The KC-135 plane went down in western Iraq at around 2pm on 12 March, US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, said in a statement on Friday. The identities of the dead service members are being withheld for 24 hours after next of kin have been notified. The plane crash "was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire", CENTCOM said, echoing an earlier statement on the incident which involved another aircraft that landed safely. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Reuters news agency the other aircraft was also a KC-135 refuelling plane. The circumstances of the incident were under investigation, CENTCOM added. An umbrella group of Iranian proxies called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for downing the plane on Thursday. But the group previously made false claims about attacks during the Iran war. The US military has used the KC-135, built by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s, for more than 60 years to refuel aircraft mid-flight, allowing them to carry out missions without having to land. Read more from Sky News:Oil tankers to be escorted through Strait of HormuzWhat we know about the deadly Iran school strike Seven US troops have been killed since the start of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February. So far, the war has killed more than 2,000 people, including nearly 700 in Lebanon. Israel has expanded its offensive against Iran-backed Hezbollah, with strikes hitting Lebanon's capital Beirut overnight.

The most popular Netflix movie of all time, the story of a girl group who use secret identities to protect their fans from supernatural forces, has crossed cultural barriers and earned fans around the world. The follow-up marks the first project under co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans' new and exclusive multi-year deal with the streaming giant. Read more:Hollywood gets red-carpet readyOscars fashion: Iconic looks that broke the rules The first movie, which was released in June 2025 and became Netflix's most popular movie of all time with more than 325 million views in its first 91 days of being released, is up for two Oscars. It's up for best animated feature, and the movie's title track Golden is up for best original song. The film has already earned a Critics' Choice award a Golden Globe, and Golden - which climbed to the top of the official singles chart last August and became the first K-pop number one in 13 years - has been performed at both the BAFTAs and Brits. It will also be performed again at Sunday's Oscars. Details of the storyline, which in the first movie pitted Huntr/X - made up of Rumi, Mira and Zoey - against rival boy band and demons in disguise, Saja Boys, are yet to be revealed. Speaking about the sequel, Kang said: "I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters. "There's so much more to this world we have built, and I'm excited to show you. This is only the beginning." The film stars The Hangover's Ken Jeong, Hellboy actor Daniel Dae Kim, and the singing voices behind Huntr/X, Ejae who plays Rumi, Audrey Nuna who plays Mira, and Rei Ami who plays Zoey. Appelhans added: "These characters are like family to us, their world has become our second home. "We're excited to write their next chapter, challenge them, and watch them evolve, and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation, and story can come together." A release date is yet to be announced.

Keir Starmer has already admitted that appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador was a mistake. But after the first batch of documents was released, Beth, Ruth and Harriet ask the big question: we still don't know how big that 'mistake' was - could it get worse with what is yet to come out about what the prime minister knew about Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein? In this episode we break down: What's in the first tranche of documents around Peter Mandelson's appointment (and what's still missing) The red flags raised before Mandelson was appointed and why the process looks so rushed What "developed vetting" actually is, and why it could become the key detail The growing political risk for Starmer, including questions around what was said in the Commons Peter Mandelson has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing and he is cooperating with the police investigation. Plus, a powerful moment in parliament this week as Labour MPs Charlotte Nichols and Natalie Fleet speak about their own experiences as victims. How do their stories feed into the government's legal reforms? And what would the plans mean for justice, juries and the courts' backlog? Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.

