WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will meet with his Cabinet on Wednesday at a precarious moment for talks aimed at ending the war with Iran, just days after insisting that his administration and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a settlement but with the negotiations still in a state of flux.

As he prepares to huddle with his top aides, Trump is projecting confidence that he’s closing in on a deal that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and provide him a credible argument that Iran’s nuclear capability has been diminished enough to declare victory, winding down a conflict that’s been politically unpopular for Republicans.

But as things stand, Trump also risks finding closure to his war of choice comes with an unsatisfactory ending.

The emerging deal puts off many critical issues to be resolved later and has already exposed the Republican president to fierce criticism — even from some of his own supporters — that Iran’s hard-line leaders will emerge from the conflict battered but emboldened. It all comes to a head just as the midterm elections to determine control of Congress come into focus and as Republicans worry that rising costs and fuel prices are darkening the American electorate’s mood.

Talks were further complicated after U.S. forces carried out what the Pentagon called “defensive” strikes on missile launch sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran on Monday. The U.S. said it acted with “restraint” in light of the weekslong ceasefire, while Iran decried the action as a sign of “bad faith and unreliability.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that talks with Iran on reopening the strait and extending the ceasefire — a period that the administration says could be used to hash out the finer details of a nuclear agreement — will take several more days. “He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal,” Rubio told reporters.

Trump took to social media on Tuesday to grumble that even if Tehran were to offer a complete surrender, the media would paint the end of the conflict as Iran scoring “a Masterful and Brilliant Victory.”

Some Trump backers are skeptical

While Trump insists a deal is within reach, there appears to be daylight between the U.S. and Iran on several key issues. The president is also facing scrutiny from Republican allies, including Sens. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Ted Cruz of Texas, who have said the terms seem too favorable to Tehran.

They’re balking at aspects of the deal that have emerged publicly that they say too closely resemble the nuclear agreement reached with Iran by Democratic President Barack Obama, which Trump scrapped during his first term.

Under the potential deal, Tehran would agree to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium — a key Trump demand — in return for sanctions relief. That’s according to two regional officials and one senior Trump administration official, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations.

One regional official, with direct knowledge of the negotiations, said how Iran would give up the uranium would be subject to further talks during a 60-day period. Some would likely be diluted, while the rest would be transferred to a third country, the official said.

Iran has 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has not publicly committed to giving up its uranium.

Trump on Monday said in a Truth Social post that the uranium, which is believed to be buried under nuclear sites battered by U.S. airstrikes last year, would either be turned over to the U.S. or “destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event.” The comment signals a softening of Trump’s previous insistence that the U.S. take control of Iran’s uranium stockpile.

How Trump’s plan affects Israel’s war in Lebanon

Another key issue unresolved is whether the ceasefire will also cover Israel’s operations against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon. Iran has insisted that Lebanon must be covered by any ceasefire agreement negotiated with the United States.

The administration appears to leave some wiggle room on the Lebanon question. The emerging memorandum of understanding calls for a ceasefire between the U.S. and its allies against Iran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah, but also underscores Israel’s right to act against imminent threats and in self-defense.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday announced that the Israeli military is “deepening its operation” in Lebanon.

Jonathan Conricus, a former spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, said Israel expects that Iran would quickly move to direct any sanctions relief to restore its military capability and boost proxy groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas in Gaza.

“We’re not done fighting, because the Iranian regime isn’t done,” said Conricus, who is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank.

‘Stunned silence’ as Trump ties Abraham Accords to Iran deal

Trump on Monday said any agreement to end the Iran war should include a requirement for several additional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered agreements from Trump’s first term aimed at normalizing diplomatic and economic relations with Israel.

Trump’s optimism that the other Middle Eastern and majority Muslim countries could soon sign on to the accords might be overly ambitious.

For example, Saudi Arabia, the most significant power in the Arab world and long seen as the biggest prize for the normalization effort, has insisted that establishing a guaranteed path to a Palestinian state remains a precondition. It’s something that Israel vehemently opposes.

