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It’s still not clear who will turn up in Islamabad tomorrow for the first round of talks aimed at turning the 14-day ceasefire in the Iran war into a permanent end to the crisis. Indeed, it’s not at all certain that the ceasefire will still even exist by then.

To anyone following events, there seemed little, if any, gap between reports that Pakistan had brokered a truce between the warring parties and news that Israel was continuing to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon. But from then the story followed a depressingly familiar path. Iran – backed by Pakistan – claimed that the ceasefire also covered Lebanon. Israel said that it didn’t and it would continue to pound Hezbollah targets there.

For his part, the US president, Donald Trump, said that as far as he was concerned, Israel’s assault on Lebanon was a “separate skirmish”, albeit one of considerable brutality in which 1,400 people were either killed or wounded.

We asked Scott Lucas, of the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin for his take on some of the most important issues which may affect the talks.

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Why is Israel continuing to attack Lebanon, despite the ceasefire? Expert Q&A

The ceasefire was always going to be fragile, even without Israel’s intervention. There’s clearly no goodwill or trust between the warring parties. Trump was less than two hours away from launching an attack on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including its power plants and its bridges – a bombardment so monumental that, as he put it: “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again”.

Tehran, for its part, was spitting defiance back at Washington, while calling on its people to form human chains across bridges and around power plants.

Nicholas Wheeler, an international relations expert at the University of Birmingham who has been investigating the role of trust in diplomacy, believes there’s a big difference between a mutual lack of trust between warring parties, and active distrust. In the former situation there is the potential for trust to develop. But in this case – as Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi noted recently, the US has now twice attacked Iran during ongoing negotiations, so – he says – there is “zero trust” in the US from Tehran’s point of view.

Trump’s failure to bring the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to heel over Israel’s continuing bombardment of Lebanon can only make matters worse.

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Iran ceasefire: trust will be vital but it’s in short supply right now

And so Iran has not opened the Strait of Hormuz, which was America’s most important demand. We must wait to see what events, both in the Middle East and at the negotiations in Islamabad, will bring. The ceasefire had allowed both Tehran and Washington to declare a victory – which certainly seemed to be something in which the Trump administration placed a great deal of value. Both the US president and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, were trumpeting that line on Wednesday – Hegseth going so far as to say that the Iranian military was rendered completely ineffective and that the country’s leadership “begged” for a ceasefire.

Iran also declared victory. And Bamo Nouri and Inderjeet Parmeer of City St George’s, University of London, believe that Tehran has more reason to do so. For one thing, the Islamic Republic has demonstrated resilience in the face of the might of US and Israeli firepower that aimed to destroy it. It has shown that it can use its control of Hormuz to thrown global energy markets into considerable disarray. And, under the terms of the ceasefire accepted by the US president, it is Iran’s ten-point plan which will form the basis of negotiations.

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Middle East conflict: this ceasefire may have made Iran stronger

Changing world order

The US president, meanwhile, has repeated his criticisms of America’s Nato allies and, according to German news magazine Der Speigel, has issued what European diplomats are calling “an ultimatum” for European member states to send military assistance to the Strait of Hormuz within days.

Trump has been highly critical of Nato as a whole – and several of its member states specifically – because he believes they haven’t done enough to help the US and Israel against Iran. On April 1, he raised the possibility of the US quitting Nato altogether.

But he’s unlikely to pull America out of its transatlantic alliance, writes Paul Whiteley, who gives us three reasons why it’s either not in the US president’s interests or America’s to turn his back on the alliance it has led for nearly eight decades.

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Three reasons Donald Trump won’t pull the US out of Nato

The emergence of Pakistan as a key interlocutor in all this will have come as something of a surprise to many. But the country has emerged, along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey, as part of an important power bloc with influence in the Middle East, writes Natasha Lindstaedt, professor in the Department of Government at the University of Essex.

Lindstaedt argues that these countries want an end to the dominant roles played by both Israel and Iran in the region. The war in Gaza has appalled the Islamic world and put paid to any hopes – certainly for the near future – of any normalisation of relations of the sort envisaged by Donald Trump’s Abraham Accords. And all are also tired of the force for tensions and destabilisation that Iran has represented for nearly five decades.

As Lindstaedt points out, they’re a powerful bunch: Pakistan has nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia has loads of oil, Egypt controls access to the Suez Canal and Turkey is a member of Nato: “Taken together, they represent the most politically and militarily influential Muslim-majority countries in the world,” she concludes.