The club captain's previous deal was set to expire in 2028 but the Blues have headed off any risk of his contract entering its final stages with an extension that will keep him at the club until he is 32. An academy graduate who first trained with Chelsea at the age of six, James has made 225 appearances in all competitions since making his debut in 2019 and was appointed skipper in 2023. Chelsea news & transfers🔵 | Chelsea fixtures & scoresLive Premier League table | Watch FREE PL highlightsGot Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱No Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 The England international has lifted five major trophies with the Londoners, including the 2021 Champions League, but feels his best is still to come. "I am over the moon to have extended my contract - Chelsea means so much to me," he told the club's official website. "I have always said I want my peak years to be here, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes. I'm excited for the future under this ownership, sporting directors, coach and all the staff and hopefully we will lift many more trophies together over the coming years." Rosenior: James best player in world in his position The current season has been James' most fruitful in terms of minutes on the pitch after injuries to his knee and hamstring wrecked much of the previous two campaigns. Chelsea, who face Newcastle live on Sky Sports on Saturday (kick off 5.30pm), have been extremely careful about how much time he spends on the pitch and have employed a carefully regimented model to ensure he is not overstretched. He has played 35 times in all competitions this season, his highest tally since 2021/22. Kyle Walker touted him as England's number one right-back in a crowded field when he announced his own international retirement this week, hailing him as a "complete" player. Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior couldn't hide his delight at the news of James' deal, describing the defender as "the best player in the world in his position". "I can't stop smiling because we have secured the best player in world football in his position. "He had many opportunities to leave this magnificent club and the good thing is not just the size and stature of the club but he's come through from a very young age, places belief and confidence in what we're doing, where want to go. "We've had many conversations about it and for him to sign the deal and put his faith in us is a massive deal." 'James is the leader of this team' Rosenior added: "For as long as I'm here, he will be my leader. "It's been a really good two and a half months with him. He's going to go on to have hopefully a really successful career at this club." Sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart added: "On behalf of ownership and everyone connected to Chelsea, it is a proud moment for all of us to have Reece extend his contract. "He is the leader of this team, both on and off the pitch."

It's brought a spike in oil prices, a chance to play peacemaker, and now the easing of US sanctions on Russian oil. This latest development marks a stunning reversal of policy from the Trump administration, and a major coup for the Kremlin. Iran war latest: Explosion reported near Tehran march Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, has played down the significance of any financial benefits for Moscow, stressing that the measures are "narrowly tailored" and "short term". But that feels like wishful thinking from Washington, and a lot of positive spin. According to the Financial Times, Russia has been pocketing as much as $150m a day in extra oil revenues as a result of the crisis, after the disruption to global energy supplies led to increased demand from China and India. The lifting of sanctions means it now has a load of extra customers it can potentially sell to, and business has already begun, with Thailand announcing this morning that it's ready to buy Russian oil. Oil was the area where the Trump administration had sought to put pressure on the Kremlin - to harm its economy in a bid to bring it to the table on Ukraine. To a certain extent it was working. Depleted sales to India (as a result of US sanctions), combined with a drop in prices, has led to a ballooning budget deficit, by depriving the Kremlin of a vital source of income. Russia's defence spending hadn't been impacted yet, but it was making the maths harder for Moscow to add up. So this represents a remarkable turnaround, not only economically but diplomatically too. Read more:Why Trump's war with Iran will help fund Russia's assault on UkraineUS Navy to escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz Symbolically it brings Russian oil back in from the cold, and creates further splits in the transatlantic alliance. Europe is staunchly against any sanctions relief for Russia, with both Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voicing their opposition to it in recent days. Such friction only plays into Moscow's hands. Domestically, too, it helps the Kremlin reinforce its message to the public that it was right all along - that the world needs Russia. "The US is effectively acknowledging the obvious: without Russian oil, the global energy market cannot remain stable," Kremlin investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev wrote on Telegram. "Amid the growing energy crisis, further easing of restrictions on Russian energy sources appears increasingly inevitable, despite resistance from some in the Brussels bureaucracy," he added. Moscow clearly hopes this means that the sanctions genie is out of the bottle. Depending on the direction of oil prices, it may well be right.

