Donald Trump’s claim that members of his administration are negotiating with Iran on the ongoing conflict has caused more confusion than clarity.
The US president has said multiple times that both sides have had “very good and productive” talks to end the war, which he claims his country has already won.
However, Iran has so far denied that any negotiations have taken place, with the spokesperson for the military mocking the Trump administration, saying in a televised address: “Have your internal conflicts reached the point where you are negotiating with yourselves?”
With barrages of attacks still being launched across the Middle East from Iran, Israel and the US, what exactly do we know about potential negotiation talks and what each side wants?
What has Trump said?
The US president said in a post on Truth Social on 24 March that the two countries had been in “very good and productive conversations” for multiple days.
The declaration of progress came just as a deadline he gave to Iran to release its grip on the Strait of Hormuz – or he would “obliterate Iran’s power plants” – was about to come to an end.
Advertisement
As a result, he instructed the US military to postpone “all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure”.
Three takeaways from Trump’s Iran briefing
Advertisement
When quizzed about the talks a day later, Mr Trump said his son-in-law Jared Kushner, his special envoy Steve Witkoff, vice president JD Vance and US secretary of state Marco Rubio were the team involved in the negotiations, as well as himself.
Despite the president’s bold claims on negotiations – and that Tehran had “agreed they’ll never have a nuclear weapon” – sources have told Sky News more than 1,000 extra US soldiers are being deployed to the region.
The president approved the deployment on Monday night, and the orders were being written on Tuesday for the headquarters, staff, and some ground forces, with the additional forces potentially being sent in the coming days.
Who is representing Iran?
Advertisement
Mr Trump has said the country is talking to the “right people” to make a deal, but it remains unknown who exactly those people are.
Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, hasn’t been seen or directly heard from since he was named to replace his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed by the US and Israel during the first days of the conflict.
Other potential figures within the Islamic Republic include Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Advertisement
‘Negotiating with yourselves’: Iran mocks US
The spokesman of Iran’s top military command, major general Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, vowed that the fighting “will continue until complete victory” a potential defiance to Mr Trump’s claims or a warning to anyone within the Iranian leadership not to back down in talks.
He said it appears that Pakistan’s army chief, general Asim Munir, has mediated over a process similar to “Chinese whispers”.
Professor Clarke said it appears Mr Munir, is speaking directly to Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mr Ghalibaf, who he described as the “last man standing” influencing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Advertisement
He added that Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif has also spoken toIranian President Mr Pezeshkian.
The information from both those talks has then been relayed to Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner, Mr Trump’s key diplomatic envoys, who then informed the president.
YouTube
This content is provided by YouTube, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable YouTube cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to YouTube cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow YouTube cookies for this session only.
Since the start of the war in February, Mr Trump has given vague and often shifting objectives for what he wants to achieve.
Across the nearly month-long conflict, he has insisted on the surrender of Iran’s leaders and the removal of all the country’s enriched uranium, which is critical to its disputed nuclear programme.
Iran has refused that demand in the past, insisting it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
Advertisement
The announcement of negotiations may be interpreted as a signal that Mr Trump is wary of the war’s possible long-term damage to the US and global economies. Mr Trump has repeatedly demanded the Strait of Hormuz be kept open.
The Iranian regime has reiterated that the key shipping lane remains open and only vessels “belonging to or associated with the aggressors and those participating in their acts of aggression”, namely Israel and the US have restricted access.
Captivate
This content is provided by Captivate, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only.
Professor Clarke added that by Mr Trump postponing strikes on key Iranian infrastructure, Iran believes it now has the upper hand, and has started to “lay out their terms for peace”.
But he added there is “zero chance” their terms would be accepted, which include not giving up ballistic missile capabilities and nuclear capabilities.
The 15-point vs 5-point plan
Advertisement
Similar to the war in Ukraine and Gaza, Mr Trump has said the US has put together a 15-point plan for the end of the conflict in Iran.
The plan has been delivered to Iran by intermediaries from Pakistan, who have offered to host renewed negotiations, according to the Associated Press.
While Mr Trump hasn’t given any details of the plan, beyond claiming it involves Iran’s nuclear programme, Israel’s Channel 12 reported it has gathered some of the content, citing a “Western source”.
