A former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has emerged as a possible US contact for talks – as the new Supreme Leader’s condition remains uncertain.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is the speaker of the Iranian parliament, has historically portrayed himself as a hardliner, but one the West could do business with.

“He’s a hot option,” one US administration official told Politico. “He’s one of the highest…But we got to test them, and we can’t rush into it.”

However, others have cast doubt on this claim and it is unclear what influence Ghalibaf holds in Iran.

Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf?

Born in 1961 in northeast Iran, Mr Ghalibaf is the son of a shopkeeper. Like many young men of his generation, he joined the paramilitary Guard during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, quickly rising through the ranks.

A trained pilot, he later served as the head of the Guard’s air force and subsequently the head of Iran’s police.

In a leaked recording of a meeting between Mr Ghalibaf and members of the Guard’s volunteer Basij force, he claimed he ordered gunfire be used against demonstrators in 2003.

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“I would like the West to change its attitude to Iran and trust Iran, and rest assured that there’s an attitude in Iran to advance issues through dialogue,” he told The Times in 2008.

Between 2005 and 2017, he served as mayor of the capital, Tehran, during which time he faced corruption allegations, including over around $3.5m (£2.61m) being donated to a foundation run by his wife.

He ran in presidential elections in 2005, 2013, 2017 and 2024. In 2020 he became speaker of Iran’s parliament.

Ghalibaf and the Supreme Leader

He has reportedly had close ties with Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently became Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of his father.

“Mojtaba is said to help Ghalibaf as an advisor, financier, and provider of senior-level political support. His support for and closeness to Ghalibaf reportedly remains undiminished,” US diplomats suggested in a 2008 cable published by WikiLeaks.

It is possible that Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation to Supreme Leader could boost Mr Ghalibaf’s position within the Iranian power structure.

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Could Ghalibaf speak to the Americans?

That’s what Politico has reported, with US officials perhaps pinpointing him as a negotiating partner.

It’s possible US President Donald Trump will be looking for an Iranian version of Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who replaced ousted leader Nicolas Maduro.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, described reports in Western media as a “political bomb” meant to put the country’s leaders in disarray.

“Qalibaf [Ghalibaf] was introduced as a negotiating party in order to present a contradictory and non-unified image of Iran,” Tasnim said.

“The mention of Qalibaf’s name was clearly intended to create internal divisions within Iran and to provoke conflict among political forces.”

Spirit of Harrogate Limited, the Harrogate based retailer and owner of the Slingsby Gin product range, in January instructed Lewis Business Recovery & Insolvency to help place the company into administration.

The company, founded in 2014 by local entrepreneurs Marcus Black and Mike Carthy, had five employees. The venture had a shop, which offered tastings, at 5-7 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate.

The administrators began a search for potential buyers for the business, commenting at the time: “Unfortunately the business has, like many in its sector, struggled with rising costs and difficult trading conditions in recent years.”

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Spirit of Harrogate: gin company enters administration

Spirit of Harrogate went into Administration on March 18, with a sale of the business and assets taking place immediately after to Harrogate-registered Brightside Spirits Ltd.

Companies House says the business was incorporated on March 11 2026.

A statement from the administrators says the brand and Slingsby product range will continue, ‘some’ jobs have been preserved but the shop in Harrogate has “unfortunately closed due to large overheads however customers can still shop the iconic gin online.”

Some of the Slingsby Gins (Image: Pic supplied)

Joint administrator Gareth Lewis said: “I am pleased to report that the pre-packaged sale will see the continuation of the well-respected Slingsby Gin product range and brand, maintaining continuity of supply to customers across the UK.

“The sale has maximised the return for creditors and preserved some jobs, all of which will be reported on in line with my duties as Joint Administrator.”

Slingsby Gin co-founders Marcus Black and Michael Carthy said: “We are pleased that the brand will continue and that some of our colleagues will support the new owners in their future journey with Slingsby.  We wish them all every success and are proud that Slingsby will still be available to its loyal and longstanding customers.”

Brightside Spirits Ltd director Chris Williams said: “As a local couple, we are delighted to be part of bringing this much-loved gin back to life.

“As long-time supporters of independent Yorkshire producers, we couldn’t stand by and watch a brand with such strong heritage potentially disappear.

“When the opportunity arose to acquire the business out of administration, we knew we had a responsibility, not just to the product, but to the community that has championed it from the very beginning.”

Chris continued: “Our immediate focus is on stabilising the business, rebuilding production, and ensuring that the outstanding quality and character of Slingsby remain at the heart of everything we do.

“Over the coming months, we will be investing in the brand, strengthening local partnerships, and exploring new ways to celebrate the craftsmanship that made this gin so special.”

