first-time long ball over the top that appears to be a specific and very deliberate tactic. The Impact of Anderson's Versatility Anderson can genuinely do it all: pass, tackle, screen, jockey, cross, shoot. He’s good in the air, strong in duels, delivers a mean set piece, will quite literally run all day. Is there a realistic role in this team that does not, in some way, sell him short? The Future of Elliot Anderson Already, Manchester City are circling and a nine-figure transfer feels inevitable. This is a player about to arrive in a very big way. And perhaps this is what makes him so compelling to watch right now. You know that on some level he must still be raw and fragile, and yet he never really looks it.

Over 70 medics have fallen ill with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the outbreak surges, raising the death count to 232 and highlighting severe gaps in the country’s health system.Escalating Infections Among Frontline Healthcare WorkersThe World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that 75 healthcare workers have been infected since the outbreak was declared on May 15. Medics are contracting the virus while treating patients in under‑resourced facilities that lack basic protective equipment such as gloves and masks.Numbers Reveal a Growing CrisisConfirmed cases: 896 across 31 health zonesDeaths: 232 (including 17 medics)Healthcare worker density: 11 per 10,000 peopleFunding shortfall: $80 m appeal only 21% funded; sanitation funding fell to about $38 mSystemic Weaknesses Amplify the Outbreak's ImpactThe DRC’s health system, already strained by years of conflict and displacement, struggles to secure PPE, while overcrowded camps create fertile ground for transmission. International aid is hampered by recent cuts, and the rare Bundibugyo strain likely circulated for months before detection.What the Next Weeks May Hold for DRC and the RegionWHO emergency director Marie Roseline Belizaire warns the outbreak has not yet peaked. With China and Uganda dispatching medical teams, the focus will be on scaling protective gear, bolstering psychological support for staff, and accelerating vaccination campaigns to prevent a wider regional spread.

The Emergence of Luxury Barbecues The British barbecue has historically been a humble affair, often associated with burnt sausages and undercooked chicken. However, a new trend is emerging, with luxury barbecues becoming increasingly popular in the UK. These high-end models, often priced over £1,000, offer advanced features and are changing the way Brits approach outdoor cooking. High-End Barbecue Options The market for luxury barbecues extends far beyond traditional ceramic egg-shaped grills. Brands like Bertha offer Tardis-like freestanding outdoor coal ovens in aubergine purple and racing green for £4,500. Kamado Joe's Series III charcoal barbecue, which includes a protective cover, a bag of charcoal, and a pack of fire starters, costs £2,000. The 'Konnected Joe' iteration comes with in-built wifi, while the OFYR wood-fired outdoor unit (£1,295) doubles as a fire pit. Market Growth and Consumer Trends John Lewis reports a 100% increase in sales of its premium barbecue range over the past 12 months, while Weber, the company behind the classic UFO-style barbecue, has noticed an increase in demand for its premium models. According to Alexandra Hayes, co-founder of the food consultancy Harris and Hayes, the premium trend emerged during Covid when there were restrictions on eating out. Consumers still wanted to create new and special food and drink experiences. The Evolution of the British Barbecue For Melanie Brown, the chef-restaurateur of The Laundry in Brixton, who also hosts off-grid nights in the countryside where she cooks over Big Green Eggs or an OFYR, the very idea of the British barbecue has changed. 'There's been a massive shift in the interpretation of barbecue,' she says. 'It's no longer burning the shit out of something, it's turned from charring to gastronomy.' The Future of Outdoor Cooking Beyond the cooking, there's 'definitely the statement value' to these top-notch barbecues, says Hayes. 'Handbags are a classic status symbol, but as more people value experiences over things, it's understandable that these types of tools and gadgets are increasingly in hot demand.' With the UK experiencing hotter and longer summers, it's no longer remarkable to spend more than £1,000 on a barbecue.

The Unpredictability of Premiership Finals Prem finals do not always unfold as anticipated. Six of the last seven editions have been settled by six points or fewer and favourites are not guaranteed to have it their own way. Exeter's Strong Form Exeter Chiefs have been in impressive form, beating Leicester, Saracens, and Bath in recent weeks. They are in no mood to go out with an unambitious whimper, as their South African hooker Joseph Dweba posted on social media: 'Be ready to fail because only then are you ready to succeed.' The Impact of Key Players The news that Manny Feyi-Waboso is fit to start for Exeter is a significant boost. Facial surgery just over two weeks ago had appeared to have ruled the England wing out of contention, but suddenly he is back out there. Exeter's captain Dafydd Jenkins praised Feyi-Waboso, saying: 'He's a bit of a freak. It's quite annoying how easy it looks for him. The development I've seen in him since he's been here has been freakish. He's a class act and a great person.' The Challenge for Northampton Northampton, this season's free-wheeling frontrunners, should be wary of humming too many celebratory Olivia Dean tunes in advance. Twice they have faced Exeter in the league and twice there have been narrow margins between the teams. The Prediction The Premiership final between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints promises to be an exciting match. Exeter's strong form, key players, and experience make them a force to be reckoned with. Northampton's director of rugby Phil Dowson is an admirer of his counterpart Rob Baxter, and the tactical battle between the two teams will be intense.

Opening Snapshot: A Hollywood Correspondent’s First Impressions Greetings from Los Angeles – the correspondent writes from a hotel pool surrounded by influencers, Trader Joe’s, and the occasional World Cup fan sporting a US shirt. The opening sets the tone: a mix of personal anecdote, cultural observation, and the underlying question of whether the tournament can ignite genuine football fever in the United States. Living in the LA World Cup Bubble The author describes daily life: cycling from West Hollywood to Santa Monica, navigating non‑cycling zones, and the limited radius of activity between matches – essentially a handful of cafés, a hotel pool, and a few bars where fans gather. The narrative highlights the contrast between the sprawling American landscape and the cramped, influencer‑filled micro‑environment of the tournament host city. Travel anecdote: attempted "LimeGlide" ride turned into a "non‑cycling zone" experience. Social scene: hotel pool, TikTok creators, and discussions about nightclub guest lists. Local fan behavior: US shirts, casual "Good luck later" to passing Bosnians. Cultural Clash: US Sports Landscape vs Global Football Fever While the first days centered on basketball (the Knicks/Spurs narrative), the piece notes a growing excitement after the USA victory over Paraguay. The correspondent observes that long‑time football enthusiasts in the US are finally feeling a "glorious, almost relieved" enthusiasm, suggesting a potential shift in the country's sporting hierarchy. Basketball dominance: reference to the Knicks and Spurs. Football breakthrough: USA’s win against Paraguay sparking genuine fan interest. Comparative note: football’s struggle for attention alongside NBA, NFL, and cricket in Australia. Implications for Soccer’s Growth in America The article argues that a quarter‑final appearance or better could provide the boost needed for football to be taken seriously in the US and Australia. It stresses that the pressure is on players, but the broader impact could be a lasting increase in participation, media coverage, and commercial investment. Potential outcome: deeper tournament run = heightened credibility. Stakeholders: broadcasters, sponsors, grassroots clubs. Parallel in Australia: refugee‑player Nestory Irankunda scoring, symbolising the sport’s multicultural appeal. Looking Ahead: What Success or Failure Means for the US Game Concluding with a forward‑looking tone, the correspondent wonders whether the US will capitalize on the current momentum. A successful campaign could cement soccer’s place in the American sports calendar; a poor showing risks relegating the World Cup to a fleeting novelty. Success scenario: sustained fan engagement, increased youth participation, stronger TV ratings. Failure scenario: regression to niche status, limited commercial growth. Long‑term question: can the US leverage the 2026 tournament to build a lasting football culture?