“I am there for my community when they need us most”

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are recruiting for enthusiastic and committed On-Call Firefighters from local communities across the country.

The ‘Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS’ campaign is aimed at those who live or work within 5 minutes of their local On-Call Fire Station, who want to make a real difference in their community.

As part of NIFRS’ commitment to recruiting the best possible candidates, information evenings are being held in every recruiting station throughout the duration of the campaign.

READ MORE: Aspiring NI pilots encouraged to apply for Jet2 fully-funded training programmeREAD MORE: NIFRS statement as 50 firefighters tasked tackle blaze in Co Armagh

NIFRS is recruiting On-Call Firefighters across 26 Fire Stations including:

• Ballycastle
• Ballyclare
• Glengormley
• Portrush
• Portstewart
• Whitehead
• Armagh
• Ballynahinch
• Crossmaglen
• Holywood
• Keady
• Lurgan
• Newcastle
• Newtownhamilton
• Portaferry
• Warrenpoint
• Comber
• Belleek
• Clogher
• Dromore (Tyrone)
• Irvinestown
• Lisnaskea
• Enniskillen
• Newtownstewar
• Pomeroy
• Carryduff

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Western Area Commander David Doherty said: “We are inviting new applicants to join our dedicated team of On-Call Firefighters who provide vital support in protecting local community.

“Our On-Call Firefighters respond to the same types of incidents that Wholetime Firefighters do, alongside balancing firefighting duties with other jobs, businesses and family responsibilities. On-Call Firefighters demonstrate incredible dedication to protecting their local community and I would encourage anyone who is interested in joining our team to apply.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage any local business owners in these areas who are willing to allow On-Call Firefighters to be released from their employment to attend emergency calls, to contact your local On-Call Fire Station for more information.”

Megan Walsh from Crossmaglen combines her role as an On-Call Firefighter alongside working in a children’s entertainment centre, volunteering in her local community and attends the gym regularly.

She said: “My primary employer, a children’s entertainment centre, is very supportive of my role as an On-Call Firefighter. They allow me to respond to fire calls with a minute’s notice.

“Knowing that I am helping others and ensuring I am there for my community when they need us most, it’s very worthwhile.”

Oran Swift combines his role as an On-Call Firefighter alongside working as a bricklayer and looking after his young family.

He said: “Being an On-Call Firefighter has provided me with transferable skills that I can use every day. I work as a bricklayer and keep my pager on during the day and then clock off when I’m spending time with my family.

“Once you find the correct balance, the role is incredibly rewarding. I am helping others, gaining new skills and discovering leadership strengths I never knew I had.

“It’s so important living in small rural villages that we all chip in together to keep people safe.”

The closing date for applications is Friday 13 March at 12noon anc candidates can apply online and download application packs from NIFRS’s website

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here

“Saltmarsh won’t grow until the spring, we had to get through this winter and hope it’s still there at the right level, then if it makes it through to the spring we are fully expecting it to colonise and have some very good saltmarsh,” Mr Willegers said, adding that it was all still there so far.

Officers chased two suspects who were later arrested

Police have issued an urgent appeal after a young boy was targeted in a suspected robbery at a shopping centre. Officers were called to the Salford precinct on Sunday afternoon (February 22).

Two suspects were chased on foot through nearby Clarendon Park and arrested following the incident. It is believed a young boy was the victim of a robbery, close to Pendleton Gateway, off Broadwalk at around 4.20pm.

Greater Manchester Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward and are trying to trace the victim. They believe him to have been a young boy who was ‘distressed’.

Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN

An appeal shared by Greater Manchester Police read: “Can you help police identify a potential victim of a robbery on Broadwalk, Salford, today? This afternoon, NBO Central Team one arrested two males on suspicion of robbery after a foot chase through Clarendon Park. They remain in police custody awaiting interview.

