
The joint US-Israeli war against Iran has reached its 31st day, with military operations intensifying in the Middle East. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed ongoing discussions with Iran, stating that Tehran's private messages to American officials differ from its public defiance. She noted Iran has privately agreed to several US proposals, but the US remains cautious, vowing to hold Iran accountable. This diplomatic push follows President Donald Trump's ultimatum threatening to destroy Iranian power plants and oil wells if the Strait of Hormuz is not kept open, and Iran's previous dismissal of US peace proposals followed by missile strikes against Israel. Concurrently, the US military presence is expanding, with thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division arriving in the Middle East, joining additional Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Operations personnel. Iran's First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, issued a stern warning against ground incursions, stating that while President Trump might send soldiers, their return would not be in his hands. The Iranian Foreign Ministry denied direct contact with the US, clarifying that proposals were received via intermediaries like Pakistan, and affirmed their commitment to defending sovereignty against American aggression. In Tel Aviv, Israeli leadership anticipates a potential ceasefire announcement from President Trump, with a security source indicating Israel is nearing its strategic objectives in Iran,
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt News.

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior announced that Enzo Fernandez has apologized to him and the club after being dropped for two matches due to comments about his future. Fernandez, 25, will not play against Manchester City on Sunday. He was also omitted from Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final. Fernandez had previously expressed a desire to explore options after the World Cup and live in Madrid. Rosenior stated that he had multiple conversations with Fernandez, who apologized for his actions. While Fernandez will not feature in Sunday's Premier League clash, Rosenior hopes he will be a significant part of the team moving forward after overcoming some remaining hurdles. Chelsea is currently sixth in the Premier League table with 48 points from 31 matches, with Rosenior emphasizing focus on Champions League qualification. In injury updates, Rosenior confirmed that center back Levi Colwill is back in full training, and right back Reece James has resumed running after a hamstring issue. Trevoh Chalobah is also working hard and back on the pitch.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has downplayed speculation regarding a contract extension, stating his full commitment to the club and his focus on the current campaign. British media reported positive initial talks between the London club and Arteta, whose current deal expires at the end of next season. Arteta emphasized that there is no time to discuss a new contract now, with the team's attention solely on the remainder of the season. He expressed happiness and ambition at Arsenal, noting the club is in a good place. The team's silverware hopes were reduced after defeats in the League Cup final and FA Cup quarter-finals, but Arsenal secured a 1-0 win against Sporting in the Champions League quarter-finals and leads the Premier League by nine points over Manchester City. In team news, Eberechi Eze returned to training and will be available for Saturday's match against Bournemouth, though updates on other absent players like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka were not provided. Arteta also praised Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola for his work in reinventing the club.

Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abdelaziz Konsowa, met with Michael Hoch, President of Germanyβs University of Bonn and head of the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, in the New Capital. Konsowa emphasized the strong Egyptian-German relations and the successful international partnerships in higher education, scientific research, and innovation. He highlighted the progress in Egypt's higher education system, aiming to boost the global competitiveness of Egyptian universities through modern education, innovation, and expanded international collaborations. Hoch expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and the University of Bonn's commitment to strengthening partnerships with Egyptian academic institutions, supporting joint initiatives, and fostering expertise exchange and innovation. The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a joint action plan focusing on research priorities, international research excellence models, and joint research projects to deepen scientific cooperation and support Egypt's knowledge-based economy.
Must ReadPresident Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in the opening of the ninth Egypt International Energy Conference and Exhibition EGYPES 2026 from March 30 to April 1. The event, held at Al-Manara International Conference Center and the Egypt International Exhibition Center, saw high-level international participation, including Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Eng. Karim Badawi. President El-Sisi welcomed President Christodoulides and other attendees, highlighting EGYPES as a global platform for energy dialogue. He acknowledged global challenges, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, and praised Egypt's cooperation with major energy companies, particularly over the past five years despite difficulties like the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflicts. He stressed that halting energy activities requires years for production to normalize and announced Egypt's intention to settle outstanding dues to relevant companies by June 2026. El-Sisi also reiterated appreciation for Cyprus's cooperation in energy and other strategic sectors, and the partnership between Egypt and the European Union, mentioning efforts to integrate Cypriot production fields with Egyptian liquefaction plants. He emphasized the urgency of resolving the Middle East crisis, which the International Energy Agency described as highly impactful on the energy sector, causing supply shortages and price increases. He warn