Good morning. The world is watching as high-level US-Iran peace talks get underway in Islamabad, with Vice President JD Vance striking an optimistic tone about the negotiations. This comes as the ongoing Iran conflict continues to hammer economies globally - the UK is particularly struggling due to its reliance on imported gas, while US inflation has spiked to a two-year high with petrol prices posting record monthly surges that have sent consumer sentiment plummeting to historic lows. The diplomatic breakthrough could be crucial, especially as The Economist reports that recriminations over the war are putting serious strain on NATO unity.
On a brighter note, NASA's Artemis II mission has concluded with a picture-perfect splashdown in the Pacific, marking the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17. The astronauts are now back on Earth undergoing medical checks and family reunions after their historic journey around the Moon. Meanwhile in sports, Rory McIlroy has surged six shots clear at the Masters after a stunning round that set tournament records, and Bath pulled off a thrilling comeback against Northampton in what's being called one of European rugby's great nights.