Some of the reported points include:
Advertisement
Iran has called Mr Trump’s proposal “excessive” adding that Iran will “end the war at a time of its own choosing”.
An official was cited by Iranian state TV as saying that Tehran told the US via an intermediary that it will continue defending itself, setting out five conditions under which Iran would end the war:
A halt to the “aggression and assassinations”;
Concrete mechanisms to ensure that Iran will not be attacked again;
Payment of war damages and reparations;
An end to the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved throughout the region;
International recognition and guarantees regarding Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
What is Pakistan’s role?
Pakistan has offered to host renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran, according to the Associated Press.
In a post on social media, Prime Minister Mr Sharif said: “Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.”
He tagged the accounts of Mr Trump, Mr Witkoff and Iran’s foreign minister Mr Araghchi in the post.
Advertisement
Image: (L-R) Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff with Oman’s foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi last month. Pic: AP
According to three officials from Pakistan, Egypt and the Gulf, the US has agreed “in principle” to join talks in the country, while mediators were still working to convince Iran.
Efforts are centred on “trust-building” between the two countries with the aim of reaching a pause in fighting and a “mechanism” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the officials said.
Is Israel involved?
Notably, Israel is not involved in the move for negotiations.
Israel has previously depicted itself as following Mr Trump’s lead on the conflict but it has still pursued its own war aims beyond those of the US.
In a statement on Monday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Mr Trump’s diplomatic efforts but said Israel would continue to strike its enemies for the time being.
An end to the war in Iran would also not guarantee an end to Israel’s campaign in Lebanon. There, Israel has seized a new opportunity to try to crush Hezbollah after the militants fired rockets in support of Iran.
According to a UEFA report published in February, Spurs posted a pre-tax loss of £129m last year, the third-largest in Europe. Under EFL rules, which would apply to Spurs if they are relegated, Championship clubs are permitted to lose a maximum of £39m over a rolling three-year period. Some belt-tightening would be required.
The road has reportedly been closed since midnight
A major Cambridgeshire road has been closed for several hours due to a ‘police incident’. The A1134 Newmarket Road in Cambridge has been closed in both directions since around midnight.
Advertisement
Traffic monitoring site INRIX is reporting the closure from Elizabeth Way and East Road to Cheddars Lane near Tesco and Aldi. The route is also reportedly closed to pedestrians.
The closure is in a busy part of Cambridge city centre. It is near to multiple supermarkets, as well as a retail park.
A spokesperson for the force said at 4.30am this morning (March 26): “Please be aware we are dealing with an incident on Newmarket Road. Road closures are in place on Newmarket Road to Elizabeth Way, Coldhams Lane and River Lane, which are likely to result in long delays. Please avoid the area and find alternative routes. Routes will also be closed to pedestrians.”
As a player, Gattuso did not sleep before big games. It’s similar as a manager but he now has the aid of sleeping pills from his doctor.
Otherwise, he says, “at 4.30 or 5am I wake up and I’m wide-eyed like a bat”.
Gattuso is carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders. It’s a big responsibility.
The former AC Milan midfielder stepped into the role to replace Luciano Spalletti in June, and has won five of his six matches.
Advertisement
“I’ve been coaching for a number of years now, but certainly this game is the most important fixture of my coaching career so far,” said Gattuso.
“I’m prepared and, believe me, I’m not thinking about things going badly, I’m thinking positively.
“I want to think big, and we certainly will compete and we’ll see how things come out.”
He has admiration from O’Neill, who in 2012 was tasked with a similar job of trying to lift a Northern Ireland side at a low point.
Advertisement
Four years later they qualified for the Euros.
“The pressure of managing Italy is a lot different from the pressure of managing Northern Ireland,” O’Neill said.
“I have admiration for him coming in and taking the job at the time that he did, after the previous manager leaving after two games and then having to try to reverse a poor result in the first game for Italy away in Norway.
“I have great admiration for what he did as a player and, obviously, the job he’s done as a coach as well.”
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT The terrible crash led to the deaths of all 170 people on board, and the frantic final moments in the cockpit were recorded in precise detail, including some of the pilots’ final words
One of the most chilling facts about aviation disasters is that, due to the fact that cabins and cockpits are meticulously monitored, the panicked last moments of those involved are recorded in precise detail.
