GENEVA (AP) — The U.S. and Iran are expected to hold their second round of talks about Iran’s nuclear program Tuesday in Geneva as the United States ramps up its military presence in the Middle East and Iran holds large-scale maritime exercises.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program. Iran has said it would respond with an attack of its own. Trump has also threatened Iran over its deadly crackdown on recent nationwide protests.

The first round of talks Feb. 6 were held in Oman, a sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, and were indirect, with SUVs flying the American flag entering the palace venue only after it appeared the Iranian officials had left. The arrangements for Tuesday’s round of negotiations were not clear.

Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were traveling for the new round of talks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Budapest, Hungary, said Monday that the U.S. hopes to achieve a deal with Iran, despite the difficulties. “I’m not going to prejudge these talks,” Rubio said. “The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is leading the talks for Iran, met with the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency Monday in Geneva.

“I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal,” Araghchi wrote on X. “What is not on the table: submission before threats.”

Last week, a top Iranian security official traveled to Oman and met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, the chief intermediary in the talks, in a meeting likely focused on updates from the first round and next steps.

“Regional peace and security is our priority, and we urge restraint and wise compromise,” al-Busaidi wrote on X after his meeting with Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country’s Supreme National Security Council.

Iran has in the past communicated its positions in writing when dealing with the Americans. Famously, Japan’s then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe tried to hand Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a letter from Trump in 2019 that he refused to take.

Iran holds naval drills against the US military buildup

Iran announced that its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard started a drill early Monday morning in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, waterways that are crucial international trade routes through which 20% of the world’s oil passes.

Separately, EOS Risk Group said sailors passing through the region received a radio warning that the northern lane of the Strait of Hormuz, in Iranian territorial waters, likely would see a live-fire drill Tuesday. Iranian state TV did not mention the live-fire drill.

It was Iran’s second warning in recent weeks about a live-fire drill.

Last week, Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, was being sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Mideast to join other warships and military assets the U.S. has built up in the region.

The Ford, whose new deployment was first reported by The New York Times, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for over two weeks. U.S. forces already have shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Iran says any deal must include easing of punishing sanctions

The Trump administration is seeking a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program and ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons. Iran says it is not pursuing weapons and has so far resisted demands that it halt uranium enrichment or hand over its supply of uranium.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi signaled that Tehran could be open to compromise on the nuclear issue, but is looking for an easing of international sanctions led by the United States.

“The ball is in America’s court. They have to prove they want to have a deal with us,” Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC on Sunday. “If we see a sincerity on their part, I am sure that we will be on a road to have an agreement.”

“We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our program provided that they are also ready to talk about the sanctions,” he added.

The U.S. and Iran were in the middle of months of meetings when Israel’s launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June instantly halted the talks. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war, likely destroying many of the centrifuges that spun uranium to near weapons-grade purity. Israel’s attacks decimated Iran’s air defenses and targeted its ballistic missile arsenal as well.

Iran has insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels.

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Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman contributed from Tel Aviv, Israel.

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The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/

England have not had a competitive fixture since winning Euro 2025 as they beat China 8-0 and Ghana 2-0 in friendly matches at the end of last year.

Before that, they suffered a 2-1 defeat by Brazil on their homecoming return but recorded a 3-0 win over Australia three days later.

The matches gave Wiegman an opportunity to test new players and formations – handing a debut to 30-year-old goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse in the process.

Among those to receive their first senior call-ups to the squad were defenders Anouk Denton, Taylor Hinds and forward Freya Godfrey.

There was also time for England stars Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Lauren James to recover from lengthy injuries.

Chelsea defender Millie Bright, who captained England to the World Cup final in 2023, announced her retirement in October having withdrawn from the Euros.

There was a serious blow for Arsenal forward Michelle Agyemang – one of England’s key players in Switzerland – as she was carried off on a stretcher after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the win over Australia.

But it’s been a successful time for the other Lionesses in Arsenal’s squad, including captain Williamson, who lifted the Champions Cup in February.

And Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was named the world’s best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or awards in September, as Wiegman picked up the best coach award.

Hampton also wrapped up the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in November after being caught up in the fallout of Mary Earps’ autobiography, which was released earlier that month.

A former Ryanair cabin crew member has advised travellers to steer clear of two particular seats when making flight reservations. Eleanor, who operated from Marseille, France, accumulated extensive flying hours with the low-cost carrier and understands which seats can significantly impact the experience.

The content creator, 25, told the Irish Mirror: “I can only say to avoid 11A. That’s supposed to be a window seat – but it doesn’t have a window! You won’t be able to see outside.”

Eleanor isn’t the first airline staff member to highlight the infamous 11A seat that was previously labelled “Europe’s most hated”. It is widely recognised as the sole ‘A’ seat on a Boeing 737 lacking an actual window.