Warner Brothers has 30 Oscar nominations in total, more than any of its rivals - and mainly thanks to these two films, with period vampire horror Sinners alone picking up a record-breaking 16 nods. But after a century of filmmaking influence, the studio is poised for a takeover so vast it could reshape Hollywood's structure, power dynamics, and even creative output. The Paramount Skydance deal, struck for an eye-watering $110bn, subject to reviews, would bring together two of the city's five legacy studios. Many in the industry are now looking to what happens after the Oscars ceremony. "This is a very exciting time for Warner Brothers," says Brian Welk, senior business reporter for entertainment site IndieWire. "They are most likely going to win best picture with one of their two films, and yet we don't know the future of what the film people in charge will be able to do moving forward, or will they still be around or still have that same autonomy?" Paramount, led by billionaire Larry Ellison's son, David, has political connections to Donald Trump's administration. The deal is still subject to approval from regulators, and both Democrats and Republicans have raised concerns it could result in higher prices and fewer choices for customers. Cinema operators have also said combining ​large Hollywood studios could cost jobs and reduce the ​number ⁠of films released in theatres. "These are two very aligned companies that have a lot of similar structures," says Brian. "They have two lots that are both in Hollywood. "There's many people who are wondering, are Paramount and Warner Brothers even going to keep both lots? Are they going to lay off thousands of people?" Deal could 'threaten livelihoods', union says On Thursday, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters labour union said it had warned the Department of Justice (DoJ) in a report that the proposed takeover posed a direct threat to film and television workers nationwide, including almost 15,000 of its rank-and-file members in the industry. It has called for the deal to be blocked unless "substantial and enforceable safeguards are put in place to increase domestic production and protect jobs". Read more:One Battle After Another is 'devastatlingly timely'CPS loses appeal over Kneecap terror charge "This merger threatens the livelihoods of the very workers who built these studios into industry giants," said Teamsters general president Sean M O'Brien. "We've seen what happens when corporations consolidate power: jobs disappear, production leaves American communities, and workers pay the price. "The DoJ has a responsibility to stop deals that eliminate competition and harm working families." Sky News has contacted Warner Bros and Paramount for comment. Asked about the deal and uncertainty in the industry at the Oscar Wilde Awards, hosted by the US-Ireland Alliance ahead of the Oscars, filmmaker JJ Abrams said things feel "shaky and unsettled" at the moment. The producer, best known for the Star Trek reboot and two of the new Star Wars films, continued: "I think it's not necessarily human nature to realise that things can settle and things can get better and I feel like staying hopeful is very important. Doing the best work you can is really important. "There are so many brilliant people here and I hope that, especially in Hollywood, that we're able to allow for production with tax incentives to remain here, for post-production to remain here. There's so much work and so much brilliant talent in the city that is really not getting a chance because productions are choosing to go elsewhere because of incentives. "So, I'm really hopeful that we are able to get to a place where movies and shows continuously and increasingly can be made here." While the deal is not set in stone yet, for Hollywood this is huge, not only in terms of the US film industry but the wider media landscape. Warner Brothers will be enjoying its moment in the sun at the Oscars on Sunday - but things could be very different for ceremonies to come.

John Healey also signalled that British forces needed to be ready in coordination with allies to evacuate UK nationals from the Middle East if the US and Israeli war with Iran worsens. He said he had spoken to his counterparts in the so-called E5 group of European powers, which includes Germany, France, Italy and Poland, on Wednesday to discuss the crisis. On the threat to oil tankers in the Gulf, the senior cabinet minister said the best way to unblock the vital waterway would be an end to the war between the US, Israel and Iran. Iran war latest: follow live However, as conflict rages and with tankers ablaze, he said he has asked his military planners to look at what the UK could offer alongside other nations to protect commercial tankers needing to pass through the Strait from attacks by Iranian drones, mines and missiles. This could include autonomous vessels that can counter mines. In addition, the British military has personnel based at a headquarters in Bahrain with expertise in commanding maritime security operations. The UK is already sending HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, with significant air defence capabilities, to bolster its defences in the region. This ship could also potentially be an option if there is a move to protect shipping. Read more:US Navy to escort oil tankers through Strait of HormuzWhat we know about the deadly Iran school strike "Recognising the huge impact this potentially has on oil prices and the cost of living, there is an international imperative to try and see this resolved," Mr Healey said, referring to the disruption to the flow of tankers carrying oil and gas through the Strait. "I have - pre-positioned in the region - some autonomous mine hunting systems," the defence secretary told reporters, speaking after meeting with commanders at the permanent joint headquarters, PJHQ, in Northwood, in northwest London, which is the main headquarters overseeing British military operations around the world. "I have been talking to planners today about additional options we can bring to bear alongside allies should it be needed." However, Mr Healey stressed that this work was "early days". "You should not read into that that we have got some hard options poised to go. But… I am discussing additional options with our planners." Mr Healey said he had spoken with E5 defence ministers about greater coordination in the Eastern Mediterranean. He signalled this could also mean in any future evacuation efforts. "If this conflict worsens, we have to be ready should evacuations be required," he told commanders. The UK has placed RFA Lyme Bay, a vast support ship, on heightened readiness to deploy, in a sign of the kind of assets being readied. However, the options to assist in defending shipping through the Strait of Hormuz or conducting evacuations are more limited than they have been in the past following defence cuts. A decade ago, the Royal Navy had at least one major warship operating out of Bahrain and up to four minehunters - each one a large, crewed ship - as well as a huge support vessel. Today, there are no warships based out of Bahrain, with the last crewed minehunter, HMS Middleton, sent back to the UK for maintenance. It means the UK could only contribute to an effort to protect shipping in the Gulf alongside allies like the US and France.