Chris added: “We would like to thank everyone who has reached out with support. The enthusiasm from customers, suppliers, and the wider community has been overwhelming, and it reinforces why this brand deserves a bright future.

“ We’re excited to get to work and can’t wait to share what’s coming next. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.”

The proposals request that Iran must “commit never to pursue nuclear weapons”, pledge to dismantle nuclear facilities and hand over the enriched amounts of uranium it possesses to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, which is to monitor the issue going forward.

The co-ord would look great on a summer day.

Styling nice looks in the spring and summer can be quite difficult when you want to be comfortable in hotter weather. Co-ords are great to have in your wardrobe when you are struggling to style a chic outfit.

Tesco F&F has some good options in terms of its co-ords including the F&F Edit Pure Cotton Embroidered Sleeveless Co-ord Top in Multi Red. It can be worn with the matching F&F Edit Pure Cotton Embroidered Co-ord Mini Skirt in Multi Red.

Both items have “stylish embroidered detailing” on the front and is a “pretty choice” to add to your wardrobe, according to the retailer.

The top and skirt can easily be paired with other items you already have to create multiple outfits. The top costs £19.50 and the skirt is being sold for £22.50 with Clubcard members being able to get 25% off the pieces.

The co-ord was shared in a post on the Tesco F&F Instagram page, which currently has 887K followers. The post was captioned: “A Spring icon. A matching co-ord with delicate embroidered detail. Blouse £19.50. Skirt £22.50.”

If you want to get your hands on either the top or the skirt in time for spring and summer, you can go to the Tesco website to browse all of its clothes. You can also go in person to a Tesco store with a clothing department.

If this set is not quite in line with your style, Boden has some choices for the new season. There is this Square Neck Strap Waistcoat that comes in a trendy spotty pattern and can be worn with either the matching skirt or shorts. There is this also Sofia Broderie Shell Top, which has a similar embroidered pattern.

New Look also has plenty of pieces in stock that would be perfect for summer. There is this stylish Dark Red Fringe Hem Cotton Rich Midi Skirt, which can be paired with the Dark Red Fringed Hem Cotton Rich Vest, or this Brown Cactus Print Bandeau Beach Top that might be a good choice for on holiday.

Khloe Kardashian, Amelia Dimoldenberg and Rochelle Humes are just three celebrities who have their hair styled by Jay Birmingham.

But his first client was 11.5 inches tall and made entirely from plastic. “As a child, I would steal my cousin’s Barbie dolls all the time. I’d take them home and I’d be plaiting the hair and brushing and combing it,” he says.

His passion for hair continued through his teenage years in Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham, where he undertook a Saturday job in a hair salon: “I wasn’t earning any money and I wasn’t even doing anyone’s hair, just washing it. But I loved the hustle and bustle and that’s kind of where it started.”

Although Barbie dolls and salon basins have been traded in for Los Angeles and red carpets, Birmingham remains humble and friendly. When we meet, he embraces me like an old friend and asks how I’ve been.

Hair tools to make your life easier

Although Birmingham grew up using “old school heated rollers, a loud, robust, heavy hairdryer [and a] really small plastic brush”, he is now a brand ambassador for Shark Beauty, and was previously the same for Beauty Works.

So it’s unsurprising that when I ask about his favourite hair tools, he lists the Shark Glam, a multi-styler that dries, straightens, curls and styles and the Shark SilkiPro Straight, an air straightener that can be used on wet and dry hair.

He recommends using hot brushes with “really good bristles on them” for optimum tension and hold, along with some flat clips. “Even if you’re doing a lifted fringe or a flat, sleek look, the flat clips are really good to help hold the style in place.”

Joining an international team of scientists, the university has uncovered the earliest genetic evidence of domestic dogs to date, with new research revealing that our furry friends were trotting alongside us at least 14,000 years ago – at the end of the last Ice Age.

The study analysed ancient DNA from animal remains found at archaeological sites in Gough’s Cave, Somerset and Pınarbaşı in Turkey.

It confirmed that bones recovered from the sites belonged to early domesticated dogs, pushing backing previous evidence by 5,000 years.

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Speaking about this, Lizzie Hodgson, PhD student from the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, said: “A key finding came from Pınarbaşı, where the data showed that domestic dogs consumed a diet rich in fish, closely matching that of local humans.

“It is unlikely dogs were catching significant amounts of fish themselves, suggesting they were being actively fed by people.”

Previous studies had relied on small DNA fragments and skeletal measurements, making it difficult to differentiate between dogs and wolves.

In this latest study, researchers were able to reconstruct entire genomes from remains more than 10,000 years old, comparing them with over 1,000 modern and ancient canids.