READ MORE: Simple and easy Ryanair ‘seat switch’ app hack that saves passengers moneyREAD MORE: Ryanair passenger buys scratchcard for every person on flight for touching reason

However, Eleanor, who has documented the advantages and disadvantages of working for Ryanair on her YouTube channel, didn’t stop there and offered additional guidance on optimal seating positions.

Following her 11A caution, she went on: “Also avoid row 32 on the 737 MAX, an aircraft that Ryanair has only in some bases. That has emergency exits at the wings, and a crew seat near them that faces the passengers.

“So, if you sit in that row, you’ll have the flight attendant stare at you during take off and landing, and you’ll have to move every time they have to pass. It was very uncomfortable as a flight attendant, I imagine it is as a passenger also.”

Nevertheless, she stressed that broadly speaking, selecting seats on Ryanair wasn’t especially crucial. This is because journeys are typically brief and there’s no complimentary meal provision, so your seating position won’t guarantee receiving your food first for instance, unlike other carriers.

Eleanor explained it simply boiled down to individual preference, and consequently, she noted: “Another thing I can say is to avoid sitting at the rear of the aircraft, most because sometimes, although not often with Ryanair, only in some airports, you will have a bridge from the front and you’ll be the last one to disembark if you’re sitting at the back.

“And also because in case of ditching (controlled emergency landing onto water), that’s the first part that goes in the water, and you won’t be able to open the doors at the back, so you’re less likely to make it in case of a landing in water.”

Should you wish to be selective when reserving, Eleanor, who hails from Italy and currently resides in New Zealand, reckons particular seats provide the greatest comfort, and are even assured to be distanced from young youngsters.

She disclosed: “I would say usually it’s better to sit at the emergency exits in the middle of the aircraft, usually around row 17 for safety reasons. You have more space and also because children under 16 can’t sit at the emergency exits and infants under two can’t even be in the two rows before and ahead of the emergency exits.

“So these and row 1 are basically the only seats where you can be sure you won’t be spending your flight with crying babies next to you.”

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A 17-year-old driver and a 16-year-old passenger have been seriously injured in a multi-vehicle collision on the M6 northbound, which happened at 11.16pm on February 15 between junctions 32 (M55 interchange) and 33 (Galgate).

It was reported that a green Nissan Micra hit the crash barrier into the central reservation before coming to a stop in lane three.

A silver Toyota Celica VVTI has then hit the Micra in the live lane. It was also reported that a HGV collided with the Toyota following the collision. The HGV didn’t stop at the scene and enquiries to trace it and its driver are ongoing.

The southbound carriageway has now reopened but at the time of writing, the northbound remains closed.

Sgt Bex Price of the road policing unit said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with the two boys and their families as they receive treatment in hospital.

“They have suffered some significant injuries as a result of this collision, and enquiries into what led to the collision are ongoing.

“I know the motorway was closed for a significant amount of time, and I want to take the time to thank anyone who had their journey disrupted or delayed.

“I know a change to your route can be frustrating, but we really appreciate your patience whilst our officers and emergency service colleagues responded to the report and carried out our initial enquiries.

“Our investigation is very much in its early stages, and we have a number of enquiries ongoing at this time.

“However, we are also asking for your help.

“We believe the collision also involved a HGV, and whilst offline enquiries are ongoing to trace it, we are appealing to anyone who has information or footage that could help us locate it.”

If you have any information that could assist police, call 101 quoting log 1242 of February 15.

All of the MacBook models featured in this guide have been used for at least two weeks to determine which is the Best Buy overall, as well as the Best Value and the best MacBooks for specific disciplines.

I compared each MacBook’s RAM (the short-term memory, an indicator of speed), their CPUs (central processing units, in this case, either Apple’s M3, M4 or M5 chips), their GPUs (graphics processing units), their storage in gigabytes, screen resolutions and their screen display technologies, which affect colour, contrast and brightness.

I ran the same tasks on each MacBook, ranging from picture and video editing to streaming content, browsing the web and everyday office work. To complete my testing, I took each MacBook on public transport to get an indication of battery life and see how its dimensions and weight affected its suitability when commuting, travelling or when being used in more restrictive spaces.

Most fans say they did not expect the ending to the psychological horror just added to the streamer

A ‘gripping’ horror film that viewers claim is ‘not for those seeking cheap thrills’ is now available on Netflix.

The movie, Cellar Door, has only just been added to the streaming platform’s constantly evolving catalogue from today (February 16). Initially released in cinemas back in 2024, it’s now accessible for subscribers to watch for themselves.

According to the synopsis, the narrative centres on a couple seeking a new beginning who receive their dream home as a gift, in the shape of a stunning estate. Nevertheless, it arrives with a puzzling condition from the previous wealthy owner.

The single rule they must adhere to is that they must never open the cellar door. Their inquisitiveness soon puts their marriage to the test and reveals the property’s sinister secrets.