Trump made the Abraham Accords push during a call with leaders of Mideast allies over the weekend.

Barbara Leaf, a retired U.S. ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and senior State Department official during President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration, said officials from Gulf countries who were on the call told her that Trump’s pitch was greeted by “stunned silence.” A person familiar with the call disputed that characterization. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity about the private conversation.

Leaf, a distinguished diplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute, said that Middle Eastern allies of the United States recognize that Iran will likely use any money from sanctions relief to bolster its military capabilities. Still, they have been supportive of Trump pursuing an end to the conflict.

“They see no other way out,” Leaf said of American allies in the region. “And they see no other way out because of many of these early mistakes that the president and the administration made in conducting the war.”

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AP writers Matthew Lee and Darlene Superville in Washington, Samy Magdy in Cairo and Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

The inquest into Soham killer’s Ian Huntley’s death has been suspended by a coroner

An inquest into the prison death of Soham killer Ian Huntley will follow criminal proceedings after a fellow inmate was charged with murder, a coroner has said.

The 52-year-old died in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on March 7 after he was attacked with a metal bar in a workshop at HMP Frankland in Durham on February 26.

The County Durham and Darlington Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield held a brief hearing in Crook to find out about progress in the case. Listed under the name Ian Kevin Huntley, the hearing lasted less than five minutes.

Coroner’s officer Bradley King said Durham Police had informed him that a defendant will appear in court on June 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. Mr King said more would be known about a potential trial date following that hearing.

The coroner adjourned the inquest until September 15, when another mention hearing will be held. Mr Chipperfield said the law required him to suspend his investigation once a coroner became aware that someone has been charged with murder.

Huntley died from a blunt head injury, a post-mortem examination revealed. Anthony Russell, 43, has been charged with murdering Huntley at the maximum security jail. Huntley was serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

The ex-school caretaker killed the best friends after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002.He dumped their bodies in a ditch 10 miles away.

They were not found for 13 days, despite a search involving hundreds of police. At the time, Huntley lived with Maxine Carr, who was a teaching assistant at Holly and Jessica’s primary school.

He denied murdering the girls but was convicted after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2003. He was jailed for life with a recommended minimum term of 40 years.

Carr gave Huntley a false alibi and was jailed for 21 months for perverting the course of justice. She is now living under a new identity.

The aquapark is part of a wider investment into leisure activities at Hinchingbrooke Country Park

A new inflatable aquapark is set to be opened at a popular Cambridgeshire country park just in time for the summer holidays. Described as an “exciting new outdoor attraction”, the aquapark will be added to Hinchingbrooke Country Park.

The attraction is set to open on Saturday, July 18, and will feature a large inflatable course including slides, climbing walls, balance beams, and splash zones. The aquapark is for children aged six and above as well as the wider family and groups of friends.

There will be lifeguarded sessions led by trained staff to make sure the experience is safe for everyone involved. The aquapark has been added as part of an ongoing investment into Hinchingbrooke Country Park to help improve “leisure and outdoor activity opportunities”.

Huntingdonshire District Council expects demand for the aquapark “to be high throughout the summer season”. A competition is currently being held where residents can suggest a name for the aquapark with the chance of winning a free family session if their name is picked.

Cllr Julie Kerr, Executive Member for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing this exciting new attraction to Hinchingbrooke Country Park. It’s a fantastic addition for residents and visitors alike, and part of our ongoing commitment to improving, and evolving the park to enhance leisure and outdoor opportunities for users now and in the future.”

Sessions for the aquapark will start at 10am with the last session starting at 4pm and the park closing at 5pm each day. The sessions will last one hour and include a five minute safety briefing.

Tickets for the aquapark cost £19 per person, which includes a buoyancy aid, helmet, and wetsuit hire. Tickets can already be booked from the Hinchingbrooke Country Park website.

Hinchingbrooke Country Park can be found on Brampton Road in Huntingdon. The car park at the park costs £1 for up to two hours and £2 for up to six hours.