The results show that dogs were already widespread across Europe and western Asia at least 14,000 years ago.

Further studies by the University of York conducted an analysis of the diets of humans, wolves and dogs by measuring chemical signatures in bone collagen. Their findings suggest a strong bond between humans and dogs during the Ice Age.

Additional samples from sites in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland show that early dogs were already widespread across Europe, and genetic analysis suggests they were more closely related to modern European and Middle Eastern breeds than to Arctic dogs.

This indicates major dog lineages may have already begun to form around 15,000 years ago.

Researchers also examined how humans may have interacted with early dogs. Evidence of burial sites points to potential emotional or cultural significance, but the exact roles of these dogs remains unclear.

One particularly important discovery – dated around 15,000 years ago – was a dog jawbone, now considered to be from the earliest known domesticated dog in the UK.

Dr Sophy Charlton, from the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, said: “This study reveals the beginnings of a human and canine bond that continues to this day.

“It’s a narrative that began towards the end of the Ice Age but was foundational to many of the modern breeds we see today.”

The brighter weather and longer days have inspired a slew of nail looks to bookmark for your next salon appointment, according to Cosmetify. The beauty expert analysed Pinterest data over the last three months and has tipped certain looks as the ones to watch for spring 2026. Strawberry matcha nails, cat eyes, pastel florals and fruit-inspired nails topped the list, with striped patterns, polka dots, and milky pink almond-shaped nails all making the top ten too.

National Highways says restrictions will be in place on the northbound carriageway close to Exelby Services, near Ingleby Arncliffe, from Monday 13 April for up to four days.

The work, which is due to start at 9.30am each day, is aimed at allowing cabling to be installed safely on a stretch of the trunk road.

Between 9.30am and 3.30pm, a 50mph limit will apply on the A19 northbound from a point around 1.3km south of Exelby Services to a point 100 metres south of the site, a distance of about 1.2km.

A lower 40mph limit will then operate from 100 metres south of the services to 250 metres north, covering a further 450 metres of carriageway.

Signs will be in place to show where the reduced limits begin and end, and the measures will not apply to emergency services, military vehicles, winter maintenance vehicles, or traffic officers on duty.

• For more notices affecting YOUR area, visit our Public Notice Portal – Public Notices from The Northern Echo ( publicnoticeportal.uk ).

The legal order comes into force on April 12 and can remain in place for up to 18 months, although the work itself is only expected to last for the four scheduled days.

Anyone wanting more information is advised to contact National Highways, quoting the scheme near Exelby Services on the A19.

Enquiries can be made through the company’s customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000 or by emailing info@nationalhighways.co.uk .

Sheridan Smith will star in ITV’s new six-episode thriller Two Birds, which is set in Australia

Viewers have expressed their excitement after ITV unveiled an “exhilarating mystery thriller” featuring Sheridan Smith.

Filmed on location in Australia, the six-part series Two Birds follows British Police Constable Izzie Cornwell (Sheridan), who relocates to the small fictional town of Dugdale following her recent bereavement, seeking a fresh beginning, reports the Mirror.

Her aim is to reconnect with her sister and restore her relationship with her 20-year-old daughter, who has been troubled by her mother’s recent destructive behaviour. However, she finds herself “tangled in murder, secrets, and a dangerous family”.

Gavin and Stacey star Sheridan said she was “thrilled to be playing the irresistibly complex Izzie Cornwell”. She described it as “a dream role for me, as Izzie, through no fault of her own, becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and lies”.

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Viewers were also delighted by ITV’s announcement, flooding social media with messages declaring they were “so excited”. “Sounds amazing,” remarked one person, while another praised the “legendary” cast.

“Best news ever!” one Instagram user wrote, with another forecasting: “This should be great.”

“Fab news,” a further fan commented. “Look forward to watching Sheridan,” another person said.

“I am so excited for this,” one viewer shared, while another observed: “This looks like this will be good. Sheridan Smith is a fantastic actress, whatever she does is amazing. Stephen Peacocke is a great actor too so I can’t wait to watch.”

ITV has released a summary for the series, which reveals that upon relocating to the isolated mining town, Izzie is tasked with probing a murder case alongside her new superior Matt (Stephen Peacocke).

Things ramp up when it’s discovered that the victim is connected to a notorious local crime family headed by the formidable Mrs Baxter (Judy Davis).

“Determined to protect her family and uncover the truth, Mrs Baxter exerts fierce pressure on the case,” it goes on.

“But the night before Izzie joins the case, one reckless last hurrah goes disastrously wrong and a split-second decision results in consequences Izzie can’t undo, forcing her into a secret she must do everything to contain.”

Two Birds will air on ITV and STV and will stream on ITVX and STV Player.