“We’re appealing to the public who may have been in Salford Precinct, by Pendleton Gateway, this afternoon (Sunday 22 February) around 4:20pm who may have witnessed this incident, to please come forward and speak to police. We believe our victim is a young boy, who looks distressed by this incident, if you’re a parent who has concerns your child was involved, please call us.

“If you have any information or mobile phone footage of the incident, please call 101 quoting log 2051-22/02/2026 or use our online LiveChat at gmp.police.uk. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The 79th British Academy Film Awards took place on Sunday night and there were plenty of funny and memorable moments from the star-studded ceremony

The 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards got underway in London on Sunday night with huge stars in attendance including Emma Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson joining the likes of Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley.

Prince William and his wife, Princess Catherine, also made a joint appearance at the awards walking the red carpet together where they awkwardly dodged a question from a heckler. The royal couple’s outing comes just days after William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested at his home on the Sandringham Estate, suspicion of misconduct in public office.

From Kylie Jenner being offered a Jammy Dodger, to K-pop star Rei Ami’s affection for Paddington, these were some of the funniest and most unforgettable moments from last night…

– Alan Cumming’s snack distribution.

Advertisement

Among the most entertaining – and peculiar – highlights of host Alan Cumming’s evening came when he wandered into the celebrity-packed audience armed with British treats.

“People were starting to get a bit peckish. I could tell their blood-sugar levels were crashing so I thought I’d come out and hand out some very British snacks,” he announced, clutching a basket.

After offering best actress contender Emma Stone a bag of Hula Hoops, which she called “divine”, he presented Stormzy with his “favourite” crisps – Skips. Approaching best actor hopeful Timothée Chalamet, who was seated next to Kylie Jenner, he enquired of the slightly bewildered pair: “Can I interest you in a packet of Scampi Fries?”.

“Kylie – have you ever had your gums around a giant Jammie Dodger?” Cumming continued before handing her one. He subsequently offered fellow best actor nominee Leonardo DiCaprio a treat.

“Leo, here you are. I think – how do you like the idea of an Oatie Hobnob Flapjack? That sounds fantastic,” the Hollywood legend responded.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

– Dame Emma Thompson’s resemblance to a former British prime minister

During the evening’s proceedings, the prestigious 2026 Bafta Fellowship Award was bestowed upon Dame Donna Langley – the first British woman to helm a major Hollywood studio – in recognition of her outstanding contributions to film and television.

A specially recorded message from Dame Emma Thompson was broadcast to attendees, with the camera tightly focused on her face.

Dame Emma quipped: “I haven’t got any makeup on. I look like Boris Johnson. Dame Langley, it’s me Dame Thompson in my kitchen.” She assured Dame Donna that “no one could deserve it more” when speaking about the accolade.

– Paddington’s biggest admirer.

Advertisement

The vocal talents behind the blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters performed at the event – marking their debut live appearance together beyond American shores.

Prior to the ceremony’s commencement, group members spoke with reporters on the red carpet and learned that Paddington had been seen amongst attendees.

Band member Rei Ami appeared shocked before excitedly declaring: “Can we meet Paddington? Where’s Paddington? I want to make a Tik Tok with Paddington.”

– Actress Mia McKenna-Bruce reveals unexpected Ronan Keating fandom.

Persuasion star Mia McKenna-Bruce also spoke on the red carpet, where she was questioned about advice for nominees. McKenna-Bruce, who herself claimed the Bafta Rising Star Award in 2024, responded: “It’s a rollercoaster, so just try to ride it.”

When asked if she was referencing Ronan Keating, she confirmed: “There we go. I knew someone would get it.” When they remarked on his collection of “bangers,” she replied with evident excitement: “Yes. He really does.”

– Cumming’s Zoom call.

The evening kicked off with a pre-recorded sketch featuring Cumming alongside several celebrities including Warwick Davies and young Hamnet star Jacobi Jupe participating in a Zoom conversation. Cumming appealed for their assistance in broadening the Baftas ‘ viewing figures.