READ MORE: ‘Unsettling’ Netflix horror series from Stranger Things creatorsREAD MORE: 5 warnings before watching Ryan Murphy’s Love Story this weekend

Cellar Door’s ensemble is headed by Animal Kingdom and Teacup actor Scott Speedman and Fast and Furious franchise star Jordana Brewster. They’re accompanied by Laurence Fishburne, recognised for his portrayal of Morpheus in The Matrix films, reports the Mirror.

Whilst the picture may have garnered largely mixed responses from critics, there are numerous fans who offer their endorsement, adding that it merits anyone’s attention.

One reviewer described the production as “a twisty thriller that’s more unsettling than horrifying”. Another highlighted a point of discussion amongst reviews and fans; the twist ending.

They wrote: “Cellar Door teases an intriguing thriller with high-quality performances and talented stars, but the end result didn’t quite reach its potential.”

Most fans argue that the title doesn’t conform to the typical horror genre that relies on jump scares or graphic violence. Instead, it places a greater emphasis on psychologically unsettling the audience.

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One viewer contended: “This movie is about the human psyche and is not for those looking for cheap thrills. I thought this was brilliantly executed with the twists and turns as the story unfolded. I felt the love between John and Sera, the betrayal, and the cost of risking everything for the life we’ve always wanted.”

Another chimed in: “This movie truly played with your mind. A movie filled with thrilling twists and turns. Who did what, who said what, and where did they go? I did not expect this movie to be this entertaining. Every 5 minutes there was something thrilling happening. But the ending, I did not expect the ending at all. I don’t want to write any spoilers, but 100% you should see it!”.

Whilst another viewer claimed: “Love how unusual this is, it is ultimately much more horrific in a more plausible way. Great acting, just watch ready to be surprised. Not a regular horror but I was gripped from the start onwards.”

Cellar Door is streaming on Netflix.

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Police have identified their suspect after the shooting at a high school ice hockey match

The first images have surfaced of a suspect who police believe opened fire at a high school ice hockey match – resulting in two fatalities and leaving three others critically wounded.

Authorities have named the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56. Dorgan initiated the shooting at the game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in the United States on the afternoon of Monday, February 16.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves revealed that Dorgan, 56, also goes by the name Roberta Esposito, reports the Mirror..

The venue was hosting games for several local schools at the time of the incident. A live broadcast of the match captured the moment spectators and players hit the deck and sought shelter as gunfire echoed through the arena.

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“We have identified the person, the suspect, by a birth name, the birth name was Robert Dorgan,” Goncalves stated.

“We have also learned that the person does go by the name of Roberta, also uses a last name of Esposito.”

In videos circulated online, players can be seen scrambling out of the box and discarding their skates whilst others leap over the rink’s barrier and dash to the changing room.

A young girl is among the victims and detectives previously indicated it was a targeted shooting “that may be a family dispute.”

It has been suggested that Dorgan’s wife and three children were shot. It is understood that Dorgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Dorgan was reportedly the father of a North Providence High School senior.

A disabled University of Michigan student claims that her professors discriminated against her by falsely accusing her of using AI to write her essays.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court last week, lawyers for a young woman known as ‘Jane Doe’ accused the university and individual instructors of treating symptoms of her disability as telltale signs of AI-based cheating.

They say the student, who has OCD and anxiety disorder, presented unspecified “proof” that she had not used AI, only to be overruled and blocked from graduating.

“Despite that notice, U-M and its Office of Student Academic Affairs proceeded with disciplinary actions without implementing disability-informed accommodations, allowed the same accuser to remain the gatekeeper for grading and remedial work,” the lawyers wrote.

“The accusations were based heavily on subjective judgments about Plaintiff’s writing style and on self-confirming ‘AI comparison’ outputs generated using Plaintiff’s own outlines and content.”

It is the latest lawsuit by students who say they were unfairly tarred as plagiarists over essays that they claim to have written.

In October 2025, a student on Long Island sued Adelphi College for allegedly branding his own work as AI-generated and refusing to allow any appeal. One year earlier, the parents of a Massachusetts teenager sued their son’s high school for similar reasons.

At the same time, teachers and professors say they have been overwhelmed by AI-generated schoolwork that has rapidly rendered traditional methods — such as homework — close to obsolete.

Colleges, too, are reportedly using AI to analyze and evaluate admission essays, allowing them to sort more quickly through tens of thousands of applications.

The ‘Jane Doe’ lawsuit also touches on the shaky record of AI detection tools, which research suggests are often inaccurate.

According to the complaint, Doe’s instructor had publicly posted: “I fear that grading has made me paranoid and inclined to see AI everywhere.”

In November 2025 he allegedly filed an academic misconduct accusation against Doe, claiming he was “immediately suspicious” of the paper’s “unmistakable” AI-esque style.