As the hot weather continues, people should think twice before driving with the common fashion accessory

Motorists are being advised to remove a specific item before driving, as it could cause distractions or lead to serious injury in the event of an accident. Some drivers have narrowly escaped death because of wearing them, which has led to warnings for others to be careful.

Some accessories come with extra risks that could lead to serious injuries. With more hot weather forecast this week, many drivers with long hair will tie it back to stay cool and keep their focus on the road.

However, one common hair accessory could endanger your life if you wear it when driving. While hair claw clips are convenient, they could cause significant injuries if you happen to be in a car accident.

The danger of claw clips mainly comes from the distractions they cause, their sharp edges, and the material they are made of. When a driver adjusts or moves their claw clip while driving, they unknowingly divert their focus from the road.

In the event of an accident, hair clips can be dangerous, as they may fly through the air or dig into the back of the driver’s head. The Mirror has previously reported on incidents involving these hair accessories.

On January 24, 2023, Jeena Panesar put her hair up in a claw clip before getting into her car. However, she ended up terrified for her life when it cut through her scalp and got stuck in her head during a crash.

While driving home from work in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, her car collided with a tree in thick fog, skidded for 50 meters, and then flipped over. The impact threw Jeena against the roof, forcing the clip to be lodged in her head.

The doctors took out the clip at the hospital, showing a deep cut that was 30cm long and went from her left eyebrow all the way to the back of her head. This injury caused permanent muscle damage and led to her losing movement in her eyebrow.

After being discharged from the hospital after three days, Panesar took to TikTok to share her story and warn others about the risks of using claw clips while in a car. Medical professionals and road safety advocates have backed her up, pointing out that the hard design of claw clips can create serious pressure points in a crash or when the airbag deploys.

In March 2023, Paisley Riley also endured a serious accident in which the hard plastic claw clip she had on got stuck deep in the back of her head. She needed five staples to seal the injury.

Paisley’s TikTok warning video gained more than 59 million views. It ignited a huge online campaign where doctors and other accident survivors encouraged women to avoid using stiff clips while driving or being in cars.

Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that “drivers must not wear clothing that restricts their movement or interferes with their ability to operate the controls properly.” It is important that your outfit not interfere with your ability to drive safely.

Wearing tight clothes or the wrong shoes can make you lose control of your car or even cause an accident. If that happens, you might be charged with careless or inconsiderate driving. The worst-case scenario could lead to a fine of up to £5,000, and you could also get nine penalty points on your driving licence.

Remove stiff hair clips and keep them in the glove box or cup holder. Opt for soft, stretchy accessories such as elastic hair ties or scrunchies when you’re driving.

A woman has admitted being in charge of a dangerously out of control XL bully dog when it killed a teenager.

Kelcie Reed, 24, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.

The XL bully named Prince fatally injured Morgan Dorsett, 19, inside a flat at Cobhorn Drive, Withywood, Bristol, on February 26 last year.

Ms Dorsett, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, suffered fatal bites to her neck during the incident.

The dog was put down afterwards.

Reed, of Barrowmead Road, Lawrence Weston, Bristol, spoke only to enter her guilty plea.

She was released on conditional bail until sentencing on July 9.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow…

Belgian tennis player Alexander Blockx voiced his frustration at the French Open shortly after being forced to withdraw from the tournament having suffered a sprained ankle during a practice session.

Blockx, the in-form world no 37 who achieved a career-best run to the Madrid Open semi-finals last month, said he twisted his right ankle and heard a “snap” after tripping over the rolled-up covers positioned at the back of the court.

The 21-year-old was due to face eighth seed Alex de Minaur but the Australian has now been handed a walkover into the third round after Blockx suffered the injury during a hit with fellow rising star Joao Fonseca.

He was seen hopping on one leg and with his right ankle wrapped in ice as he made his way through the grounds before his withdrawal was confirmed.

