Amputee women's football team brings hope in Gaza

Historic US-Iran Talks and a Deep Dive into the 'Dad Gap' in Maternity Care

In a significant diplomatic development, high-level representatives from the United States and Iran have met for the first time in months, marking what officials describe as a historic moment. The meeting, held outside of Islamabad, signals a potential shift in relations between the two nations. A US official stated that the President has asked the administration to "turn over a new leaf" and extend an "outstretched hand" to the people of Iran. The core condition for a fundamental transformation of the bilateral relationship is that Iran's leadership must abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons and cease its role as a driver of regional instability. The official noted that "great progress" had already been made in the initial hours of the talks, with expectations of further advancements.

Separately, a Sky News data investigation has brought to light a troubling pattern in UK maternity services: the widespread neglect and isolation of fathers and partners during childbirth and the postnatal period. Dubbed the "Dad Gap," the report features harrowing personal accounts from three fathers who felt ignored, helpless, and traumatized by their experiences. One father described carrying his daughter down the aisle as the only aisle he would ever walk her down, while another recounted the horror of a broken life-support machine that endangered his newborn. The investigation highlights systemic failures, including a lack of communication, exclusion from critical moments, and a general feeling of being an afterthought in a process that should involve both parents.

In response to the report, Scott Mayer, director of Fatherhood Solutions, emphasized that these stories are widespread. He argued that men do want to talk about their feelings but need permission and the right platforms. Mayer called for a shift in language from "partner" to "dad" or "father" to avoid implying they are inferior parents. He stressed the importance of early intervention and better antenatal education, noting that while there are pockets of good practice, the system often fails to support fathers, leading to long-term mental health challenges. The report and subsequent discussion underscore a growing recognition that maternity care must address the needs of the entire family, not just the mother and child.