Twelve year old Jupe then enquired “what’s BBC One?”, before continuing: “Oh, television – I think I watched that once. It’s like a big phone, right?”.

– Jessie Buckley’s emotional speech.

Jessie Buckley became visibly tearful as she accepted her best actress accolade for portraying William Shakespeare’s wife in Hamnet.

Director Chloe Zhao, who helmed the film, appeared equally moved when cameras captured her reaction from the audience. “I love you,” she silently repeated to Buckley during her acceptance speech.

Zhao herself received a best director nomination for the production, though the honour ultimately went to Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another.

– Robert Aramayo’s two big wins.

Advertisement

Further emotional scenes unfolded when British performer Robert Aramayo secured the best actor trophy mere moments after claiming the EE Rising Star award.

Aramayo triumphed over Hollywood giants including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and Ethan Hawke for the best actor honour, having delivered a powerful performance in I Swear, depicting the true story of a man living with Tourette syndrome in 1980s Scotland.

The surprise etched on his face was evident and was equalled only by the joy displayed by his family as they embraced him in the audience before he made his way to the stage to deliver his second speech of the evening.

Follow our live blog for the latest BAFTA updates by clicking here.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.

At the age of 25 John Davidson was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome – since then he’s campaigned tirelessly, and he’s helped many young people with Tourette’s

A number of people heard “shouting” throughout the BAFTAs tonight which sparked confusion in the ceremony and for those watching along at home – but host Alan Cummings explained an audience-member with Tourette Syndrome was experiencing tics during the ceremony.

Throughout the ceremony, “shut the f**k up,” could be heard during a speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt, as well as “f**k you,” when the directors of Arco won the Best Children’s and Family film.

Later in the evening, host Alan told the audience: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

So who was behind the outbursts?

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Who is John Davidson?

Advertisement

John Davidson first started noticing symptoms aged 12. These include outbursts, tics and swearing. At 16 he starred in the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad, as the cameras followed him around his home town of Galashiels in the Scottish Borders.

It wasn’t until almost ten years later that John was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 25. Now 54, John has chosen to keep the spotlight on himself to highlight the condition which – and his story is being told in a new film I Swear.

What is Tourette Syndrome?

According to the NHS Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements (tics). There is no cure, but treatment can help manage the tics. The main symptom of Tourette syndrome is tics. Tics can involve repetitive sounds (vocal tics) or movements (motor tics) you do not choose to make and cannot control. Tics can be triggered by different things including stress, excitement or tiredness.

The inspiration behind I Swear

John is the inspiration behind the BAFTA nominated movie, I Swear, released last year. The British biographical drama film follows the true story of John Davidson, a Scottish man who became a prominent campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome awareness.

Directed by Kirk Jones, the film features performances from the wider Tourette’s community, including Andrea Bisset, to authentically portray life with the condition. The film was released in the UK on October 10, 2025, following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and focuses on Davidson’s life after the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad.

he production involved the wider Tourette’s community, featuring performances from real people with the condition to ensure an accurate representation of the experience.

The film has been described as a “brilliantly eye-opening” and “feelgood” film, with praise for its honest portrayal of the condition. The film is noted for its ability to raise awareness while providing a moving account of living with Tourette’s.

Awards won at tonight’s BAFTAs

Advertisement

I Swear star Robert Aramayo won best actor at this year’s Bafta awards. The actor, who depicted the life of John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome, was in tears as he collected his award, telling the crowd: “I honestly cannot believe this.”

Earlier in the evening, he also won the Bafta rising star award, given to up-and-coming actors. It marks the first time an actor or actress has won both categories in the same year.

I Swear won three awards tonight, with casting director Lauren Evans adding to its tally by winning best casting, describing the performance from Aramayo as “stellar.”

Follow our live blog for the latest BAFTA updates by clicking here.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is set to invalidate about 1,700 driver’s licenses held by transgender residents and roughly as many birth certificates under a new law that goes beyond Republican-imposed restrictions in other states on listing gender identities in government documents.