In a post on Instagram, Blockx took a swipe at the “really necessary covers” at the back of the court, tagging Roland Garros, before he edited the caption and removed that line.

“Unfortunately during today’s practice I heard a snap in my ankle while I sprained it, which is why I had to withdraw from tomorrow’s match that I was really looking forward to,” he said in the updated post.

“A lot of frustration but we move on.”

Blockx’s injury has striking similarities to a 2017 incident involving fellow Belgian David Goffin, the former world No 7, who was forced to retire from a third-round match against Horacio Zeballos at the French Open after suffering an ankle injury when his foot got stuck in the rolled-up covers stationed at the back of the court.

Goffin, who was the 10th seed and considered to be a dark horse for the grand slam, had to be helped off the court by tournament officials and retired from the match in the locker room. The covers are stationed at the back of the court to protect the surface in the event of rain.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has signed a four-year contract extension to keep him at the helm until 2032.

O’Neill had been appointed interim Blackburn Rovers boss in February and had been balancing this role with his position at Northern Ireland.

However, it was announced earlier in the month that he would not be taking on the Blackburn job on a permanent basis.

The 56-year-old has managed Northern Ireland for 104 games across two spells, including at the 2016 Euros, which was their first major tournament appearance in 30 years.

“This is a role that means a great deal to me,” O’Neill said.

“I continue to believe strongly in the potential of this group of players and the direction we are moving in.

“There is a lot of work ahead, but I am excited by the future.”

O’Neill will be aiming to bounce back with his young squad after their play-off defeat by Italy ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Northern Ireland play Guinea in an international friendly on 4 June before travelling to face France four days later as preparation for their upcoming Nations League campaign which starts in September.

O’Neill’s side have been drawn against Hungary, Georgia and Ukraine in Group B2.

Police say 60 Crystal Palace fans classified as “known troublemakers” were ordered to leave Leipzig city centre on Tuesday evening while two arrests were made following clashes between supporters of the Eagles and Rayo Vallecano.

Thousands of fans have travelled to Leipzig for the Conference League final between Palace and Spanish side side Vallecano on Wednesday (20:00 BST).

After videos appeared online of rival fans clashing in the German city on Tuesday, Saxon State Police confirmed two arrests were made and all individuals involved in the disturbance were ordered to leave the area.

Two officers, one from the Federal Police and one from the State Police, sustained minor injuries during clashes with both sets of fans.

“At approximately 20:00 (19:00 BST), around 300 Rayo Vallecano fans, considered to be at high risk of hooliganism, were gathered in the city centre,” read a statement from Saxon State Police.

Police say clashes “suddenly broke out” with Palace fans sat on the outdoor terraces of both Leo’s Brasserie and Dhillons.

“Bottles, beer glasses, and pub furniture were thrown at each other. Physical altercations also occurred,” added the police statement.

“Officers on the scene immediately intervened and separated the two groups of fans, checked the identities of more than 300 people, and issued dispersal orders.

“Known troublemakers from Crystal Palace moved to the area of the Penguin Ice Bar and approximately 60 individuals provoked passing Spanish fans and were surrounded by federal police.”

The police operation concluded at approximately 03:15 on Wednesday morning, with more than 320 fans involved.

Local police say the ‘fan fest’ in the market area of Leipzig remained peaceful throughout, with about 2,000 fans from both clubs present.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Win or lose, billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer will leave a mark in the history books in his bid to become California’s next governor — he’s running the most expensive political advertising campaign in the country this year.

Steyer — a former hedge fund manager turned liberal activist — has spent or booked more than $195 million in ads for broadcast TV, cable and radio with the tally still growing, according to data compiled by advertising tracker AdImpact.

His torrent of ads have opened the one-time presidential candidate to criticism that he is trying to buy the governor’s chair, and his ad total represents more than 20 times the amount spent by his nearest rival, fellow Democrat Xavier Becerra, as the two duel for a spot in the November election.

Nationally, no one is close.