Borthwick fighting for future Having been talked up as title contenders before the tournament, England now face the grim reality of crashing to their worst-ever Six Nations campaign, finishing with a solitary victory unless they defy expectations against title‑chasing France. England boss Steve Borthwick travels to the Stade de France fighting for his future in the wake of a landmark first defeat by Italy in round four. Borthwick is convinced he has the necessary fixes, but evidence of a revival is needed against France, with another heavy defeat likely to test the RFU's patience ahead of the post‑Championship debrief. How France, Scotland and Ireland can win Six Nations titleSix Nations standings heading into 'Super Saturday'Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contractChoose the Sky Sports push notifications you wantTitle destiny in France's hands France's staggering 50-40 defeat at Murrayfield last Saturday could be bad news for England and for anyone hoping for an upset in Paris. Fabien Galthie's side saw their Grand Slam hopes dashed last time out but now have a clear objective: inflict maximum damage in Le Crunch to retain their title. It is hard to look beyond a successful Les Bleus title defence, given the destiny of the championship is in their hands and they will know exactly what they need when they step onto the field. France have set the pace throughout the Six Nations, and a strong finish would underscore their status as the dominant force in northern hemisphere rugby. Ireland or Scotland if France falter? In a tantalising three‑way tussle for the title, Ireland and Scotland will go toe‑to‑toe in Dublin for the Triple Crown and the chance to move top of the championship table. The victors will then need England to spring a major surprise in Paris in the final fixture of Super Saturday to prevent Galthie's defending champions returning to the summit. Ireland boss Andy Farrell insists "anything can happen" in the final round and believes under‑fire England are capable of doing his side - or Scotland - a favour against France. Asked if England have the quality to cause a shock at the Stade de France, Farrell said: "Of course. Look at the results in the competition. Of course they do, 100 per cent. "Everyone knows the players they've got and the coaching staff they've got and what they're capable of. And when a team is a little bit wounded as well, anything can happen. "It's a fantastic position to be in as a neutral watching the Six Nations this weekend. But nothing would surprise me - exactly the same as last weekend." History beckons for Scotland Forget about the Six Nations title. As Gregor Townsend has been at pains to point out, the title is out of Scotland's hands. Only collecting more match points against Ireland in Dublin than France manage against England in Paris will hand them the title. And yet, even if Scotland are denied a maiden Six Nations title, history still beckons on many levels for Townsend's team. A victory would secure a first Triple Crown since 1990 - a generation‑defining triumph for Scottish rugby and for Townsend's tenure. There is also the opportunity to end Ireland's dominance in the fixture and exorcise their Dublin demons. Scotland have lost their past 11 meetings with Ireland, with their last win coming nine years ago, and they have not won in the Irish capital since a 2010 victory at Croke Park. It goes without saying how significant a title‑clinching victory would be, but there is still so much on the line. Can Wales end the drought? Come kick‑off against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday, 1,099 days will have passed since Wales last tasted victory in the Six Nations. Since that March 2023 win over Italy, a barren three‑year period has seen Wales lose 15 consecutive Championship matches - their worst run in the tournament's history. Wales conceded 102 points in opening defeats to England and France, but there have been shoots of recovery under Steve Tandy, with significant progress shown against Scotland and Ireland in the previous two rounds. Scotland were five minutes from losing in Cardiff before edging a 26-23 win, while Wales were within one score of Ireland until four minutes from time in last weekend's 27-17 defeat in Dublin. Italy travel to Cardiff on the back of arguably their biggest‑ever win after defeating England, but there is hope that the positives from Wales' campaign can be pieced together into a complete performance that ensures they end the tournament on a high.