Middle East
Fourth round of US-Iran nuclear talks postponed amid continued tensions | Nuclear Energy News
The foreign minister of Oman has announced that a fourth round of talks with the United States about Iran’s nuclear programme had been postponed.
Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi made the announcement on the social media platform X on Thursday, just days before the talks were expected to begin in Rome.
“For logistical reasons we are rescheduling the US Iran meeting provisionally planned for Saturday May 3rd,” he wrote. “New dates will be announced when mutually agreed.”
Al-Busaidi had previously mediated three rounds of talks between Iran and the US. The first took place in Oman’s capital of Moscat on April 12, with a follow-up in Rome the following weekend. A third round of negotations returned to Moscat on April 26, with the US touting “progress” towards a nuclear deal.
But tensions between the Iranian and US governments have been simmering beneath the near-weekly meetings.
The administration of President Donald Trump has said its aim is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, though Tehran has long denied armament as a goal. It frames its nuclear programme as a civilian energy project.
The Trump White House has hinted its goals may extend further, though, to the total dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme. In mid-April, US special envoy Steve Witkoff released a statement saying that “Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program” as part of a final deal.
Earlier on Thursday, before the postponement was announced, Iran accused the US of issuing “contradictory behaviour and provocative statements” about the nuclear negotiations.
And on Wednesday, the US made a series of aggressive moves as part of its “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, heightening the already uneasy relations.
First, the US Department of State sanctioned seven entities involved in the trade of Iranian oil products, on the basis that the proceeds “support its terrorist activities and proxies”. Then, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered his own remarks, warning that Iranian support of the Houthis, a Yemen-based armed group, could result in US retaliation.
“Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing,” Hegseth wrote on social media on Wednesday.
“You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of — and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.”
Despite the heated rhetoric, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Thursday’s postponement came “at the request of Oman’s foreign minister”. Iranian spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also emphasised that his country was committed to achieving “a fair and lasting agreement” with the US.
Still, a senior official with the Iranian government told the Reuters news agency on condition of anonymity that the recent US actions were tied to the delay.
“US sanctions on Iran during the nuclear talks are not helping the sides to resolve the nuclear dispute through diplomacy,” the official told Reuters. “Depending on the US approach, the date of the next round of talks will be announced.”
Other media reports, meanwhile, indicate that the US was not completely on board with the prospects of renewed talks in Rome this weekend.
An anonymous source told The Associated Press that the US “had never confirmed its participation” in this weekend’s anticipated talks, but that further negotiations were expected “in the near future”.
Successive US administrations have sought to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. One recent effort culminated with a 2015 agreement called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The multilateral agreement, forged during the administration of US President Barack Obama, created a framework for Iran to receive relief from international sanctions, in exchange for reducing its uranium enrichment and submitting to inspections of its nuclear facilities.
But when Trump succeeded Obama as US president, he set into motion plans to withdraw the US from the JCPOA in 2018, causing the deal to crumble.
Instead, during his first term as president from 2017 to 2021, Trump pursued a campaign of “maximum pressure” against Iran, a strategy he has returned to since taking office a second time in January.
When Trump launched a new round of US attacks against the Houthis in March, he warned he held Iran responsible for Houthi strikes against ships in the Red Sea — and he hinted he would consider using force against that country as a result.
“Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!” Trump wrote on March 17.
More recently, the US president threatened military action could also be an outcome if a nuclear deal were not reached.
In an interview with Time Magazine, published on April 25, Trump addressed the pressure from the US’s ally Israel to confront Iran militarily, saying he had not ruled it out.
“It’s possible we’ll have to attack because Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said at one point. “Ultimately, I was going to leave that choice to them, but I said I would much prefer a deal than bombs being dropped.”
He later added, “If we don’t make a deal, I’ll be leading the pack,” seemingly referring to military intervention.
But the US president emphasised he was optimistic that the talks with Iran would pan out. He even expressed willingness to meet with Iran’s leadership personally.
“I think that we’re going to make a deal with Iran. I think we’re going to make a deal with Iran,” he said. “Nobody else could do that.”
Syrian Druze leader condemns ‘genocidal campaign’ after dozens killed in clashes south of Damascus.
A leader of Syria’s Druze minority has condemned attacks against his community after dozens of people were killed in two days of sectarian clashes south of Damascus.
Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri on Thursday denounced the violence in Jaramana and Sahnaya near Damascus earlier this week as a “genocidal campaign” against the Druze community in Syria.
Syria’s Ministry of Information said 11 members of the country’s security forces were killed in two separate attacks.
The United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a war monitor, said at least 101 people were killed in fighting between security forces, allied fighters and local Druze groups.
The SOHR, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, said the death toll included 30 government loyalists, 21 Druze fighters and 10 civilians, including Sahnaya’s former mayor, Husam Warwar.