The new law takes effect Thursday. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the measure but the Legislature’s GOP supermajorities overrode it last week as Republican state lawmakers across the U.S. have pursued another round of measures to roll back transgender rights.

The bill prohibits documents from listing any sex other than the one assigned birth and invalidates any that reflect a conflicting gender identity. Florida, Tennessee and Texas also don’t allow driver’s licenses to reflect a trans person’s gender identity, and at least eight states besides Kansas have policies that bar trans residents from changing their birth certificates.

But only Kansas’ law requires reversing changes previously made for trans residents. Kansas officials expect to cancel about 1,700 driver’s licenses and issue new birth certificates for up to 1,800 people.

“It tells me that Kansas Republicans are interested in being on the vanguard of the culture war and in a race to the bottom,” said Democratic state Rep. Abi Boatman, a transgender Air Force veteran appointed in January to fill a vacant Wichita seat.

Kansas’ new law enjoyed nearly unanimous GOP support. It is the latest success in what has become an annual effort to further roll back transgender rights by Republicans in statehouses across the U.S., bolstered by policies and rhetoric from President Donald Trump’s administration.

Trump and other Republicans attack research-backed conclusions that gender can change or be fluid as radical “gender ideology.” GOP lawmakers in Kansas regularly describe transgender girls and women as male and as they say they’re protecting women.

Like fellow Republicans, Kansas Senate Majority Leader Chase Blaisi said Trump’s reelection and other GOP victories in 2024 show that voters want “to return to common sense” on gender.

“When I go home, people believe there are just two sexes, male and female,” Blasi said. “It’s basic biology I learned in high school.”

Kelly supports transgender rights, but GOP lawmakers have overridden her vetoes three of the past four years. Kansas bans gender-affirming care for minors and bars transgender women and girls from female sports teams, kindergarten through college.

Transgender people can’t use public restrooms, locker rooms or other single-sex facilities associated with their gender identities, though there was no enforcement mechanism until this year’s law added tough new provisions.

Transgender people have said carrying IDs that misgender them opens them to intrusive questions, harassment and even violence when they show it to police, merchants, and others.

In 2023, Republicans halted changes in Kansas birth certificates and driver’s licenses by enacting a measure ending the state’s legal recognition of trans residents’ gender identities. Though the law didn’t mention either document, it legally defined male and female by a person’s “biological reproductive system” at birth.

However, a lawsuit led to state court decisions that last year permitted driver’s license changes to resume.

Legislators in at least seven other states are considering bills to prevent transgender people from changing one or both documents, according to a search using the bill-tracking software Plural.

But none would reverse past changes.

The extra step by Kansas legislators reinforces a message “that trans people aren’t welcome,” said Anthony Alvarez, a transgender University of Kansas student who works for a pro-LGBTQ rights group.

Kansas is likely to notify transgender residents by mail that their driver’s licenses are no longer valid and they need to go to a local licensing office to get a new one, said Zachary Denney, spokesperson for the agency that issues them.

The Legislature hasn’t earmarked funds to cover the cost, so each person will pay it — $26 for a standard license.

Alvarez already has had four IDs in four years as he’s changed his name, changed his gender marker and turned 21.

He’s always planned to stay in his native Kansas after getting his history degree this spring.

But, he said, “They’re just making it harder and harder for me to live in the state that I love.”

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s executive arm requested “full clarity” from the United States and asked its trade partner to fulfill its commitments after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some of President Donald Trump’s most sweeping tariffs.

Trump has lashed out at the court decision and said Saturday that he wants a global tariff of 15%, up from the 10% he announced a day earlier.

The European Commission said the current situation is not conducive to delivering “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial” trans-Atlantic trade and investment, as agreed to by both sides and spelled out in the EU-U.S. Joint Statement of August 2025.

American and EU officials sealed a trade deal last year that imposes a 15% import tax on 70% of European goods exported to the United States. The European Commission handles trade for the 27 EU member countries.

