DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Negotiators from Iran and the United States prepared Friday for high-level talks planned to start a day later in Islamabad, seeking to steady a ceasefire teetering over Israel and Hezbollah exchanging fire and Tehran’s chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance was set to take off from Washington, with Iran still remaining mum over its team as it tried to pressure Washington to halt Israeli attacks in Lebanon. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency, close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, claimed that talks would “remain suspended” otherwise.

Meanwhile, Kuwait said it faced a drone attack Thursday night that it blamed on Iran and its militia allies in the region. Though Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard denied launching any assault, it has in the past carried out attacks across the Mideast it did not claim.

In addition to talks in Iran, Israel-Lebanon negotiations are also expected to begin next week at the State Department in Washington — a potential boost to Middle East ceasefire efforts — according to a U.S. official and a person familiar with the plans, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the delicacy of the matter.

This came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he has authorized direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible” aimed at disarming Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants and establishing relations between the neighbors.

Israel and Lebanon have technically been at war since Israel was established in 1948, and Netanyahu later stressed that there was no ceasefire between them. Israel’s announcement of negotiations with Lebanon comes amid disagreement over whether the ceasefire deal included a pause in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, and a day after Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes, the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began Feb. 28.

The talks in Washington are expected to be handled on the American side by the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, and on the Israeli side by the Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, according to the person familiar with the planning.

The Lebanese government had not responded as of Friday morning, and it was not immediately clear who would represent Lebanon. The timing and location of the talks was first reported by Axios.

After declaring victory with the ceasefire announcement, both Iran and the U.S. have appeared to apply pressure on each other. Semiofficial news agencies in Iran suggested forces have mined the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil that Tehran has closed. Trump warned that U.S. forces would hit Iran harder than before if it did not fulfill the agreement.

Late Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to cast doubt on the effectiveness of the ceasefire, writing on his social media platform: “Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz.”

“That is not the agreement we have!” Trump wrote of the trickle of ships Iran has allowed to pass through the crucial waterway.

Underlining Iran’s continued control of the strait, a Botswana-flagged liquefied natural gas tanker attempted to travel out of the Persian Gulf via a route ordered by the Revolutionary Guard, but suddenly turned around and headed back early Friday, ship-tracking data showed.

Saudi Arabia said recent attacks have damaged a key pipeline in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia’s state-run Saudi Press Agency, quoting an anonymous official, said its crucial East-West pipeline, which carries oil out to the Red Sea and avoids the Strait of Hormuz, was damaged in the recent attacks.

Questions also remained over what will happen to Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium at the heart of tensions, how and when normal traffic will resume through the strait, and what happens to Iran’s ability to launch future missile attacks and support armed proxies in the region.

Israel vows to continue striking Hezbollah in Lebanon

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned in a social media post Thursday that continued Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon would bring “explicit costs and STRONG responses.”

Qalibaf has been discussed as a possible negotiator who could meet Vance in Islamabad. The White House has said Vance would lead the delegation for talks starting Saturday.

Trump said Thursday that he has asked Netanyahu to dial back the strikes in Lebanon.

Lebanon’s health ministry said more than 300 people were killed and more than 1,100 wounded Wednesday by Israeli strikes on central Beirut and other areas of Lebanon that Israel said targeted Hezbollah, which joined the war in support of Tehran.

Early Friday morning, Israel’s military said it struck approximately 10 launchers in Lebanon that had fired rockets toward northern Israel on Thursday.

Threat of mines looms over the strait

Four tankers and three bulk carriers crossed through the strait Thursday, bringing the total number of ships passing through since the ceasefire to at least 12, according to the data firm Kpler.

Semiofficial news agencies in Iran published a chart Thursday suggesting the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard put sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz during the war — a message that may be intended to pressure the U.S.

The chart, released by the ISNA news agency and Tasnim, showed a large circle marked “danger zone” in Farsi over the route ships take through the strait, through which 20% of all traded oil and natural gas once passed.

The head of the United Arab Emirates’ major oil company, Sultan al-Jaber, said some 230 ships loaded with oil were waiting to get through the strait and must be allowed “to navigate this corridor without condition.”

The strait’s de facto closure has caused oil prices to skyrocket — affecting the cost of gasoline, food and other basics far beyond the Middle East. The spot price of Brent crude, the international standard, was around $96 Friday, up about 35% since the war began.

___

Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands. Becatoros reported from Athens, Greece. Associated Press writers Chan Ho-him in Hong Kong, Zeke Miller, Matthew Lee and Will Weissert in Washington, Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City and Kareem Chehayeb and Hussein Malla in Beirut contributed to this report.