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Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia emerge as a new regional power bloc amid Iran war

Meanwhile in Hungary

Hungarians head to the polls on Sunday for elections which will determine who is to be the country’s next prime minister. The long-time incumbent, Viktor Orbán, faces a stiff challenge from his former political ally, Péter Magyar. Polls show he is seriously up against it.

So the US president dispatched J.D. Vance to campaign alongside the prime minister in a bid to mobilise the country’s far-right eurosceptics. Zsofia Bocskay, of Central European University, sets the scene for what she believes could be a turning point for Hungarian politics.

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Hungary election: how a new opponent has forced Viktor Orbán into the first genuinely competitive race in 16 years

Birmingham University’s Stefan Wolff, meanwhile, believes that the fall in support for Orbán despite all the help from Washington, reflects a Europe-wide disenchantment with Trump, especially in light of the US president’s apparently warm relationship with Vladimir Putin, a leader many feel poses a very real threat to their security.

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Hungarian election exposes tensions at the heart of Donald Trump’s plans to boost the far-right in Europe

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Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTÉ on Thursday, Minister of State Timmy Dooley said it was his understanding that invitations had been extended to representative bodies “to continue the dialogue that started last week”, but that the government would not be meeting with representatives from the protesters.

Liverpool are not planning to sack Arne Slot and want him in place for the start of next season, according to reports.

Slot guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield having replaced Jurgen Klopp in 2024.

However, Liverpool have put up a woeful defence of their Premier League title and currently sit fifth in the table, just one point ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea.

Liverpool also have a mountain to climb in order to reach the Champions League semi-final following their 2-0 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarter-final on Wednesday night.

Slot’s side failed to have a shot on target and registered just 26 per cent possession at the Parc des Princes as they struggle to cope with the speed and precision of PSG’s attack.

‘We were in survival mode for large parts of the game,’ Slot admitted after the defeat to Luis Enrique’s side, who won the Champions League last season.

‘But maybe also in the period of the season where we were in survival mode.’

Liverpool are facing increasing pressure from supporters to sack Slot, particularly with Xabi Alonso now available after he was dismissed by Real Madrid in January.

However, The Telegraph reports that Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group believe that Slot ‘deserves’ to remain in charge for the start of next season.

The report adds that Liverpool’s hierarchy feel that Slot needs four transfer windows before making a decision over his future.

Liverpool are also said to have remained mindful of Alonso’s decision to reject a move to Anfield in 2024 when he was considered as a replacement for Klopp.

Alonso spent one more season at Bayer Leverkusen having guided the German club to the domestic double before he moved to Real Madrid in May last year.

Liverpool are next in action on Saturday when they host Fulham at Anfield in the Premier League.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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Two candidates have made it through to The Apprentice 2026 final after a series of gruelling interviews

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BBC’s The Apprentice has revealed its 2026 finalists after eleven weeks of demanding challenges.

Thursday’s (April 9) episode saw the remaining five candidates – Dan Miller, Karishma Vijay, Lawrence Rosenberg, Pascha Myhill, and Priyesh Bathia – face the dreaded interview stage of the competition, with Pascha and Karishma ultimately progressing to the final.

Earlier in the episode, the aspiring entrepreneurs endured a rigorous series of interviews with Lord Sugar’s most hard-hitting business advisers: Claude Littner, Claudine Collins, Linda Plant, and Mike Soutar.

Their business proposals were scrutinised in detail, products underwent blind testing, and one candidate even had to create a bespoke cocktail on the spot. While some contenders rose to the challenge, others buckled beneath the intensity.

In the boardroom, Lord Sugar faced a difficult choice, as just two candidates could secure their place in next week’s grand final, reports the Mirror.

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Following a series of “brutal” interviews and boardroom discussions, the journey ended for Dan, Lawrence and Priyesh, while Pascha and Karishma advanced to the grand finale.

Numerous viewers welcomed the outcome, with one person posting on X (formerly Twitter): “My final 2 are in the final!”

Another commented: “Girl power final,” while a third remarked: “Best finalists they’ve had in a long time!” A fourth fan shared the enthusiasm, stating: “Oh I am so pleased, an all female final. Well done ladies.”

However, some viewers were surprised that Lord Sugar opted not to send Dan through to the final, given that he already operates a thriving student recruitment firm.

“I don’t think Dan should have been sent home,” one viewer wrote, while another added: “Dan was robbed of the final 2.”

A third commented: “I did not see that coming,” with yet another sharing: “Gutted for Dan but if he can get control of finances he could be very successful in future.”

