Talks between senior US and Iranian officials are set to continue following discussions in Oman, according to Iran's foreign minister, amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. The mediated talks, described as a "good beginning" by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, focused exclusively on nuclear issues. US officials, however, indicated they also wanted to discuss Iran's ballistic missiles and support for regional armed groups.
The discussions, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Foreign Minister Araghchi, will see negotiators return to their respective capitals for consultations before reconvening. The talks come as the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for conflict.
In other news, the brother of US news presenter Savannah Guthrie renewed his family's plea for proof that their mother, Nancy Guthrie, is still alive after she disappeared last weekend. Camron Guthrie stated in a video posted to Instagram that the family had not received any information about the 84-year-old, who is believed to have been abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Police launched a massive search and are offering a reward of $50,000 for information leading to an arrest. "We have to know that you have our mum," he said.
Meanwhile, the UK's £8 billion research fund is facing "hard decisions" as it pauses new grants, according to the head of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Ian Chapman. The government instructed the organization to "focus and do fewer things better," which Chapman warned "will result in negative outcomes for some." This represents a major reorganisation of how Britain's scientific research and innovation is prioritised and funded with public money, and has angered many in the research community. Chapman said the changes are expected to be fully implemented.
In the realm of infrastructure, a new report revealed that many smart motorways in England are failing to deliver the expected value for money. According to National Highways, two schemes, involving sections of the M25 and the M6, were found to be offering "very poor" value. Only three out of sixteen projects were on track to deliver the financial benefits initially projected, although most were delivering safety benefits as planned. The AA, representing motorists, called the schemes a "catastrophic waste of time, money and effort."
Finally, Storm Leonardo continues to batter Europe and northern Africa. Spain's state meteorological agency, Aemet, issued its highest red alert for heavy rainfall in Cádiz and parts of Málaga. The slow-moving system has brought torrential rain and strong winds to the Iberian peninsula since Tuesday, leading to flash floods in Morocco that forced over 100,000 people to evacuate.
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