The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond

Here’s your round-up of all the latest rugby news for Friday, April 10.

Adams signs new deal at Cardiff

Josh Adams has put pent to paper on a new deal to extend his stay at Cardiff.

The Wales winger’s previous deal was set to expire in June, but he has now secured a “long-term stay” in the capital.

“It was an easy decision for me to make,” he said.

“My family are very settled in Wales and I absolutely love playing for Cardiff. I hope the supporters can see how much this place and club means to me in my performances.”

Adams first joined Cardiff in 2019, and has racked up 37 tries in 62 appearances.

He joins countrymen Alex Mann and James Botham in signing a new deal with the Blue and Blacks, and says he hopes to help Cardiff continue to improve.

“We have continued to progress from last season, and we have put ourselves in a good position in the URC (United Rugby Championship),” he added.

“I’m hopeful that the club will continue to push to have the best people in the building so we can continue to evolve and move further forward next season.”

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WRU eyeing PWR place

The Welsh Rugby Union is reportedly exploring the possibility of entering a team in England’s top-flight women’s club competition.

According to the BBC, Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) has opened an ‘expressions of interest’ process in a prospective bid to expand its nine-team competition.

Welsh regions Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning currently compete in the Celtic Challenge alongside clubs from Ireland and Scotland, but there’s a believed to be a growing ambition to join what is widely considered the most lucrative domestic league in Europe.

A total of 28 members of Sean Lynn’s current Wales squad already play in the PWR, and he believes it could be a potentially important next step.

“As soon as I saw it come out, it’s very exciting,” he said.

“We’ll definitely put our expression of interest into it and see where we go from there.”

Clubs from the UK and Ireland have until April 30 to declare their interest.

Coleman signs on

Wales prop Chris Coleman has signed fresh terms with the Dragons.

Fresh off the back of scoring in the win over Stade Francais last weekend, Coleman, 27, has extended his stay at Rodney Parade.

Coleman made his Wales debut last summer against Japan and follows Angus O’Brien, Che Hope, Brodie Coghlan and Rio Dyer in penning extensions in Newport.

He said: “Dragons is my home region, I’ve been here since under-16s and I genuinely love training and playing with some of my best mates, especially in front of a packed Rodney Parade.

“The last year has been special for me and my family, getting my first Welsh cap was a lifetime goal of mine.

“It is only the start; there is a lot of competition within this squad which drives us all to get better and I think Dragons is the best place for me to keep continuing to improve every day.

“It feels like we’re growing something together here, the playing squad and coaches are a tight knit group, and all want to work for each other, so I’m excited to see where we can go over the next couple of years.”

Forwards coach Sam Hobbs added: “This is another retention to our forwards and squad.

“Chris is a great example of hard work and perseverance throughout his career so far.

“Coming through our academy and pathway, he has developed into a quality senior tighthead. His consistency and robustness over the last few seasons has been particularly impressive, resulting in international honours for Wales.

“The exciting thing about Chris is there is still potential to get better and with his willingness and dedication to improve every day we look forward to continuing his development.

“After overcoming a serious injury early this season, it was great to see him perform well against Stade Francais Paris and we look forward to him finishing the season strongly with an exciting block of games.”

Coach slams dead rubber insult

Scotland Women head coach Sione Fukofuka has labelled reports that England are too strong for the Six Nations as an insult.

A report in the Telegraph said England are too strong for the Six Nations and insisted their clash against Scotland was a dead rubber as a result.

But Fukofuka has strongly denied this is the case.

“You’ve got to acknowledge that England have been the best team in the world for a long time, but to say that it’s a dead rubber is a bit of an insult to the teams that are coming through,” he told Scotland Rugby News.

“I think France would have a lot to say around that.

“We’re going to go out there and compete as well as we can and the fact that we are playing the world number one is actually exciting.

“It gives us an opportunity to see where we’re at, what we need to build on.”

Mary Mandis of Yorkshire Rose Candles began making candles, wax melts, diffusers and room sprays in 2014, inspired by landmarks such as Roseberry Topping and Castle Howard.

It means she offers products with names like Sledmere, or they have a unique Yorkshire twist and being called By ‘Eck T’ Dog Reeks.

Mary said: “My products are aimed at people who love Yorkshire, whether they live here, holiday here or have an emotional connection to the area.

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“Customers are often looking for something meaningful rather than just a generic candle, something that reminds them of a place, evokes a memory, or a moment.”

Mary, who makes her products at her Thirsk home, sells them online and to selected stockists.

Mary Mandis making candles (Image: pic supplied)

Initially, the former PA and recruitment consultant made them as a hobby for fun but after trying her first craft fair, Mary saw potential for a new career.

