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Iran was jolted by resurgentanti-government protestsover the weekend, as Washington sought to build pressure on Tehran to accede to its demands ahead of new nuclear talks amid a massive Americanmilitary buildup.

Iranian state news agencies reported student demonstrations at five universities in the capital and one in the city of Mashhad over the weekend, with fresh protests also reported Monday. Large crowds rallied outside the Amir Kabir University of Technology in Tehran, according to video geolocated by NBC News that circulated on social media Sunday.

The video does not appear to have circulated before Sunday but NBC News has not been able to pinpoint when exactly it was taken.

They are the first known protests to have erupted since theanti-government unrest that swept the countrylast month and sawthousands of people killedin a brutal crackdown, according to rights groups.

The United States has held the threat of military action over the regime in the wake of those demonstrations, which marked the biggest flare-up of domestic dissent since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. But PresidentDonald Trumphas also pursued negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, entertaining diplomacy even as he masses a daunting military force in the Middle East.

Trump's special envoySteve Witkoffsaid Saturday that the president was "curious" as to why Iran had not changed course in the face of this buildup.

"He's curious as to why they haven't — I don't want to use the word 'capitulated' — but why they haven't capitulated," Witkoff said in an interview with Fox News' "My View with Lara Trump."

"Why under this sort of pressure, with the amount of sea power, naval power that we have over there, why they haven't come to us and said, 'We profess that we don't want a weapon'?" he said.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is en route to becomethe second American aircraft carrierin the region, wherethe U.S. has been gathering air defenses, warships and submarines.

Officials signaled in a meeting last week that all U.S. military forces required for possible action would be in place by mid-March, a senior administration official told NBC News, though Trump hasthreatened possible actionsooner than that.

New talks are scheduled for Thursday, according to the country that brokered previous rounds of indirect negotiations.

Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, said in aposton X on Sunday that talks were confirmed for Thursday in Geneva "with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal."

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Iranian PresidentMasoud Pezeshkianoffered some optimism Sunday, suggesting the latest talks had "yielded encouraging signals."

"Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region," he said in aposton X. However, he warned that Tehran continued to "closely monitor U.S. actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario."

Addressing the U.S. threat of military action in a news conference Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the Islamic Republic would "never be influenced by threats" and would "insist on Iran's national interests."

He added that there was "no such thing as a limited attack," after Trump confirmed he was considering a more limited initial strike to force Tehran into concessions.

Any "act of aggression" would be met with a firm response, he said. "At the same time that we are in the negotiation room, our military forces will be more alert."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately said in an interview that aired Sunday on CBS' "Face The Nation" that a new meeting would "probably" take place Thursday, adding that he hoped to prepare a "fast deal."

"I think we're still very much in a wait-and-see kind of mode," said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the London-based think tank Chatham House.

"We're lurching between the possibility of strikes and the possibility of a deal and I don't really have a feeling right now one way or the other," she told NBC News in a phone interview Monday. It will take a "real willingness to compromise from both parties" and in a "timely manner" in order to avoid military escalation, Vakil added.

As the prospect of a major attack by the U.S. and Israel raised fears of a new conflict in the Middle East, regional powers expressed outrage after the U.S. ambassadorsuggested Israel had a biblical rightto take over swaths of territory in the Middle East.

"It would be fine if they took it all, but I don't think that's what we're talking about here today," Mike Huckabee said during an interview withpodcaster Tucker Carlsonposted to YouTube on Friday.

Huckabee clarified that this was not on the table as "they're not asking to take all that," but his comments sparked outrage, with the foreign ministries of more than a dozen Arab and Muslim nations expressing their "strong condemnation and profound concern" in a joint statement and issuing a "categorical rejection of such dangerous and inflammatory remarks."

Iran warned the comments could further "embolden" Israel in "illegal measures against Palestinians as well as its constant aggression against the nations of the region."

Police in Nigeria say 38 people were killed and others were abucted in an attack last week in northwestern Zamfara state.

Authorities received intelligence before the attack Thursday but a lack of road access prevented police from reaching the area in time, state police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar told The Associated Press.

"By the time we have our way, the assailants have invaded the community and killed 38 while also abducting many residents," Abubakar said Monday.

Investigators in the West African nation are compiling a list of women and children who were abducted, Abubakar said.

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The attack in Tungan Duste, a community in the Anka local government area of Zamfara state, is the latest assault on civilians in Nigeria's northern region, where attacks are frequent. In nearby Kebbi,33 people were killedin simultaneous attacks last week.

The African Union, which includes 55 member states on the continent, condemned the attack Sunday and called for the release of abducted women and children.

"The African Union unequivocally rejects all acts of terrorism and violent extremism against civilian populations, particularly women and children, as grave violations of human rights and serious threats to peace, security, and stability," the organization said in a statement.

Nigeria is battling a complex security crisis from different armed groups. The United States has sent troops to the West African nation to help advise its military on the fight against insecurity.

