With the largely indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran entering a pause of at least a week for the funeral of Iran’s slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, some key questions about the talks remain unanswered. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding signed two weeks ago, both sides committed “to negotiating and … Read more
NewsFeed US Vice President JD Vance has touted significant progress in talks with Iran over its nuclear programme and Israel’s war on Lebanon, while refusing to commit to an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. He said Trump is trying to bring ‘permanent peace’ to a region that’s been ‘a basket case for a long time’. … Read more
NewsFeed The first round of US-Iran talks has ended with both sides agreeing on a roadmap towards a final deal to be reached ‘within 60 days’. Iran said the negotiations resulted in waivers for oil exports and the release of some frozen assets. The parties have also agreed to a ‘de-confliction cell’ to monitor the … Read more
More than 200 people have been killed in attacks, but the abducted Christians have been freed. Armed groups in Nigeria have killed more than 200 people in several attacks in recent days. Meanwhile, all the Christian worshippers abducted from churches last month have been released. How serious is Nigeria’s security situation – and what progress … Read more
Firefighters who battled through the night to tame a new blaze that erupted near Los Angeles appeared to be making progress, even as dangerous fire weather continued throughout Southern California. A massive response involving aircraft, bulldozers and 4,000 personnel had swung into action as flames raced across hillsides in Castaic, 56km (35 miles) north of … Read more
Negotiations are based on a plan calling for an Israeli withdrawal from ‘major population centres’ in Gaza and an initial six-week ceasefire. Qatar says some progress in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza has been made and it is continuing mediation to “bridge the gap” between Israel and Hamas. The Gulf state, Egypt and the … Read more
Abdoulaye Bathily says ‘lack of political will and good faith’ on the part of Libyan leaders are making UN governance efforts in Libya futile. The UN’s special envoy for Libya says he is his resigning as the world body cannot successfully support the country’s political transition when its leaders put their own interests above finding … Read more
The country is stepping up its development of more technologically-advanced weaponry capable of striking further afield. North Korea has successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for its new-type intermediate-range hypersonic missile. State media reported the development on Wednesday, suggesting progress in Pyongyang’s efforts to develop a more powerful, agile missile that could be capable of hitting … Read more