Iranian state media said Tehran sees increasing convergence in its talks with the United States, although significant differences remain unresolved. The report added that Iran’s nuclear programme is not part of the initial framework currently under discussion between the two sides.Tensions surrounding the Iran conflict intensified dramatically as the White House signalled growing military readiness while regional powers rushed to prevent a wider war. US President Donald Trump convened a high-level national security meeting amid reports that he is increasingly considering fresh strikes on Iran if ongoing negotiations collapse. The meeting came as the White House shared a brief video of a nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bomber launch shortly after a Pentagon official reportedly stated that “Iran airspace [has been] completely cleared”, drawing comparisons to the final hours before the March conflict erupted.At the same time, frantic diplomatic efforts unfolded across the region. Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir travelled to Tehran for late-night talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, where both sides discussed “latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives to prevent escalation of tensions” and end the ongoing US-Israel-Iran confrontation. A Qatari delegation also arrived in Tehran as part of mediation efforts aimed at securing a diplomatic breakthrough.Despite the push for negotiations, signs of progress remained limited. Iranian officials said talks were continuing but no final agreement was close, while US officials described the negotiations as “agonizing”. Reports suggested Trump had grown increasingly frustrated with the pace of diplomacy and was leaning more strongly towards military action unless a breakthrough emerges soon.The growing fears of renewed conflict also triggered political reactions within the United States. The National Iranian American Council warned against what it called a “foolish war”, saying escalating the conflict would be “wrong morally, strategically and politically”. The group argued that a diplomatic off-ramp remains available and pointed to rising public opposition in the US as fuel prices continue to surge because of the crisis.Taken together, the developments reflect a rapidly escalating geopolitical moment where military posturing, fragile diplomacy and global anxieties over energy security and nuclear escalation are converging at once.

Some shine is off the world’s greatest sporting spectacle. US advertisers have made football a game of 4 quarters. Tickets are too pricey. Trump’s immigration goons may target fans. India doesn’t have a broadcast deal as yet. What more can go wrong?

PBKS VS LSG Live Score, IPL 2026: Punjab Kings (PBKS) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 68 of IPL 2026 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday evening.A victory for LSG would help them finish a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign on a positive note, while a defeat for PBKS would officially knock them out of the playoff race.Check IPL Live Score here: However, even a win may not guarantee qualification for the Shreyas Iyer-led side, with Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals also fighting for the remaining playoff spots.Speaking at the toss, LSG captain Rishabh Pant said the surface looked excellent for batting and predicted a high-scoring contest. He added that LSG too would have preferred to bowl first and confirmed two changes to the playing XI, with Arjun and Arshin Kulkarni coming into the side."We would have bowled first as well. This wicket is good for cricket regardless of bowling or batting. This is one of the better batting wickets; it could be a high-scoring match. Two changes - Arjun and Arshin Kulkarni are in. It's been a tough season, but at the same time, there has been a lot of learning, both for the team and personally. I'd say sorry for the fans, they have come from all over UP. It's been tough going for us, but we'll give our 100% today," the LSG skipper said.After winning the toss, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed two changes in Punjab's playing XI."We will bowl first. Two changes - Marco and Vyshak are in. Feeling is exciting, I would say it's a good match for us. We have never been in this situation before, and the boys are waiting to do their best," Iyer said.Teams:Punjab Kings Playing XI: Prabhsimran Singh (w), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Punjab Kings Impact Players: Harpreet Brar, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Praveen Dubey.Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI: Josh Inglis, Arshin Kulkarni, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (w/c), Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Arjun Tendulkar, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan.Lucknow Super Giants Impact Players: Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Manimaran Siddharth, Himmat Singh, Akash Maharaj Singh.