In the southern province of Sweida, heartland of the Druze minority, it said 40 Druze fighters were killed, 35 in an “ambush” on the Sweida-Damascus road on Wednesday.
The clashes broke out around midnight Monday after an audio clip circulated on social media of a man criticising Islam’s Prophet Muhammad. The audio was attributed to a Druze scholar. But the scholar, Marwan Kiwan, said in a video posted on social media that he was not responsible for the audio, which angered many Sunni Muslims.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Syrian government said a deal was reached between Druze dignitaries and official representatives after which security forces and pro-government fighters entered Sahnaya and Druze gunmen withdrew from the streets.
Videos on social media showed what appeared to be pro-government armed groups beating Druze men they had captured in Sahnaya and making offensive sectarian remarks.
“This collective killing is systematic, clear, visible, and documented,” read al-Hijri’s statement. “We no longer trust a group that calls itself a government, because the government doesn’t kill its own people through extremist gangs that are loyal to it, and after the massacre claims they are loose forces.”
The violence poses a serious challenge to the country’s new authorities, who toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. It comes after a wave of massacres in March in Syria’s Alawite heartland on the Mediterranean coast in which security forces and allied groups killed more than 1,700 civilians, mostly Alawite, according to the SOHR.
Syrian authorities reject foreign intervention
Israeli officials have expressed support for the Druze, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning his country would respond “with significant force” if Syria’s new authorities fail to protect the minority community.
In a later statement, Katz said, “Should the attacks on the Druze resume and the Syrian regime fail to prevent them, Israel will respond with significant force.”
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Thursday reiterated Syria’s rejection of demands for international intervention, posting on X that “national unity is the solid foundation for any process of stability or revival”.
“Any call for external intervention, under any pretext or slogan, only leads to further deterioration and division,” he added.
Most Druze spiritual leaders and factions have opted to air their grievances in closed communication with the new government, but concerns have heightened after a crackdown on al-Assad loyalists in Syria’s coastal province turned into a series of targeted revenge attacks against the Alawite minority group.
Videos widely circulated of houses burned down and bloodied bodies of Alawite on the streets. Tens of thousands of Alawite fled south to neighbouring Lebanon, and many are too scared to return.
The Druze have since become reluctant to lay down their arms, which they say they need for protection.
Fault Lines wins in News & Documentary category while Close Up wins in Interactive & Immersive category.
Al Jazeera Media Network has been honoured with two prestigious Peabody Awards, one of the most esteemed accolades in broadcast storytelling.
The awards recognise the Al Jazeera English Fault Lines documentary The Night Won’t End in the News & Documentary category, and the Al Jazeera English Digital film One Day in Gaza from the series Close Up, in the Interactive & Immersive category.
The 85th annual Peabody award winners were announced on May 1, 2025, in advance of its annual ceremony in Los Angeles on June 1, 2025.
The awards honour intelligent, powerful and moving stories told in broadcast and digital media.
Al Jazeera English’s Fault Lines documentary The Night Won’t End uncovers the tragic human cost of war. It depicts the realities of the unrelenting Israeli bombing campaign on Gaza, the unsafe “safe zones,” and arbitrary executions through the eyes of three families during the initial 15 months of the war.
The film investigates the death of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was waiting to be rescued from a car where her family members had already been shot dead. Two medics dispatched to rescue her were also killed, as verified by a forensic watchdog agency.
Laila Al-Arian, executive producer of Fault Lines, stated, “No single piece can fully capture the scale of the atrocities in Gaza, but we aimed through investigative journalism and on-the-ground storytelling to offer a glimpse of what life has been like. We are honoured by this recognition because it helps bring more attention to a continuing story the world needs to see. Though we filmed this over a year ago, the horrors we documented remain a daily reality for more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza.”
To date, The Night Won’t End has garnered multiple awards, including in the coveted International Current Affairs category at the Royal Television Society Awards in the United Kingdom, the Overseas Press Club prize for best TV, video or documentary about international affairs, and the long-form award from the Centre for Information Resilience Open-Source Film Awards.
The One Day in Gaza film from the series Close Up is a compilation of videos recorded by 10 individuals in Gaza, who were asked to document moments throughout their day, thereby helping viewers understand the immense hardships and constant dangers faced by Palestinians living under the constant bombardment in Gaza.
Juan Carlos Van Meek, director of digital innovation and programming, expressed his gratitude for awarding the team the Peabody Award, stating, “I am immensely proud of our team’s relentless efforts in amplifying the humanity of Palestinians living in Gaza under constant bombardment. Through the brave voices of people on the ground, we have captivated millions of viewers and helped sustain global attention on the ongoing genocide, ensuring their stories are not forgotten.”
The recognition of these documentaries underscores Al Jazeera’s commitment to highlighting the profound human experiences amid conflict.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, The Network remains dedicated to shedding light on the stories that matter, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard on a global platform.
