China’s President Xi Jinping welcomed his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin with a lavish ceremony in Beijing complete with national flags, a marching band and cheering children.

It comes after a visit from Donald Trump last week, which began with a near-identical welcome ceremony for the US president – despite Beijing’s very different relationships with Washington and Moscow.

The BBC’s China correspondent Laura Bicker breaks down the diplomatic meaning behind the two warm welcomes.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian Revolutionary Guard members now regularly show the public in Tehran how to handle Kalashnikov-style assault rifles. Parades through the capital feature military vehicles mounted with belt-fed Soviet-era machine guns. And at one mass wedding, a ballistic missile, like the one that rained down cluster munitions on Israel, adorned the stage.

Weapons are now regularly brandished in Tehran, an increasing show of defiance as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens he could restart the war with Iran should negotiations break down and the Islamic Republic refuses to release its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.

The weapons displays reflect the genuine threat Iran faces: Trump has suggested American forces could seize Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium by force and previously said that he sent arms to Kurdish fighters to pass onto anti-government protesters.

But they also offer reassurance and motivation to hard-liners and provide rare entertainment at a time of great uncertainty, when Iranians are facing mass layoffs, business closures and spiraling prices for food, medicine and other goods. Suggesting more hard-liners will be armed could also help suppress any new demonstrations against Iran’s theocracy, which violently put down nationwide protests in January in a crackdown that activists say killed over 7,000 people and saw tens of thousands detained.

“This is necessary for all our people to get trained because we are in a war situation these days,” said Ali Mofidi, a 47-year-old Tehran resident at a weapons training Tuesday night. “If necessary, everyone should be available and know how to use a gun.”

Iran has repeatedly sought to project strength during the war

For months, state television and government-sponsored text messages have bombarded the public with calls to join the “Janfada,” or the “ones who sacrifice their lives.” At one point, hard-liners encouraged families with boys as young as 12 to send them to the Revolutionary Guard to work checkpoints — which Amnesty International denounced as a war crime.

Government officials say more than 30 million people in Iran — home to a population of some 90 million — have volunteered via an online form or at public gatherings to lay down their lives for Iran’s theocracy. There is no way to confirm that figure and there’s been no sign of a mass mobilization yet, like the one that Ukraine underwent in the days before Russia’s full-scale 2022 invasion, in which officials handed out rifles and people banded together to make gasoline bombs.

But there have been several public announcements and presenters have appeared armed during live programs on state TV, as part of efforts to feed the fervor.

“Looking back at the moment I registered my name, I realize I wasn’t truly contemplating the dangers of fighting on the front lines. In that moment, like everyone else, my thoughts were solely on Iran,” wrote journalist Soheila Zarfam in a column for the state-owned Tehran Times newspaper. “My life might end, but Iran would endure, and that was all that truly mattered.”

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi has criticized the public weapons demonstrations, particularly footage of young boys handling assault rifles, saying: “Scenes like these are reminiscent of child hostage-taking and arming by groups such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, and militias in Sudan and Congo.”

Weapons training, once unusual, becomes a norm

A recent government-organized demonstration by nomads in Iran saw them carrying everything from bolt-action Lee–Enfield rifles of the British Empire to a blunderbuss, a predecessor of the shotgun more familiar to the age of pirates on the high seas.

But during weeks of an unsteady ceasefire, most of the weapon demonstrations appear focused on Tehran, not the rural areas where there is a tradition of keeping rifles and shotguns at home.

At a demonstration Tuesday night in Tehran, male and female participants divided into separate classes. Hadi Khoosheh, a member of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force and trainer, demonstrated how to handle a folding-stock Kalashnikov-style assault rifle.

“At the end of the training those who completed the course will receive a card titled ‘Janfada,’ proving they have received basic and preliminary training for this type of gun and they are able to use it if, God forbid, something happens to our country,” Khoosheh said.

However, the weapons training was rudimentary at best for the young boys and older men gathered. One struggled to insert the rifle’s magazine and inadvertently pointed the barrel of the unloaded weapon at others — a major safety breach that people are taught to avoid in basic firearms training.

“Definitely we will stand against (the Americans) and won’t give up even an inch of our soil,” said Mofidi, the man at the training. “No matter if they come from the sea or land, we will stand by our flag.”

___

Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi and Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.

A new comedy about Rolling Loud is facing backlash for the decision to cast Travis Scott years after his own music festival left 10 people dead.

The first teaser for Rolling Loud The Movie, starring Owen Wilson and controversial comedian Matt Rife, shows Wilson’s character sneaking his teenage son into Rolling Loud — one of the largest hip-hop music festivals in the world — where the headliner is Scott, who plays a version of himself.