Following the reported killing of major cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," multiple American tourists vacationing inPuerto Vallartatold Fox News Digital they unexpectedly found themselves in the middle of a violent cartel retaliation.

As airlines canceled flights and authorities issued shelter-in-place orders, stranded visitors reported cars set ablaze, suspected cartel members blocking major roads, and stores ransacked by looters — scenes some witnesses said made parts of the popular resort city feel like "a war breaking out in the streets."

Witnesses said they were forced to evacuate their rooms, manage with limited hotel food, and even venture outside in search of meals while waiting for Mexican authorities to regain control of the city.

Staying at an Airbnb near a main road, Eugene Marchenko, 37, of Charleston, South Carolina, told Fox News Digital he woke up to blaring horns and saw six cars completely engulfed in flames just outside his balcony. He and his wife, who had arrived in Mexico only a day earlier, were forced to evacuate for several hours, fearing that a nearby fuel tanker, also ablaze, could explode.

Major Drug Lord 'El Mencho' Killed In Mexican Military Operation With U.s. Intelligence Support

"I looked down and they're completely engulfed in flames," Marchenko said. "It was six cars in total that burned and one fuel tanker."

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He said he watched a neighbor's video showing men he believed to be cartel members forcing people out of their vehicles, then pouring gasoline and setting the cars on fire.

"They told the people to leave," Marchenko said. "Then they were taking the gas and pouring the gas on the vehicle and waiting until everybody was clear before they were setting it on fire."

Later in the afternoon, Marchenko ventured out to find food and said he saw pharmacies and corner stores completely burned down, adding that younger crowds had broken into nearby buildings to loot beer and cigarettes.

Cartels Outgun Police: Rocket Launchers Seized In El Mencho Raid Spotlight Cjng Firepower

Videos obtained by Fox News Digital show a helicopter hovering above his building, circling as if searching for someone, while Mexicanarmed forces and armored vehiclesmoved through the streets below.

Public transportation and Ubers had come to a complete halt, Marchenko added, saying that even if flights resume, he is unsure how they would reach the airport.

Despite the chaos, Marchenko noted that no one appeared to panic.

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"There's definitely not any panic from almost nobody here," he said. "I think it's interesting, almost everybody was just annoyed more than anything."

Soccer Matches Postponed After Mexico Kills Cartel Leader 'El Mencho' Near World Cup Host

Adriana Belli, 49, anothervisitor from Miami, told Fox News Digital that she had planned to spend over a week in Mexico to attend a wedding in Guadalajara and celebrate a friend's birthday in Mexico City.

Belli said the sudden outbreak of violence was especially shocking, noting that she had spoken with American tourists staying at her Marriott resort who insisted the area was extremely safe after visiting Puerto Vallarta for 24 years.

She added that guests who had gone to the airport were under lockdown and were managing with the limited food available.

"A lot of the other tourists who had early morning flights were actually able to get to the airport, but they are now locked down in the airport and unable to leave," she said. "So what we heard from other guests is they are just sort of surviving off of granola bars."

Another source staying ata separate resorttold Fox News Digital that restaurants and room service had been shut down. Guests were brought to the lobby for what was described as "the last bit of food."

He added that this was the first trip where he and his wife were away from their 4-year-old son, and that he had to call home to tell family members where to find their will.

"This is the first time we've ever been away from him. My wife was saying, 'We're never leaving him again,'" he said. "I had to call my mom today and, you know, just tell her, 'Look, here's where my will is. We just created this. I don't want you to panic, but I may need you to stay a couple days extra with my son.'"

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He added that, despite the area appearing like a war zone, he is remaining optimistic that the authorities will restore order in the coming days.

Mexico's Defense Department said Sunday that Oseguera waskilled in a military operation. The news reportedly triggered widespread unrest and uncertainty across multiple states as Mexican authorities worked to stabilize the region.

Original article source:Tourists trapped in Puerto Vallarta recount cartel retaliation after 'El Mencho' killed

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lauren Betts had 19 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, and No. 2 UCLA defeated Wisconsin 80-60 for its 21st consecutive victory on Sunday, when the Bruins celebrated the program's first outright Big Ten championship.

Wisconsin UCLA Basketball

The Bruins (27-1, 17-0) are close to completing the first undefeated league season since 2014-15, when Maryland went 18-0. They finished 14-0 at home and have one road game remaining.

Wearing white title caps, the Bruins gathered at center court in a group hug and posed with the trophy.

UCLA had already clinched the title by the time it took the court, thanks to No. 13 Iowa's 62-44 victory over sixth-ranked Michigan earlier in the day. Both Michigan and Iowa are tied for second with three losses each.

Gabriela Jaquez had 17 points and seven rebounds for the Bruins, who had five players in double figures.

Dorja Zaja scored 16 points and Lily Krahn added 13 for the Badgers (13-15, 5-12). They lost their eighth in a row and fell to 2-9 on the road.

Wisconsin struck for two quick baskets to open the third and get within seven. Destiny Howell scored and Ronnie Porter hit a 3-pointer.