She told the Press: “I have always been into crafts and prior to Yorkshire Rose Candles, I had a small business making custom celebration cakes. 

“Candle making is not too different from making cakes, you are still picking your ingredients, mixing and waiting for the candle to set before lighting.  But I enjoy making candles so much than baking cakes.”

Mary learnt along the way, watching videos on candle-making, learning by trial and error and attending business courses. Recently, this included attending a ‘Meet the Media’ event in York to gain tips on getting her story out there.

Mary Mandis in Thirsk (Image: Pic supplied)

Over the years, the business has expanded to include more in the way of wax melts, reed diffusers and room sprays.

But Mary says the business really started to take off in 2019 when she rebranded her packaging. It always had a ‘made in Yorkshire theme’ but she then named all her products after county placenames.

This led to her most recent innovation, a set of three mini-candles called the North Yorkshire Moors Collection and the Yorkshire Dales Collection, with candles named after places in the area.

The best selling tin candles (Image: Pic supplied)

Mary said: “It is aimed as a giftable product perfect for someone who loves that area of Yorkshire and also a fabulous treat for yourself giving the option of 3 fragrances.  I shall be expanding these gifts sets this year to include a Yorkshire Coast Collection and a Yorkshire Heritage Collection.”

Her best-selling bestselling product is tin candles, with North Yorkshire Moors Steam Train fragrance being the most purchased scent, followed by Wensleydale and Saltburn by the Sea.

She said: “They’re popular because they’re practical, affordable, and a great way for customers to experience the different Yorkshire-inspired scents.”

More of the range (Image: Pic supplied)

Looking ahead, Mary plans to offer greeting cards and small prints representing Yorkshire, when she can find a local supplier.

She added: “Yorkshire Rose Candles started as a small idea and has gradually grown into a focused brand centred around Yorkshire-inspired products.”

For details, go to: www.yorkshirerosecandles.co.uk

*This month, York Press readers can gain 15% off any purchase with the code YP15.

Intermittent road closures are planned in Bangor tonight

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Detectives from the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit will revisit the scene of a fatal collision in Bangor tonight.

The tragic incident which took occurred in July 2025, is being re-examined as part of ongoing enquiries. Specialist officers will be in attendance between 9pm and 11pm tonight, Thursday, April 9.

Intermittent road closures are expected during this time and additional police will also be present to assist with traffic management.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “The closures will affect the stretch between West Circular Road and the Newtownards Road roundabout, as well as the junction of West Circular Road and Clandeboye Road.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

‘The customer service is incredible, the bins massive, the queues non-existent’ said one fan of Woodhouse Lane household waste and recycling centre

A tip in Trafford has been getting ‘five star’ praise by users for its ‘wide bays’, ‘massive bins’ and lack of queues. Users of the Woodhouse Lane household waste and recycling centre in Altrincham have been singing the praises of the centre with some rave reviews being posted from those visiting.

A recent Google review by Tom Kelly left nobody in doubt about his admiration for the waste centre. He said: “This is what’s known as a class 5 tip in the business. The customer service is incredible, the bins massive, the queues non-existent.

“Let me tell you, this is one of the good ones. Some days I come here just to watch the heavy duty equipment in operation and daydream about opening my own tip one day.”

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Recycle for Greater Manchester (R4GM)/Suez, who operate the Woodhouse Lane centre, responded to the feedback.

Staff member Chloe said: “Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback with us. It’s truly valuable to us, and we’ve made sure to share it with our team internally.”

On the social media platform X, well known Greater Manchester tip connoisseur, Danny McMoomins, told his 34,000 followers he’d spotted the review while checking the tip’s closing time and the review had ‘made me chuckle’.

He added: “He’s not lying about Woodhouse Lane tip though. It’s an executive tip. If you’ve ever endured Stretford tip, it’s like day and night. Cars queuing back beyond the M60, forensic hectors with a few kills under their belt, overall unpleasant aesthetic.”

In December 2024, Danny also offered a ‘pro-tip’ for… going to the tip.

“Just boxed off a tactical pre-Christmas tip run,” he said. “Nobody there except true household waste management experts, brought a tear to the eye.

“Nobody asking for advice. We all know the score. Clinical separation. A knowing nod to each other and we were all on our way.”

Another recent five-star review of Woodhouse Lane waste centre was also full of praise for the staff, who helped a motorist when his car battery failed during a visit.

The reviewer said: “What could have been a total disaster was sorted in about an hour. The staff are cheerful, helpful, and clearly have great relationships with their regular users.