However, the trailer’s release Tuesday sparked controversy as many people pointed out the similarities between the movie’s premise and the previous tragedy that occurred during Scott’s Astroworld music festival in Houston, Texas.

In November 2021, 10 concertgoers ranging in age from nine to 27 years old were killed by crowd crush and compressive asphyxiation during Scott’s concert at the festival. Eight people were pronounced dead on the day of the festival, while two more died later at the hospital. The incident left 25 others hospitalized and more than 300 attendees injured.

Despite outrage directed toward Scott and co-organizer Live Nation after the tragedy, a Houston grand jury determined that no single individual was criminally responsible for the deaths. All 10 wrongful death lawsuits were settled out of court, and Scott issued a statement saying that he was devastated over the tragedy.

Now, with Live Nation Studios behind the new movie, people are accusing the film of being insensitive and “tone deaf” by casting Scott.

“You cannot ignore the history here,” one viewer wrote on X. “Turning a real tragedy into comedy material with the same artist involved is disrespectful to the families who lost loved ones.”

Another wrote, “This is gross and in such poor taste and for Travis Scott to be involved?!!,” while a third added, “This might be the most tone deaf casting we have ever seen, like almost offensively tone deaf, tbh.”

Others speculated that the film could serve as an attempt to distract people from the tragedy.

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“This is one of those movies where after this any web related searches to Travis Scott concert are going to redirect to this and not the one he had that got a bunch of people killed,” one wrote.

Another person added: “Are they taking the piss? Travis Scott caused multiple deaths at a music festival and now they release a film centered around him performing at a festival. It’s either attempting to wipe the original tragedy or it’s a celebrating it.”

Live Nation did not return The Independent’s request for comment on the movie.

The film, written and directed by Jeremy Garelick, is described in the synopsis as being inspired by Garelick’s own experience at Rolling Loud with his teenager. The movie will come to theaters in October.

On Wednesday afternoon, Sir Brian’s gnome, “Billy Bad-Axe”, which comes complete with its own guitar, was leading the auction with a bid of £2,600, with RHS president Keith Weed’s contribution coming in second at £1,111 after he pleaded for bids at a lunch for dignitaries at Chelsea on Monday.

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: “Although today’s news on fuel duty won’t have the immediate effect of bringing forecourt prices down, at least it shows that ministers have registered the financial pain caused by rampant pump prices for individuals and for business.

Potions Cauldron is staging the new event featuring a three day programme of magical events, enchanting experiences and city wide discounts across key visitor attractions and partners.

The event is also taking place in the Group’s other locations including Blackpool, Chester, Dalton Park and Leeds, with national travel partner to be announced early June.

Taking place during June 26-28, the event will feature potion classes, guided walking tours through York’s historic streets, and magical character appearances, with number of partner venues across the city offering exclusive weekend incentives.

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The York event is supported by York Mumbler and is set to help boost the cities offering in a trading period that was unusually quiet in 2025.

Managing Director, Stuart Jarman said; “Magic is becoming increasingly popular and is something that the city of York naturally lends itself, however it is not something new, given that magic practices date back to Mediaeval times.

“At the core this event celebrates those traditions and partnering with other businesses within the city showcases the great offerings of attractions, experiences and retail for both locals and visitors to enjoy.”

At the centre of Magic Weekend is a series of bookable experiences hosted by The Potions Cauldron Group.

Celebrating at The Potions Cauldron on Shambles, wizards Kai Wortley and George Speak. (Image: Pic supplied)

On Friday evening, The Potions Academy will run their five star rated Adult Potion Class, where guests brew themed potion cocktails in a guided, theatrical setting. The experience is strictly over-18s and requires advance booking.

On Saturday, families can enjoy ‘The Potion Smugglers Quest’, following the story of legendary alchemist Phileas Fry through York’s historic streets and for the first time ever, the experience will be led by the companies Head of Interpretation and Guest Experience, Bernie Fleck.

Departures run at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 2:15pm, with an additional 3:00pm session available exclusively to York Mumbler members, pre-booking is strongly recommended with all participants receiving a complimentary  wizard style butterbeer at the end of their tour.

The Hole In Wand York will also host appearances from York favourite, the award winning Mad Alice across the weekend who is set to entertain hundreds of guests.

Visitors can collect a free  Magic Weekend Wristband from participating venues including The Potions Cauldron York, The Potions Academy York, and The Hole In Wand York. The wristband gives wizards and witches exclusive offers and promotions across the city throughout the weekend and are available from Monday June 22.

Confirmed partners include top attractions; The York Dungeon, York’s Chocolate Story, The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring and DIG. Popular city retailers; Socktopus, York Gin and Avorium.

Experiences are also included including ‘Mad Alice Walking Tour and The Hilt Axe Throwing. Wristband holders will also be eligible for selected in-venue offers, including drinks promotions and retail discounts.