Recruitment consultant Pascha is pitching a new venture within private healthcare, aiming to supply experienced, compliant, and compassionate professionals to private nursing homes, care homes, supported living services, domiciliary care providers and nurseries across the UK.

Meanwhile, beauty brand owner Karishma is seeking investment to expand her existing business. Kishkin is a skincare-infused beauty brand that creates powerful and potent products that simplify a lengthy trend-driven skincare routine.

Next week, Pascha and Karishma will be joined by several of this series’ candidates as they present their business proposals to a room packed with industry experts and notable figures from the past 20 years of the programme. All of this leads up to Lord Sugar’s decision on who will become his next business partner.

The Apprentice is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

The council’s bid was recently longlisted for the prestigious title due to be awarded for 2029.

Speaking at a meeting, Councillor Ian Morrish said he hoped, if the council was successful, there would be investment in a town-wide clean up.

He said: “We have all seen the photos of piles of rubbish around the tents of the homeless on Bridge Street West, who have nowhere else to go that is safe.

“We need a concentrated push on rehoming these people and all similar in the borough, where possible, and clearing the waste on a more frequent basis if we are to stand any chance of winning the City of Culture title.

“A clean up needs to happen, not just on that one road, there are lots of areas that need it.”

He said the council’s homelessness team and its partner, homelessness charity Depauls UK were doing a “great job” in engaging with the individuals affected, but asked: “What more do we need to be doing?”

Images of a makeshift camp referred to by Cllr Morrish first circulated online last month showing empty tents, bedding and piles of litter on a strip of land a short walk away from Middlesbrough Railway Station.

Some rough sleepers were then moved on with another encampment subsequently emerging on a grassed area close to Cleveland Police’s Middlesbrough HQ.

Referring to the City of Culture bid, Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said a “united front” was needed and any additional funding which came with such an award would be of massive significance.

He claimed the town was “utterly deserving” to have such recognition.

Mr Cooke said  later in the year the council would publish a new homelessness strategy.

Two further members of staff had also been recruited as part of efforts aimed at helping those who were most vulnerable and sleeping rough.

Meanwhile, a recorded increase in homelessness in the town was a “shocking sign of the times”, he said.

The mayor said: “We need to get moving on making sure people have quality homes, alongside supporting those furthest away from the housing market and unable to gain a tenancy themselves.”

Cllr Morrish, an independent member for Marton West, asked if it would be possible to find and set aside a “secure area” for those living in tents.

Mr Cooke warned that could lead to more issues and people coming from out of the area.

He added: “We need to make sure that we provide adequate provision for those identifying as homeless before they get to the point of having to sleep in a tent.”

He said the council had employed new neighbourhood caretakers and a back alley cleansing team, which would add to the clean-up picture in the town.

Middlesbrough Council says staff regularly offer support to people sleeping rough to help them move to suitable accommodation, but individuals can face a range of complex issues requiring help from multiple services.

Mr Cooke, in a previous statement, said that some individuals were choosing to sleep rough, while others found themselves evicted from different housing solutions.

He said the local authority was “always striving to balance the needs of those who find themselves homeless and the impact their actions have on others”.

So, before you go on, there are spoilers ahead.

Grimshaw has been a mainstay on the cobbles since 14 January 2001.

Originally played by Bruno Langley, Gareth Pierce took over the role from October 2020.

In tonight’s (Thursday, 9 April) episode, Todd suffers domestic abuse at the hands of his partner.

Sarah Platt catches Todd outside the flat as he asks her to leave him alone, though she expresses fear that Theo will read the messages that she sends to Todd.

Todd covers the door camera with his back and silently ushers her in.

Tonight’s Coronation Street episode

It has been described as ‘terrifying’ by Digital Spy.

In the flat, Sarah notes that Todd didn’t reply to a message about George Shuttleworth selling the undertakers, asking whether he’s scared about Theo seeing him reply.

“I think you’re hiding, I think that’s what you’re doing,” she suggests.

Sarah then also picks up on Todd’s behaviour, noticing he “doesn’t sound” like himself.

“Who does it sound like?” he retorts, before telling her to leave.

Sarah pleads with him not to shut her and George out, and Todd notices she is subtly checking his arms for bruises.

“I love you so much, you know that,” she tells him, “and if this was the other way round you know you would do exactly the same thing for me.”

Their fear spikes when they hear Theo returning. In a panic, Todd urges Sarah to hide in the bedroom.

But Theo quickly realises someone else is in the flat after spotting two cups of tea, and coldly accuses Todd of lying. Before he can search, Sarah steps out and reveals herself.