A top EU lawmaker said on Sunday he will propose to the European Parliament negotiating team to put the ratifying process of the deal on pause.

“Pure tariff chaos on the part of the U.S. administration,” Bernd Lange, the chair of Parliament’s international trade committee, wrote on social media. “No one can make sense of it anymore — only open questions and growing uncertainty for the EU and other U.S. trading partners.”

The value of EU-U.S. trade in goods and services amounted to 1.7 trillion euros ($2 trillion) in 2024, or an average of 4.6 billion euros a day, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat.

“A deal is a deal,” the European Commission said. “As the United States’ largest trading partner, the EU expects the U.S. to honor its commitments set out in the Joint Statement — just as the EU stands by its commitments. EU products must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling previously agreed.”

Jamieson Greer, Trump’s top trade negotiator, said in a CBS News interview Sunday morning that the U.S. plans to stand by its trade deals and expects its partners to do the same.

He said he talked to his European counterpart this weekend and hasn’t heard anyone tell him the deal is off.

“The deals were not premised on whether or not the emergency tariff litigation would rise or fall,” Greer said. “I haven’t heard anyone yet come to me and say the deal’s off. They want to see how this plays out.”

Europe’s biggest exports to the U.S. are pharmaceuticals, cars, aircraft, chemicals, medical instruments, and wine and spirits. Among the biggest U.S. exports to the bloc are professional and scientific services like payment systems and cloud infrastructure, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, aerospace products and cars.

“When applied unpredictably, tariffs are inherently disruptive, undermining confidence and stability across global markets and creating further uncertainty across international supply chains,” the commission added.

As primarily a trading bloc, the EU has a powerful tool at its disposal to retaliate — the bloc’s Anti-Coercion Instrument. It includes a raft of measures for blocking or restricting trade and investment from countries found to be putting undue pressure on EU member nations or corporations.

The measures could include curtailing the export and import of goods and services, barring countries or companies from EU public tenders, or limiting foreign direct investment. In its most severe form, it would essentially close off access to the EU’s 450-million customer market and inflict billions of dollars of losses on U.S. companies and the American economy.

Premium app subscribers can claim this fantastic offer before anyone else – so don’t delay!

Advertisement

We’ve teamed up with Aintree Racecourse to give Premium app subscribers half-price tickets to The Randox Grand National Festival.

This great offer is valid on Opening Day (Thursday April 9) within the Festival Zone enclosure at the racecourse.

Enjoy access to watch world-class racing, enjoy fantastic live music and entertainment, plenty of food and drink and the opportunity to see top class horses with four grade one races to kick off the three-day event.

The Randox Grand National Festival is horse racing with a difference – a national institution that draws a global audience. The half-price ticket offer is valid for Thursday, April 9 only.

HOW TO CLAIM: Simply visit the Aintree website HERE. Your half price discount will already be applied when purchasing your tickets for Thursday, April 9, 2026. Tickets are valid for the Festival Zone only. This offer can be claimed up until 23:59 on Sunday, March 15, 2026

Terms and Conditions:

• Half Price ticket is valid for Festival Zone enclosure only, on Thursday, April 9, 2026 only.
• Half price tickets not for resale.
• Offer only valid on new bookings only. Limit of 8 tickets per person only.
• Half Price offer can be claimed until 23:59 on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
• The Jockey Club reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

Motorists in England, Scotland and Wales will see the new number plates on the road when they are released from March 1.

They must make sure their own licence plates adhere to specifications in order to be road legal, with a warning that those that do not comply with rules could be hit with a £1,000 fine.

DVLA number plate warning

The DVLA warns: “Number plates (also known as licence plates) must show your registration number correctly. You cannot rearrange letters or numbers, or alter them so that they’re hard to read.

“You could be fined up to £1,000 and your vehicle will fail its MOT test if you drive with incorrectly displayed number plates.”

Is your number plate legal?

These are the rules you should be aware of around licence plates from the DVLA.