Emma Ayris Rogers – Head of Marketing for The Potions Cauldron Group said: “York has always felt like a city where storytelling naturally belongs.

“Magic Weekend brings those ideas together across a few days, encouraging people to explore the city in a different way. It’s been great to work alongside local attractions that each contribute their own version of storytelling and experience in York.”

For more information visit – Magic Weekend in York

Readers have been sharing their views on Milton Country Park’s parking rules and fines, which have recently been changed following customer feedback

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Cambridgeshire Live readers have been voicing their opinions on parking regulations and penalties at Milton Country Park, responding to recent changes and previous concerns.

Some believe stricter measures are required, while others say the system has been unjust or unclear. A few raised broader questions about who funds transport and how public funds ought to be spent.

A Cambridgeshire country park has installed a new parking machine after customers complained about an “extremely harsh” system. Milton Country Park, located just outside Cambridge, has recently announced a new parking system “following lots of customer feedback”.

Visitors claim to have received unfair fines under the previous system. One person wrote: “While the park itself is lovely, the parking enforcement is incredibly harsh. It’s a popular spot for families with young children, but the management shows zero leniency – staying even a minute past your paid time results in a £60 fine.”

Another stated: “Great park, but horrible parking process. The app is truly awful, and the machine gets busy. You can lose the first 15 minutes just trying to pay, and time starts the moment you enter the car park, not pay.”

Galiano believes: “About time too, it’s only taken them one and a half years to change the system. Parking Eye sent me two fines, I had proof of my payments and I appealed and won. I could have been £200 down if I had just paid them. I’ve never returned to the park since then.”

Skipper writes: “Excellent, well done. Great to see Parking Spy caught out ripping people off. Parking Spy is a money making machine which only employs a minimal number of people and its computers issue tickets untouched by human hand. In the year 2023, ParkingEye generated revenue of GBP 71,507,611. Not quite sure how this benefits the UK economy. Difficult to not park any vehicle across 2 spaces when the council keeps making spaces narrower to increase revenue.”

Rhodabike states: “Visitors are better off parking for free at Tesco, a few minutes’ walk away.”

Over on our Facebook page, Maxine FJ comments: “I haven’t been to the park since they implemented a parking system I used to visit with my grandchildren, who are little and love it there. I am disabled, and apparently, you have to go to the office to sort out parking for this. I am not against parking the way it is; for me, a two-hour time limit is ridiculous.

“By the time I get myself and the children out of the car, it’s time to get back in it almost. We used to take food to feed the ducks, etc., and get drinks and ice creams, but by the time they ate them, we would definitely be over our limited stay, not to mention the regular toilet visits.”

Leona S says: “The councils are getting greedy. Every park I grew up in, you had freedom; now you have to pay to take kids out, disgusting.”

What do you believe is the best parking solution for the country park? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

A diplomat who stood in for Lord Peter Mandelson in Washington after he was sacked has abruptly stepped down.

James Roscoe, 49, replaced Mandelson for several months after the latter was removed from his post over links with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Staff at the British embassy in the US capital were reportedly told of the decision but were not offered any explanation for Mr Roscoe’s sudden departure.

Stopping short of offering a reason for the change, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: ‘James Roscoe has left his post.’

Employees are expected to find out the reason Mr Roscoe has left later today.

It is understood Mr Roscoe is now facing questions over a leak of classified information relating to the Iran war, though it has not been suggested that this is the reason for his departure.

Foreign Office sources have confirmed a number of senior embassy officials are being probed over the breach, The Times reported.

According to the outlet, the breach is said to involve verbatim comments about the conflict made by UK cabinet ministers.

Mr Roscoe was a key diplomat and played a crucial role both in Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK last September and King Charles’ more recent state visit to the US.

It had been suggested he could take the top role of ambassador after stepping in for Mandelson, but the position was ultimately offered to Sir Christian Turner.

During his time in Washington, he was responsible for the day-to-day running of the embassy, and his departure is said to have proven shocking to staff members.

Mandelson was sacked as the UK’s ambassador to the US in September of last year after the true extent of his reportedly close friendship with Epstein was revealed in files released by the US Department of Justice.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has come under fire for appointing Mandelson in the first place.

Apologising to Epstein’s victims, Starmer said he was ‘sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies’ and maintained that he had been unaware of Mandelson’s close ties with the late disgraced financier.

MORE: Trump’s popularity sinks to new low as fuel prices soar and Iran war backlash grows

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Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, the leading trade association for retailers, said: “Rather than introduce 1970s-style price controls and trying to force retailers to sell goods at a loss, the Government must focus on how it will reduce the public policy costs which are pushing up food prices in the first place.”