“It’s a fantastic, well-run site with a team that truly cares. Highly recommended.”

Last month, it was revealed a new rule will come in at tips across Greater Manchester which could see people turned away. People will soon be asked to prove they live in the region, by showing identification with a council tax bill or other document.

The measure, approved by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority waste committee, is aimed at stopping people from outside the region using household waste and recycling sites.

Tips have seen increased numbers of visitors who live elsewhere, bosses say. That, in turn, drives up costs for councils to deliver services and adds traffic.

Councillors were briefed on the findings of a feasibility study

Proposals to make Swansea’s foreshore and the land behind it more appealing with extra event spaces, artwork, beach huts and potentially padel courts have been revealed.

The study commissioned by Swansea Council also felt there was real scope to increase what’s on offer at Blackpill Lido and Singleton Park Boating Lake.

The Swansea Bay foreshore feasibility study examined the approximately three-mile stretch between West Pier, Swansea Marina, and Blackpill and didn’t include sites where major plans were already moving forward such as the redevelopment of the Civic Centre.

The study identified opportunities to increase tourism and revenue opportunities by making more of the foreshore which, it felt, lacked vibrancy and facilities. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here

Nearly 800 people provided feedback to the study, a council committee heard. More eateries, toilets, seating, barbecue areas, viewing platforms, public art plus better beach access and more parking spaces were important for people, along with an expanded Swansea Bay Rider Land Train service.

It’s early days and the proposals are just that at the moment. Bringing them to fruition in the future would require funding.

Steve Hopkins, the council’s strategic manager for tourism, marketing and special events, said: “Yes it’s a beautiful stretch but it does need more facilities.”

The study identified potential padel courts on land near the boating lake along with kiosk upgrades, new terraced banks and planting.

Further west at Blackpill Lido it envisaged upgrading the birdwatching building with a viewing observatory, a new event space and also a new bridge for walkers and cyclists crossing the Clyne River between Mumbles Road and where it flows onto the beach.

The study report before the economy and infrastructure service transformation committee also recommended a widened promenade and a “fast” and “slow” route demarcation.

Cllr Mike White described Swansea’s beach and foreshore as “absolutely tremendous” and asked if log cabins, lookouts and organised volleyball were in the mix. Mr Hopkins said lookouts were being considered and that there was potential for volleyball at Swansea Bay Sports Park, which is along the three-mile stretch.

Committee chairman Cllr Phil Downing welcomed the report but sought reassurance that commercial opportunities which may arise wouldn’t undermine footfall in the city centre.

Tracey McNulty, head of cultural services, parks and cleansing, said: “At this moment the proposals are very much about improving things gently rather than building new things.”

In answer to a question by Cllr White she also said the feasibility study hadn’t included the Slip Bridge site.

The committee also heard Mumbles wasn’t included as a major project to rebuild the seawall and improve the promenade had recently been completed.

Tyson Fury will face Russian boxer Arslanbek Makhmudov exclusively on Netflix and there’s a way to stream the fight live without having to pay for a subscription.

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Tyson Fury returns to the ring this weekend for his hotly-anticipated fight with Russian boxer Arslanbek Makhmudov. After hanging up his gloves for a fifth time 14 months ago, ‘The Gypsy King’ announced his comeback to face the so-called ‘knockout artist’ in his first bout in Britain for nearly four years.

Two-time heavyweight champion Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) will go 12 rounds with Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) on Saturday, April 11, at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fury has bested some of the biggest names in boxing’s modern era, including Deontay Wilder, Francis Ngannou and Wladimir Klitschko, but Saturday’s fight will mark his first since the defeat to WBC champion Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.

In his pre-fight press conference earlier this month, Fury said: “If I fight a pudding, I don’t get turned on by that. I have to fight somebody dangerous to make me want to even train, make me want to even take it seriously.

“So now I know I’ve got a dangerous knockout artist in front of me. I’m looking forward to coming here, putting on a real show, and most of all, I’m looking forward to punching his face right in.”

Fury isn’t the only British boxer in the ring on Saturday as a stacked card also includes Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis as a co-headliner. With Fury vs Makhmudov now hours away, we’ve found a way to watch the fight for free.

When is Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov?

The Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov main card will get underway at 7pm on Saturday, April 11. The Fury and Makhmudov ringwalks are expected to begin around 10.30pm.

Earlier in the day, the preliminary card kicks off proceedings at 3.30pm, with Benn vs Prograis expected to fight around 9.30pm.

Watch Fury vs Makhmudov with free Netflix subscription

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Tyson Fury has come out of retirement to face Russian boxer Arslanbek Makhmudov in a heavyweight clash in London on April 11. The fight will stream live on Netflix, which fans can get for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle or £24 Ultimate TV bundle, the latter of which also includes HBO Max and Disney+.