The number plates on your vehicle must:

• be made from a reflective material
• display black characters on a white background (front plate)
• display black characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
• not have a background pattern
• be marked to show who supplied the number plate
• be marked with a British Standard number – this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021

The characters must not be removable or reflective. If your number plates were fitted after 1 September 2021, they must also be a single shade of black.

Your number plates can also:

• have 3D (raised) characters
• display certain flags, symbols and identifiers
• display a green flash, if you have a zero-emission vehicle

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing , said: “Characters must not be removable or reflective, however, your number plates can have 3D (raised) characters, display certain flags, symbols and identifiers and display a green flash, if you have a zero-emission vehicle.

“It’s important to drivers to understand the nuances of what’s required for their licence plates as even the smallest modifications could make it illegal. For example, 3D characters are allowed on licence plates, but if the raised letters are not black or have a reflective coating on them, this could make them illegal.

Recommended Reading:

“It’s also important for drivers to understand that any modifications around their licence plate, that could make it unreadable, are also considered illegal.

“For example, licence plate lights must be white – not tinted blue or any other colour – and need to illuminate the plate evenly without causing any shadows. The bulbs themselves must not be visible.

“Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines of up to £1,000, as well as an MOT failure for the vehicle.

“Motorists looking to replace or customise their plates should only buy from DVLA-registered suppliers who follow the legal guidelines. Plates that feature illegal fonts, incorrect spacing, tinted backgrounds, or missing supplier information can all lead to penalties.

“For those unsure whether their plates comply, checking with a reputable supplier or consulting DVLA guidelines is the safest way to avoid unnecessary fines or complications.”

White House insiders claim Trump is considering the use of a targeted strike on Iran as negotiators are scheduled to meet on Thursday, with a second much larger assault to topple the country’s leaders

President Trump has said he is planning a massive strike on Iran, intended to drive the leadership from power.

Negotiators from the US and Iran are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday in a last-ditch attempt to avoid military conflict.

However, Trump insiders have said the president is weighing plans to conduct an initial strike in the coming days, if negotiations fail, to demonstrate to Iran’s leaders that they have no choice about giving up their ability to make a nuclear bomb.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

If negotiations, and Trump’s proposed initial strike, fail to convince Iran’s religious leadership to scrap their nuke plans – then the US president has left open the possibility of a much larger military assault later this year to topple Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, the New York Times reports.

There are doubts about whether that goal could be achieved with air strikes alone, even within the Trump administration. Though no final decisions have been made, insiders said, the news comes as two massive aircraft carrier strike groups, with dozens of fighter jets, bomber and refuelling aircraft mass within striking distance of Iran.

Mr Trump discussed plans for strikes on Iran at a meeting in the White House situation room on Wednesday with vice president JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, General Dan Caine and the head of the CIA John Ratcliffe.

Sources with knowledge of the meeting said that Trump had asked the general what the army could do with the current forces in the area. General Caine was not able to promise success in any attack on Iran, sources said, unlike previous discussions about operations inside Venezuela where he had been much more confident.

Earlier the US had been considering using special forces raids to destroy Iranian manufacturing and enrichment facilities inside Iran, some of which are buried deep underground beyond the reach of airstrikes, the Times reported. However these planned commando raids were said to have been shelved for now.

Iranian officials have said they are not willing to give up their ability to enrich uranium, while Trump’s chief negotiators have said the president is unwilling to accept anything other than a full end of all enrichment operations in Iran.

However a new proposal may allow both sides to save face. A new proposal is reportedly being considered by both sides that would allow Iran to maintain a very limited nuclear enrichment programme solely for purposes of medical research and treatments in the hopes the deal could provide an off-ramp to military conflict.

This would allow the US to claim all Iranian military uranium enrichment has been stopped, while Iran could claim it has been allowed to keep some research reactors.

Mr Trump’s “vast armada” of aircraft carriers, aircraft and naval vessels represents the largest buildup of US armed forces in the area since the start of the Iraq war.