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But the Bruins took over, outscoring Wisconsin 24-15 to take a 65-49 lead into the fourth.

The Bruins led by 14 points on Jaquez's 3-pointer early in the second quarter. The Badgers twice cut their deficit to eight points before trailing 41-29 at halftime.

On Senior Day, the Bruins honored Betts, Kiki Rice, Jaquez, Charlisse Leger-Walker, Gianna Kneepkens and Angela Dugalic with flowers before the game. Rice and Jaquez have spent their entire four-year careers at UCLA; the others transferred to Westwood.

Up next

Wisconsin: Hosts No. 13 Iowa on March 1 to end regular season.

UCLA: Visits crosstown rival USC in regular-season finale on March 1.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women's college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. -- After hanging around on the porch for much of the past year, Jacob Bridgeman stormed through the front door Sunday, earning his first career PGA Tour victory by holding on for a one-shot win in the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.

Bridgeman played it safe, shooting 1-over-par 72 in the final round to finish 18-under 266 at the finale of the season-opening West Coast Swing. After holding a seven-shot lead at one point early in his final round, he needed a 3-foot putt at 18 to make the win official.

"This morning I wouldn't say it's a bad thing to let myself think about winning, but I did and I thought it would be a lot easier than it was," said Bridgeman, 26. "I kind of had everything under control, especially to start the day, and I felt great throughout the day. Then some guys started making a little run. ... Yeah, it got a lot tighter than I wanted it to."

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy (4-under 67) closed with birdies on the final two holes to finish tied for second with Kurt Kitayama (64) at 17 under, while Australia's Adam Scott (63) finished fourth at 16 under. Scott, the tournament winner in 2005 and 2020 who entered on a sponsor's exemption, had two rounds of 8-under 63.

South Africa's Aldrich Potgieter (68) was alone in fifth at 15 under and Jake Knapp (66) was sixth at 13 under.

During an emotional week, as the tournament returned to the Los Angeles-area neighborhood that was devastated by a wildfire last January, Bridgeman fought back tears on the 18th green when his breakthrough was complete.

"I've seen so many guys walking up 18 with the crowd kind of behind you, the amphitheater surrounding the green is such a cool moment," Bridgeman said. "I pictured myself walking up that hole with a four-shot lead and knowing that I'd won, but unfortunately it was only a one-shot lead and it became a lot more nervous. So I kept my head down, didn't really look up until the end."

Content to play it safe after starting the day with a six-shot lead, Bridgeman was even par through 15 holes after two birdies and two bogeys. His bogey at No. 16, dropped him to 18 under and allowed Kitayama to pull within a stroke.

Nine strokes back at the start of the day, Kitayama's charge included four birdies over his first five holes of the final round. He had four more birdies on the back nine to deliver his first top-five finish since winning the 3M Open in July 2025.

"Had a dream start to the day," Kitayama said. "Didn't really go into it thinking I had a chance, just kind of plugged along, and coming down the stretch figured if I could make some birdies, add a little pressure, but overall, great day."

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It was almost one year to the date when Bridgeman started to show that his first trophy was near. He was runner-up at Cognizant Classic last February and delivered four top-five finishes in just over four months.

The run continued this season with a fourth-place finish at the Sony Open at Hawaii and a tie for eighth at Pebble Beach last week. After never holding an overnight lead since joining the PGA Tour, Bridgeman was in the top spot all four days this weekend, including a tie for first after each of the first two rounds.

Playing in the final round with McIlroy, Bridgeman held his own against the world's No. 2 player. McIlroy was merely even par on the front nine, before collecting four birdies after the turn. McIlroy made it interesting with a long birdie putt from the fringe at the final hole.

"I holed some putts on the back nine, which is nice, but I'll rue basically all 18 holes (Saturday) and then the front nine today, like 27 holes where I failed to capitalize on the chances I gave myself," McIlroy said. "But overall, a really positive week."

Bridgeman, a South Carolina native and Clemson alumnus, who reached 21-under par early in his round, finished off the victory with a pars at 17 and 18.

An infrequent visitor to the West Coast until joining the PGA Tour, Bridgeman not only earned a hefty payday, he did it while playing on the legendary Riviera layout for the first time.

For the third consecutive week, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (65) turned a poor start into a solid finish. He finished 11 under for the weekend and in a tie for 12th after scrambling to make the cut on the number.

"I think after Thursday I did some pretty good stuff," Scheffler said. "... I think I was in dead last after Thursday, battled just to make the cut and think I had two solid (rounds) over the weekend."

Collin Morikawa (65), who ended a victory drought of over two years last week at Pebble Beach, was in a group of five, along with Tommy Fleetwood and Xander Schauffele, that finished tied for seventh place at 12 under.

In the middle of a rough round, Max Greyserman had a hole-in-one at No. 14 after he was 4 over on the day to that point. He finished in a tie for 24th place at 7 under.

--Doug Padilla, Field Level Media