Later, as the three of them sit sharing a tea, Theo turns on the charm, insisting Todd and Sarah should “never ever feel” they have to hide their friendship from him, and asking: “What kind of monster would I be to even think about keeping you apart?”

How will Todd react in next week’s Coronation Street?

Once Sarah has gone, his pleasant façade vanishes, and he rounds on Todd, accusing him of betrayal.

A shaken Todd insists Sarah forced her way in, but Theo tells him he will do “absolutely nothing” to him – before chillingly adding, “for now”.

The scenes set up a pivotal week in the dark storyline, as a bloodied Todd faces the agonising decision to go to the police and report the abuse he has endured.

Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.

Who’s your favourite Coronation Street character? Let us know in the comments

First Lady Melania Trump has denied connections to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that any claims linking the two “need to end today”.

In a surprise announcement on Thursday, the first lady called for congressional hearings for survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking.

Read more here.

It comes after temperatures plummeted following a recent hot spell

Wales is set for some very unsettled and potentially stormy weather after a recent hot spell came to an abrupt end. Mona on Anglesey was officially the hottest place in the UK on Tuesday, reaching a maximum of 24.8C. This is the highest temperature recorded in Wales so far this year.

The glorious sunshine continued on Wednesday, with Bute Park in Cardiff also seeing temperatures above 24C. However, the Met Office warned the hot spell would only be short-lived, with temperatures in some places dropping by as much as 10C on Thursday.

The weather is only set to get worse as we head into the weekend, with plenty of gusty conditions in the forecast. The Met Office said there is a possibility heavy showers will be accompanied by thunder and coastal gales as wind speeds ramp up.

Here are the Met Office weather maps showing the parts of Wales which will be hit by bad weather this weekend:

Friday, April 10

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Friday will start off dry, but cloudy. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter

A band of rain will slowly move across from the west.

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The rain will move across the country in the afternoon. Winds will also strengthen as the day goes on.

Another heavy band of rain will start to move across late on Friday.

Saturday, April 11

This is the forecast for midnight. Up to 16mm could fall in an hour in some places.

The rain will be particularly heavy overnight, and will also be accompanies by gusty winds.

Most people will wake up to wet weather on Saturday morning.

The heavy showers will gradually move eastwards.

By Saturday afternoon, the rain showers will become more scattered with some areas enjoying dry spells.

As we head into Saturday evening, more rain showers will move in from the west.

This is the forecast for 8pm.

Sunday, April 12

There will more heavy rain overnight on Sunday.

There will be showers in the south as people wake up on Sunday.

This is the forecast for 4pm.

The full Met Office forecast for this weekend reads: “Unsettled through the weekend and Monday with sunny spells and showers or longer spells of rain. The showers locally heavy with thunder. Windy with coastal gales possible, temperatures near average.”

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During an extraordinary press conference, First Lady Melania Trump emphatically denied any connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. After her comments, President Donald Trump reportedly told MS NOW reporter Jacqueline Alemany that he did not know the first lady would be speaking about Epstein.

“I’ve never been friends with Epstein,” she said during a brief televised address from the White House Thursday afternoon. “I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims.”

She condemned “unfounded and baseless lies” and demanded apologies from publishers, naming The Daily Beast and Harper Collins UK.

The first lady went on to say that she met Epstein as a result of “overlapping in social circles” in 2000 and that she only kept a “casual correspondence” with his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. The disgraced British socialite is serving 20 years in federal prison for sex trafficking.

“I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors,” Mrs. Trump said.

Republicans and Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Epstein, echoed her calls for a public hearing.

The first lady’s remarks appeared to come out of the blue and surprised many, partly because public attention on the Epstein files scandal had subsided amid the ongoing war in Iran.

Humberside Police says that two suspects have been arrested after a vehicle – which had a stop marker placed on it by North Yorkshire Police – was stopped in their area.

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A spokesperson for the force said: “The same vehicle had previously been captured on CCTV in the York Market area, where two individuals were seen stealing used cooking oil from nearby businesses.

“It is suspected that the vehicle may have been visiting a number of villages and towns across the county.

“High‑quality CCTV footage clearly showed the suspects and the vehicle registration. When the vehicle was stopped by Humberside Police, officers seized the van along with a quantity of suspected stolen oil found in the rear compartment.”

Both people inside were arrested and have since been released on police bail while the investigation continues, with police adding they are unable to release further details about the vehicle or suspects while the investigation is ongoing.

All businesses are strongly encouraged to report any thefts and if you need to report an incident, please call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non‑urgent matters, or you can also submit a report online via the police website.