In Georgia, Republican health care executive Rick Jackson has spent about $83 million on advertising in his primary race for governor, which is headed for a June runoff, ranking him second. The third place spot is held by his Republican rival, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement and has spent nearly $31 million on ads, according to AdImpact.

Following Jones was Democratic U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, who spent over $28 million on advertising in a failed bid for U.S. Senate.

Trying to ‘buy the governor’s office?’

Katie Porter, a former U.S. House member who is among seven established Democrats in the California race, has repeatedly criticized Steyer for dipping into his personal fortune to keep ads in front of voters with scant competition from rivals.

“She isn’t spending hundreds of millions of dollars of personal wealth trying to buy the governor’s office,” her campaign wrote in an email to supporters.

In raw numbers, Steyer ad blitz has eclipsed the 2010 record set by Republican Meg Whitman, who spent $178.5 million in total on a losing bid for governor, much of it her own money. At the time, it was the costliest campaign for statewide office in the nation’s history. When adjusted for inflation, however, Whitman still holds the state record, but that represented spending for the full election, not just the primary.

A crowded field with no clear leader

Steyer’s record-level output has lifted him into contention in the crowded race but he’s not breaking away from the field. He’s among a leading group of several candidates — including Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton — as the campaign heads toward a June 2 primary. Mail voting started earlier this month.

Still, Steyer’s cash advantage is giving him a publicity edge as the contest enters its crucial final days. He’s kept up a steady flow of advertising and online posts questioning Becerra’s credentials and record, with Becerra, a former state attorney general and Biden administration health secretary, lacking the funds to reply in kind.

One Becerra ad sought to connect with voters who might be getting bleary-eyed from the cascade of Steyer advertising. It used tranquil scenes of Joshua trees, waves curling on a beach and soaring redwoods with a gentle prod, “You can stop the endless Tom Steyer ads. Vote Xavier Becerra.”

Steyer’s financial edge has allowed him to stretch the boundaries of his campaign far beyond traditional TV and radio ads, with steady posts on online platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The New York Times reported that his campaign paid a progressive Texas influencer $100,000 to help Steyer win the election. The Sacramento Bee reported that Becerra, too, had hired an influencer.

Many voters have been slow to vote in a race without a star candidate and no clear leader. More than 50 names will be on the ballot. California uses a “top two” primary system that puts all candidates on one ballot, with only the top two vote-getters advancing to November, regardless of party.

“In a race this close, it all matters,” said Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta.

Money doesn’t always make the difference

History shows that money doesn’t always translate into votes.

Billionaire developer Rick Caruso spent over $100 million in 2022 in his bid to become Los Angeles mayor, much of it his own money, but he was handily defeated by Mayor Karen Bass, who spent a fraction of Caruso’s total. Billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg spent more than $1 billion of his own money on his 2020 presidential bid before dropping out. And Steyer’s money was unable to lift him into contention in the 2020 presidential contest, when he dropped out early in the year after a poor finish in the South Carolina primary.

Democratic San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s campaign for governor was supported by independent committees bankrolled with millions of dollars from tech leaders and venture capitalists, yet he failed to gain traction in the race.

Steyer has never held elected office.

In a 2019 interview with The Associated Press, Steyer was asked what he would say to people who think he’s trying to buy the presidency.

“I don’t think that’s possible,” Steyer said at the time, before adding, “I’m never going to apologize for succeeding in business. That’s America, right?”

The contest is unfolding as California struggles with a long-running homeless crisis, wildfire insurance shortages, projected budget shortfalls and housing costs that are out of reach for many working-class families. Voters, meanwhile, are saddled with growing everyday bills for groceries, utilities and gas.

The AdImpact data does not include ads on some popular streaming services like Hulu and YouTube or mail advertising.

US President Donald Trump is transforming Washington DC by renaming institutions with his name, doing major renovations at historic sites and putting his face around the city.

BBC’s North America editor Sarah Smith visits the sites he’s changing, including the Trump Kennedy Center, the Donald J Trump United States Institute of Peace and the White House, where a ballroom is being built.