Advertisement
Such is the case with the final seconds of Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise Flight 612, a flight which tragically crashed mid-journey on its way from southern Russia to St Petersburg in August 2006.
Things starting to go wrong when, around 30 minutes into the flight, the plane hit a severe thunderstorm. In a desperate attempt at reaching safety, the pilot requested permission to climb to 39,000 feet in order to avoid the turbulence.
Clearance was granted and the aircraft reported reaching cruising altitude shortly before 3:35pm.
Seconds later, the situation inside the cockpit began to unravel.
The autopilot was disengaged at 3:35:02pm. Almost immediately, the stall warning activated. The aircraft’s angle of attack surged to 46 degrees while its forward airspeed dropped to zero.
The jet entered a deep stall — a perilous aerodynamic condition from which recovery becomes increasingly difficult at high altitude.
Advertisement
In the cockpit voice recording, the rising panic is unmistakable. As the aircraft was battered by the storm, the captain can be heard turning to his co-pilot and asking: “Can we move a little away from the thunderstorm, Igor?”
Several crew members can then be heard asking the pilot to descend, only for him to ignore them and call them “idiots.”
He can then be shouting orders at the others in and around the cock pit, demanding they stay calm. Clearly realising the gravity of the situation, another voice can be heard saying “We are really going down.”
Advertisement
A person described as a trainee pilot in the official transcript then utters the following chilling words “I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die… Don’t kill us, please.”
According to Anatoli Samoshin, Vice Flight Operations Director at Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise, “At an altitude of 37,000 feet, the aircraft sent three SOS signals, dropped sharply in altitude and sent another SOS at 9,800 feet.” After that, there were no further communications.
Two of the aircraft’s three engines flamed out during the stall. Air traffic controllers were aware the plane was descending, but the crew were unable to regain control.
At 15:38:29, just minutes after the first signs of trouble, the Tu-154 slammed into the ground near the village of Sukha Balka in eastern Ukraine, about 45 kilometres northwest of Donetsk.
Advertisement
Witnesses on the ground later reported seeing the aircraft fall from the sky before bursting into flames on impact. The debris field stretched roughly 400 metres.
Investigators later concluded that the crash was caused by the aircraft being flown manually at excessive angles of attack, leading to a stall and subsequent flat spin.
The final report also cited inadequate training and poor crew resource management as factors that allowed the emergency to escalate into a fatal loss of control.
Taxi drivers across Cambridge have said they are living in “fear” after several break-ins over the last few months. Maninder Singh, the General Secretary of the Cambridge Taxi Driver Association, said more than 40 taxi drivers have had windows smashed and belongings stolen since the start of February.
Mr Singh said taxi drivers in the city are under constant stress due to the break-ins. He said: “I’ve spoken to a lot of drivers and they’ve said they can’t go to sleep at night because they are constantly worrying about their cars. They are scared to leave their cars and that’s a burden on the driver.
“They don’t just use these cars for work. They are for private use as well such as the school run, shopping, taking their children to clubs. Their lives are being impacted but they are stuck. They can’t do anything about it.”
One taxi driver, who asked to remain anonymous, said he left his car for a few minutes to get something from a shop before being told his taxi’s window had been smashed and the vehicle broken into.
Advertisement
He said: “I was just standing there. I didn’t know what to do. I called someone and they couldn’t fix the glass for another three days so I couldn’t work. It cost me £240 for the window and all they took was around £30 and some change.”
The driver also has a contract to take special needs school children to and from school. He lost around £500 after he was unable to work for a few days after the incident.
Advertisement
He said: “I had to tell the mums and dads that I couldn’t pick the kids up and they had to find someone else to do it. For the children, they don’t like being with different drivers. It disrupted their day.”
The driver said the situation has made him ‘angry’. He continued: “I think if the guy had knocked on my window and asked for the money in my car, I would have given it to him. That would’ve saved me a lot of hassle. To the police, it’s a petty theft. But the money I’ve lost out on in terms of trade, that’s part of my mortgage payment.”
