Talks Resume

Inherent ambiguities could yet derail signing, with Trump so far achieving none of his stated goals of the warTallying the global cost of the US-Israel war against IranMiddle East crisis – live updatesIf we get to a Friday signing ceremony without this uncertain new US-Iran deal being derailed by any of its inherent ambiguities, then nuclear talks can finally restart in the same place – and at almost exactly the same point they were before this conflict started.The world will have irrevocably been changed in other ways. There is no going back for the 120 Iranian children in Minab killed in their primary school in the war’s first hours, nor for their bereaved parents, or any of the thousands in Iran, Lebanon and around the region whose lives were erased or blighted by a feckless war of choice. Continue reading...

• Turkey and Greece opened negotiations on Monday in Athens to address longstanding maritime boundary disputes and resource rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, marking the first high-level talks in eighteen months. • Both countries appointed senior diplomats to address competing claims over exclusive economic zones and the status of disputed islands, with the EU facilitating discussions. • U.S. State Department officials welcomed the resumption of dialogue, calling it essential for regional stability and noting that resolution could improve NATO cohesion in Southeast Europe.

• The United States announced Friday a temporary suspension of certain oil-sector sanctions against Venezuela pending the outcome of renewed diplomatic negotiations scheduled to begin Monday in Mexico City, marking the first high-level talks in 18 months. • State Department officials stated the measure aimed to create "negotiating space" for discussions on political prisoners, election transparency, and humanitarian access, with hopes of establishing a pathway toward normalized relations. • Venezuela's government welcomed the development but demanded complete lifting of financial sanctions, which have contributed to severe shortages of food and medicine affecting 28 million citizens, according to UN estimates.

• Military delegations from Pakistan and India held their first formal border security talks in 18 months in Islamabad, marking a significant thaw in bilateral tensions following last year's cross-border skirmishes. • Both nations agreed to reinstate a communication hotline between military commanders and establish a joint investigation committee for monitoring ceasefire violations along the Line of Control. • The US quietly supported the initiative through backdoor diplomacy, viewing improved India-Pakistan relations as essential for regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation in Afghanistan.

A Pakistani official said he expected talks to restart soon, but it may take longer than Trump suggested. Plus: how to stop catastrophizing? Here’s what experts sayGood morning.Donald Trump has said that US-Iranian peace talks could resume in Islamabad over the next two days.Have Israel and Lebanon had talks yet? Yes. The two held negotiations about their conflict in Washington – their first direct talks in over three decades. The US state department praised the two sides for having “productive discussions” but Hezbollah has said it will not abide by any agreements made by Israeli and Lebanese government negotiators in Washington.For the latest updates, follow our liveblog. Continue reading...

US president says negotiations could restart in Islamabad under ‘fantastic’ Pakistani army chief Asim Munir• Middle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump has said that US-Iranian peace talks could resume in Islamabad over the next two days, and complimented the work of Pakistan’s army chief as mediator.The US president was speaking on Tuesday to a New York Post reporter who had gone to Islamabad for the first round of ceasefire talks over the weekend. After an interview discussing prospects for negotiations, the reporter said the president called her back “with an update”. Continue reading...

The WNBA and its players' union made significant progress in labor negotiations, scheduling the next session for Friday after productive discussions on key issues. Players are pushing for improved salaries, health benefits, and pension plans amid the league's rapid growth. Union president Nneka Ogwumike stated, 'We're closer than ever to a fair deal that reflects our value.' The outcome could impact the 2026 season structure and free agency rules, with both sides expressing optimism for an agreement soon.

The WNBA and its players' union held 15 hours of advanced negotiations starting Thursday at 11 a.m. ET, making progress on core and peripheral issues without public updates from WNBPA Exec Dir Terri Jackson or Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Talks, totaling nearly 40 hours this week, continued into pre-dawn Friday with increased urgency after the league's March 10 deadline passed, threatening the regular season start. Sources indicate Friday's session mirrors the momentum, as the league builds toward a pivotal moment. Players stand to secure a brighter future if a deal seals soon.