Doe countered with “medical and psychological documentation” explaining that her disabilities — obsessive compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder — might sometimes make her seem dishonest even though she was not.

“Plaintiff’s disabilities affect her ability to tolerate high-stress academic and disciplinary proceedings, particularly those requiring live verbal defense, rapid processing, and adversarial questioning,” the complaint reads.

“Plaintiff’s clinicians warned that anxiety- and OCD-related writing traits – such as a formal tone, meticulous structure, stylistic consistency, and highly organized presentation — may be misinterpreted as artificial or dishonest behavior, and that Plaintiff’s limitations necessitate disability-informed handling of any disciplinary proceedings.”

In summary, the complaint argues, “Defendants treated disability-related traits and limitations as evidence of guilt and failed to apply disability- informed modifications in the academic integrity process.”

The Independent has asked the University of Michigan for comment.

Julie Webster to meet Lord Advocate, where she will tell of trauma of case and demand an apology over the way she was treated

A mum who was accused of stealing cash from a foodbank has told how the claims destroyed her life as she fights to finally clear her name. Julie Webster, 49, was charged with embezzling funds from a foodbank she ran in Glasgow’s Maryhill in 2016.

Accusations of embezzlement were circulated on social media, which led to donations quickly drying up. In August that year, Julie was charged with the stealing more than £2,000.

But the case was dropped in 2019 after vital paperwork was examined by prosecutors, four days before she was due to go on trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court. But 10 years on, she says that the stain of the allegations has plagued her, traumatising her and her family and dragging their reputations “through the mud” while she never got to prove her innocence.

She is now battling to win an independent inquiry into her case and is set to meet with Scotland’s Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain later this month. The meeting comes after her dad Jamie – an ex GMB union boss who won an MBE for his work saving Govan shipyard from closure – provided a dossier of evidence that he believes points to his daughter’s poor treatment by both police and prosecutors.

Julie told the Record: “In the end, the case was abandoned as prosecutors could see from the evidence I was innocent. That should have been a good day for me, but it wasn’t because I never ever got my day in court.

“I never got to show the world I was innocent in a case I knew I would win. So my life was wrecked by these false allegations and I still have the shadow of it hanging over me.

“The trauma of it has affected me and all of my family, even my children because their names were dragged through the mud too. I just want final closure, so that no-one can ever tittle tattle behind my back or spread lies about me again.

“To be an innocent person and to be spoken about the way I was when I was accused is something I would not wish on anyone. It has affected my self confidence so badly.

“We have been through hell and we are still going through hell. I won’t be satisfied until I have a public apology and I believe an independent body should look at the case.”

Julie and Jamie are also being supported by MSP Bob Doris. Jamie Webster spent three decades standing up for workers on the Clyde after starting out as a young apprentice welder in 1966.

in 1999, when then-owners Kvaerner pulled out, the shipyard was facing closure. A takeover by BAE Systems was secured and it was later announced the yard had won a share in a £3 billion MoD contract for two aircraft carriers. Jamie was awarded an MBE in the 2004 Queen’s New Year Honours.

MSP Bob Doris said: “I look forward to attending the meeting with the Lord Advocate and I very much hope for a positive outcome”.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “ The Lord Advocate appreciates the significance of these issues for the Webster family and recognises the impact that criminal proceedings can have on people involved. The Lord Advocate looks forward to the opportunity to hear directly from the Websters and to provide whatever assistance she can.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A complaint was received in March 2019 and a response was provided to the complainer.”

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The derelict Shotley Park Care Home in Shotley Bridge, Consett went up in flames on October 5.

At one point, five fire crews were deployed to takle the blaze, and by the time flames were extinguished, the building was unrecognisable, with much of the roof and windows destroyed.

The Shotley Park fire. (Image: CDDFRS)

An arson investigation was launched Durham Police and a 16-year-old questioned then released under investigation. Police also spoke to a “number of witnesses”.

A force spokesperson confirmed on Monday (February 16) that an investigation remains ongoing.

The former care home has been a target for anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Andy Liddell, from Consett Neighbourhood Team, said previously: “This building has historically been a hotspot for antisocial behaviour and criminal damage due to its derelict condition.

The Shotley Park fire. (Image: CDDFRS)

“The neighbourhood team have done extensive problem-solving working alongside partners to try and identify offenders and target harden the building against future misuse.

“Officers have also carried out education work with local schools around the dangers of entering disused buildings which may be structurally unsafe.”

Reacting to the blaze, one resident said the building looked to be “practically demolished”, while neighbour Martin Sharpe argued the blaze was “only a matter of time”.

He said: “The young’uns have been setting little fires all summer.

“My mam was in that care home in 2012 and I used to put stair lifts in it. There’d been rumours it was being turned into a hotel.

“It’s a shame because it was a lovely building.”