Cambridgeshire Police has confirmed the force is investigating the incidents and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible. Police have received reports about break-ins across the city, including on Graham Road, Garden Walk, Coldham’s Lane, and Coleridge Road.
Mr Singha added the trade is “already struggling financially” because of inflation and these break-ins are only adding to drivers’ stress, as “they can’t make a living”. Some drivers have lost around £1,000 from missing out on weekend trade and having to pay to fix their car, he said.
Many taxi drivers believe they are being targeted because it is “very easy to identify” taxis by signs they are required to have on their vehicles. Mr Singh said he believes that people breaking into taxis search them for items to steal and if they don’t find anything, they look for other taxis to target.
Drivers have said they understand why taxis have to have signs on the vehicle but believe it is “ridiculously unfair” for drivers to be ‘penalised’ if they take them off their vehicles when not at work. Mr Singh said drivers feel like they have to choose between having their cars broken into or having points added to their private hire driver licence.
Cllr Natalie Warren Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Licensing for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The requirement for taxis to securely display their ID plates and Council and Operator signage has been part of our Taxi Licensing Policy for several years. We are aware that Police are investigating a recent general rise in vehicle break‑ins, including incidents involving taxis.
“As this is an active investigation, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the causes but we would urge everyone to follow the Police’s advice and ensure they do not leave personal belongings on show in cars when they are unattended.”
The centre, for up to 20 youngsters, would aim to ‘reintegrate pupils back into education, employment, or training’
A former office building is set to be used as an education centre for children who find it difficult to attend mainstream schools.
Advertisement
Crown House, Walmesley Road, Leigh is the subject of plans submitted to the council in the past week by Intervention Academy, an Atherton-based education provider who aim to reintegrate pupils back into education, employment, or training.
They plan to educate and support up to 20 children at Crown House. A supporting letter from Lisa Alston and Yvonne Miller, directors at Intervention Academy has been published on Wigan council’s planning portal.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
It said: “We are an alternative provision, providing part-time, alternative education to students who find attending their usual school full-time difficult.
Advertisement
“There will be a maximum of 20 students attending on any one day and a maximum of eight full-time staff. “We currently only have five students per day and have three members of staff, which includes the directors.”
Intervention Academy opened premises at Church Street in Atherton in September, 2024.
At that time director Yvonne Miller, said: “We want to create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers children to reach their potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
“Our dedicated team will work closely with each student to develop a bespoke learning plan that aligns with their individual needs and goals.
Advertisement
“Whether a student excels in hands-on activities, creative arts, or needs support to become more independent, we are committed to creating a tailored educational experience that empowers them to thrive.”
The change of use application for Crown House states that ‘we are proposing no changes, internally or externally, to the building’.
Previous marketing for Crown House describes it as an ‘extensive, detached and single storey office building’ of approximately 0.28 acres, which includes car parking for 15-20 vehicles.
It is next to Sacred Heart RC church and Sacred Heart Catholic school and opposite Leigh St Mary’s CE primary.
Advertisement
Planners at the council will decide on the proposals in the coming weeks.
Monniky Fraga, who claimed she and her husband Lucas were ambushed by three armed men outside their home, has now been arrested for allegedly trying to stage her own kidnapping
An influencer has been arrested over claims she staged her own kidnapping – all to boost her followers online.
Advertisement
Monniky Fraga, 27, claimed she and her husband Lucas were ambushed by three armed men outside their home in Igarassu, Brazil, last April. But now, almost a year since the incident, she has been arrested in a dawn raid by cops – who have said her husband, who was beaten and robbed, was unaware of the plot.
At the time, Fraga told her 48,000-plus followers it was a terrifying ordeal. In a video she said the gang threatened to torture them unless a ransom was paid and that Lucas was assaulted as they handed over their belongings. The pair were allegedly dragged to a wooded area, held for hours and only freed once cash was handed over.
Police now believe she staged the kidnapping to gain media attention. She secured coverage in several outlets to tell her story. Detective Cley Anderson told local media: “As the investigation progressed, it found indications that the alleged kidnap-for-ransom was in fact nothing more than a plot between the supposed victim and one of the perpetrators.”