How to watch Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov without paying for Netflix

Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov will air exclusively on Netflix, with access included at no extra cost with each subscription tier. However, Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its TV streaming packages, some of which also include HBO Max and Disney+.

While the £15 Essential TV bundle includes Netflix at no extra cost, the new £24 Ultimate TV bundle includes Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels. Sky says these five streaming subscriptions are worth around £240 a year, with those securing the deal able to tune into Fury vs Makhmudov at no extra cost.

Keep in mind there’s no sports coverage of the Premier League, Formula 1 or The Masters included with the deal, but Sky Sports can be added to the Ultimate TV bundle for an additional £20. Virgin Media also gives away free Netflix access with its rival packages such as the £34.99 Entertainment bundle, which also comes with 362Mbps broadband and more than 200 TV channels.

A caveat is that both Sky and Virgin require 24-month contracts to secure these deals. Netflix’s coverage of the fight will be hosted by Elle Duncan alongside Lennox Lewis, Laila Ali, and Carl Froch, with commentary from Mauro Ranallo, David Haye and Andre Ward.

Full Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov fight card

Main card

• Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov
• Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis
• Jeamie TKV vs Richards Riakporhe
• Frazer Clarke vs Justis Huni

Prelims

• Simon Zachenhuber vs Pawel August
• Breyon Gorham vs Eduardo Costa
• Mikie Tallon vs Leonardo Blanc
• Felix Cash vs Liam O’Hare
• Hector Lozano vs Sultan Almohammed
• Elliot Whale vs Tom Hill

The Met Office has forecast today’s weather for Wales.

It says: “A largely cloudy morning, however some brighter spells possible in the east at first.

“Outbreaks of rain pushing across the country during the day.

“Strengthening winds and near normal temperatures. Maximum temperature 11 °C.”

Wayne Rooney and Luke Littler both know what it is like to be thrust into the limelight at a young age.

A 16-year-old Rooney made the world sit up and take notice when he scored a stunning late winner for Everton against Arsenal in 2002.

At 18, he joined Manchester United in a £27m move, and by the time he was 21 he was a Premier League champion.

Darts world number one Littler was also 16 when he burst on to the scene by reaching the final of the 2024 World Championship.

He won both the Premier League and World Championship at 17 and successfully defended his world crown at 18.

At 19, he has 12 major titles to his name.

But when did Rooney and Littler realise that they could be among the best at such a young age?

“I’ve always had belief and this is where I think there’s loads of comparisons [between us]. I think you have to have a certain level of arrogance to be at your best,” Rooney told Littler in the latest episode of BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show.

“When I got in Everton’s first team, I’ve said it many times, I felt like I was the best player at 16.”

For Littler, his moment of realisation came when he was beating players more than double his age.

“I’ve been playing tournament-wise for many years, maybe my first proper tournament was at like nine, maybe 10,” he said. “And just like Wayne said, when you’ve showed a bit of arrogance, the more you do it, obviously people might not like it, but as long as you feel comfortable about doing it, that’s all that matters.

“When I started playing in pub leagues I started playing against adults. They weren’t happy losing to a 10 or 11-year-old.

“When I was beating them, I was going to the darts academy in St Annes as well, and I think the younger players in there were better than these old men. I was pretty much winning all the time.”

The spotlight on Littler only got brighter when he won BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2024, 22 years after Rooney did.

“The press can be mind boggling – you’re not used to it,” said Rooney.

“And [coming] from a similar area as I imagine to where Luke is from, you’re not used to that.

“You’re not used to media, you’re not used to talking in front of cameras and, and it can be intimidating, but one thing which is always remains is your safe place.

“Mine was on the football pitch and I would imagine where he’s comfortable is on the oche where he’s playing, that’s where no one can get to him. He’s safe – they can write what they want.”

Littler has started to draw more criticism over the past year or so, most recently following a mid-match spat with Gian van Veen during a quarter-final defeat on night nine of the Premier League in Manchester.

“When I first came on the scene, we were always looking at comments and everything, normally family, but now we just get used to it and just block it out,” he said.

“There’s always negativity with I think not only darts and football, every sport. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s just that’s just the way it is.

“Obviously the fans that pay the tickets, pay the money to watch us in person… I think obviously they do mean the most because obviously they want to watch us play good darts.

“But with the media – and bringing social media into it for the first time after the first [World Championship win in 2025] – it was hard to not bite back at people. But now it’s just: Just leave it. We’ve gotten used to it.”