Middle East
Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull: Fight start time, undercard, stream, purse | Boxing News
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, one of the most popular and highest-paid athletes, is set to face an unbeaten challenger, William Scull, in a highly anticipated boxing fight that will crown the men’s undisputed super middleweight champion of the world.
The bout will take Alvarez to Saudi Arabia for the first time as part of his deal with Riyadh Season and will present him with a chance to regain his IBF belt.
Here’s what you need to know about the fight:
When is the Alvarez vs Scull fight?
The fight is scheduled for Saturday, May 3.
Where is the Alvarez vs Scull fight taking place?
The ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host the fight.
What’s the Alvarez vs Scull fight start time?
The pre-fight events, followed by the undercard fights, will get under way at 18:00 GMT.
Ring walks for the main fight are not expected to begin before 22:00 GMT.
How can I follow and stream the Alvarez vs Scull fight live?
Al Jazeera Sport’s live coverage of the pre-fight build-up and undercard results will begin at 17:00 GMT, followed by a comprehensive text and photo blow-by-blow account of the main fight at 22:00 GMT.
The fight will be streamed live on DAZN pay-per-view.
Who is on the undercard?
The fight night, titled “Fatal Fury”, boasts a strong undercard with a rematch between Bruno Surace and Jaime Munguia the pick of the fights.
Marco Verde, Mexico’s silver medallist at the Paris Olympics 2024, will also make his professional debut on the night with his light middleweight fight against compatriot Michel Polina.
Here’s what the undercard looks like:
Jaime Munguia vs Bruno Surace – super middleweight
Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba – heavyweight
Badou Jack vs Norair Mikaeljan – cruiserweight
Marco Verde vs Michel Polina – light middleweight
Brayan Leon vs Aaron Guerrero – middleweight
What is the fight purse?
While the official fight purse has not been announced, Canelo is set to earn $80m from the fight, according to Spanish sports newspaper Marca.
Who is Canelo Alvarez?
One of the most famous fighters of the current era, Alvarez is a professional boxer from Guadalajara, Mexico. Better known as simply Canelo, the 34-year-old began fighting, aged 15, in 2005 and turned pro five years later. Coming from a rural background, the Mexican has built a reputation as one of the world’s best boxers, with a worth of $275m, according to Forbes magazine.
Alvarez has fought in multiple weight classes – from welterweight to light heavyweight – and has held belts in four of these divisions.
At a height of 1.75 metres, an orthodox stance and a reach of 70.5 inches, Alvarez has pummelled many famous opponents in his 15-year professional career.
He’s currently the world’s top-ranked super middleweight boxer and in possession of the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) belts.
In his last professional fight in September 2024, Alvarez beat challenger Edgar Berlanga by a unanimous points decision in three rounds.
Who is William Scull?
Born in Matanzas, Cuba, Scull turned professional at the age of 24 and enjoys an unbeaten record in his pro career.
The 32-year-old became the International Boxing Federation’s super middleweight champion in 2024 when Alvarez relinquished his belt.
Scull fights with an orthodox stance and with a reach of 73 inches, the Cuban is a formidable figure in the ring.
His last fight, against Vladimir Shishkin, in October 2024, earned him the vacant IBF super middleweight belt.
Which boxing belts are Canelo Alvarez and William Scull fighting for?
The fight is set to unify the WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight titles held by Alvarez with Scull’s IBF belt, which was relinquished by Alvarez.
What’s Alvarez’s fight record?
Fights: 66
Wins: 62
Wins by knockout: 39
Losses: 2
Draws: 2
What’s Scull’s fight record?
Fights: 23
Wins: 23
Wins by knockout: 9
Losses: 0
Draws: 0
What has Canelo Alvarez said about the fight?
The fighters have exchanged indirect words on what to expect from the bout on Saturday, with Alvarez dismissing Scull’s claims of eating the Mexican.
“He’s going to eat punches, that’s what he’s going to eat,” Alvarez told iFL TV on Wednesday.
The famous boxer has previously said he will treat the bout with importance, as it presents him with the opportunity to fight in a different country.
“That motivates myself – fighting in another country. I feel great about it. This fight is very important to me. I never take anything easy.”
What has Scull said about the fight?
Meanwhile, Scull has said he doesn’t want to be disrespectful towards his opponent but will “eat him” in the ring.
“I’m here to win and that’s it,” the challenger said on Tuesday.
“I’m going to eat him. Now, I’m focused on what I have to do. I’m very excited because I’m here to shut some mouths and do what I have to do.”
Why did Alvarez pull out of his fight with Jake Paul?
When the Mexican boxing icon passed up a speculated bout with the YouTube personality and boxer Jake Paul in favour of a deal with Riyadh Season in February, Paul termed him “a money-hungry squirrel” chasing his “next nut”.
Alvarez signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, with his upcoming bout against Scull being the first one.
Alvarez would have been an astronomical favourite to beat Paul, who beat Mike Tyson in November 2024.
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