Advertisement
Thirty police officers took part in the operation, dubbed ‘Smokescreen of Likes’. Officers said three people, in addition to Fraga, were involved in the fake kidnapping.
Detective Anderson said: “The investigation suggests she not only knew about it, but agreed things in advance and stayed in contact with one of those involved afterwards.”
In a bizarre twist, Fraga’s husband, Lucas – who was also kidnapped, assaulted and robbed – was reportedly unaware of the plot. Detective Anderson said her husband knew nothing of the plot: “At all times, he has maintained that he genuinely believed it was a real kidnapping.”
Advertisement
Fraga’s lawyers have requested she be released from custody and placed under house arrest, citing that she has young children. She maintains she was genuinely kidnapped.
She is expected to face charges of blackmail, perverting the course of justice and wasting police time. At the time in an online video she said: “I spent hours in the woods.
She add: “I didn’t know if I’d make it back. There was a river there, and the whole time I thought they were going to kill me and throw me in here, and I’d never see anyone again.
“All I could think about was my children. They beat up Lucas. They were after some gold chains I had posted about. And I said, ‘Those gold chains weren’t mine’.”
Manchester United have enjoyed a resurgence since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim at the helm, climbing into the top three and with only Arsenal and Manchester City having now lost more league games this term
United have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since Carrick was installed as interim boss following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. The ex-Middlesbrough boss has led them to seven wins in 10 Premier League matches, pushing them into third in the table and closing in on a return to the Champions League.
It is clear that Carrick, who spent over a decade at the club as a player, making 464 appearances, winning five titles and the Champions League, has strong backing from the dressing room. Maguire insists it is down to the players to ensure they reclaim a spot at European football’s top table, before trusting the club’s hierarchy to make the right decision.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
And he believes that Carrick deserves to be “right in the mix” when it comes to appointing the next permanent manager – while predicting another “big summer” in terms of recruitment.
Advertisement
United defender Maguire said: “Listen, Carrick coming in, he’s been amazing. He speaks really, really well. He’s tactically very, very good. He’s brought in some amazing staff. Steve Holland, amazing to bring his experience in and someone he can lean on.
“He’s got Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans there helping the younger defenders at the club and all the defenders giving us tips.
“Listen, it’s not up to us. I think there’s seven games left. We’ve put ourselves in a great position. I think we’ve got to finish the season strong, and I think he should go right into the mix of the other candidates and let the process begin.
“I’m sure it will do and I’m sure it’s going to be a thorough process, and it’s going to be a big summer. We know that for Manchester United. We need bodies in, bodies to help the squad. We know that. We need improvement in the squad. We need more bodies.
Advertisement
“It’s going to be a big recruitment in the management department, and I’m sure that the hierarchy will get it right.”
Despite the impressive way Carrick has led United, it is far from certain he will become the club’s next boss, but other candidates have fallen by the wayside.
Thomas Tuchel, much admired, committed himself to England until 2028, the chances of Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner have faded and Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique – a dream appointment for some – looks set to stay in the French capital.
Advertisement
They are also planning to spend big in the market with United keen to sign midfield talent with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson at the top of their hit-list.
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
On Tuesday, Trump signalled the US may pursue both strategies at once. In a matter of hours, the Pentagon ordered ground troops to Iran, and US negotiators sent the Iranian regime a new 15-point peace plan. By Wednesday, the White House was urging Iran to accept the deal while threatening to hit the country harder than ever if it didn’t, stoking further confusion about Trump’s intentions.
Train services between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport are affected due to the incident near Mauldeth Road.
⚠️Services between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport are being disrupted due to Emergency Services dealing with an incident near Mauldeth Road.
🎫You can travel on the following train operators and routes at no extra cost: -Number 43 Bee Network bus between Manchester…
Northern say passengers can travel oon the following train operators and routes at no extra cost: -Number 43 Bee Network bus between Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly -Manchester Metro between Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly -TransPennine Express between Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly
Northern also announced this morning that yesterday’s disruption caused by trees falling on the lines at Lostock has now ended. Trains were cancelled throughout the day, with passengers being urged to check before travel yesterday.
A spokesman said: “Disruption caused by damage to the overhead electric wires at Bolton has now ended. Services are no longer affected by this problem.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login