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Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to the United States on Friday. As he departed Washington, senior U.S. government officials saw him off at the airport, where a 21-gun salute was fired in a formal farewell gesture. The visit and its ceremonial send-off are drawing wide attention, with observers weighing what the trip signals for the state of U.S.-China relations.

American intelligence, according to the report, informed several European governments that Russia may be preparing a drone attack on Spain, France, or Italy. The CIA allegedly shared the warning after gathering information on Russian plans targeting one of the Mediterranean countries. The claim is circulating widely across France, Italy, Spain, and Russia, driving debate about Russian hybrid actions against NATO members and how European governments will respond to the reported threat.

Russian forces are urgently redeploying thousands of troops to the Lyman frontline in eastern Ukraine, according to war monitoring reports. The movement comes as Ukraine's 3rd Corps continues making large advances in the area, and the reports say there is panic within the Russian command over the situation there.

Ukraine's defence ministry says its forces struck six strategic Russian oil refineries over the past week, some up to 1,600 km behind the front line. It describes the facilities as key parts of Russia's defence industry supplying fuel to occupation forces, framing the campaign as retaliation for Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory.

New data indicates the current El Niño is the strongest ever measured, marking a major shift in global weather patterns. The development is drawing attention because a powerful El Niño typically brings droughts, floods and heat extremes to different regions worldwide, with scientists watching closely for effects on temperatures, agriculture and extreme weather in the months ahead.

The United States and China have reached a trade agreement to lower tariffs on roughly $30 billion worth of so-called non-sensitive goods, following a meeting this week between President Trump and President Xi. The deal is expected to reduce prices on a range of consumer products, including small appliances, toys and holiday items. Coverage is focused on what this means for consumer prices and the broader trade relationship between the two countries.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for de-escalation in Ethiopia as fighting between parties to the conflict intensifies, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and the humanitarian situation. The appeal comes amid reports of escalating hostilities, and observers warn that continued violence could worsen an already severe human rights and displacement crisis in the country.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a Washington Post report. The finding highlights Riyadh's hedging as regional tensions persist and talks over a potential civil nuclear program and a defense pact with Washington continue. It also raises questions about proliferation risks if Iran's nuclear program advances further.

Al Jazeera reports that UNRWA has been given no role in Gaza under the Board of Peace framework, raising questions about whether the body is aligning with Israeli positions. Critics argue sidelining the UN agency, long the main provider of aid and services to Palestinians, sets a troubling precedent, while backers say Gaza's reconstruction needs new structures.

According to American intelligence cited in reports, the CIA has alerted several European governments that Russia may be preparing a drone attack on Spain, France, or Italy. The warning, reportedly based on US-gathered information, concerns one of the three Mediterranean countries. The news is spreading rapidly across European and Russian social media, with users debating whether such an attack is plausible and what it would mean for NATO and EU security.

French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly challenged statements made by Donald Trump regarding Gaza. The disagreement between the two leaders adds to ongoing international debate over the situation in Gaza and the positions of Western governments. With high attention across global media, the exchange highlights continued friction between European and American approaches to the Middle East conflict.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, laying out what Iran describes as its red lines on nuclear weapons, Israel and regional security. His speech touched on Tehran's position that it does not seek nuclear arms while pressing its grievances against Israel and outlining its stance on stability across the Middle East.

Oil prices dropped as hopes grew for renewed diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. Traders weighed the prospect of eased tensions, which could reduce supply risks in the region and potentially open the door to more Iranian oil on world markets. Analysts are watching whether negotiations materialize and how far prices might fall if a deal becomes more likely.

Ukraine has carried out its largest attack on Moscow, firing hundreds of drones at the Russian capital, according to BBC News reporting. The scale of the strike marks a significant escalation in the air war between the two countries. The attack is drawing wide attention as observers assess the damage, Russia's air defence response, and what the operation signals about the changing dynamics of the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly attacked critics of Israel's military actions in Gaza, pushing back against mounting international condemnation of the ongoing war. His remarks come as scrutiny of Israel's conduct in the territory continues to grow among foreign governments, humanitarian organisations and commentators.

Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, is scheduled to brief the United Nations Security Council next week on artificial intelligence, according to Reuters. The session would place the head of one of the world's leading AI companies directly before the body charged with international peace and security, as governments weigh how to regulate advanced AI. Details of the briefing's agenda and who requested it were not immediately available.

Iran's foreign minister says the country is 'ready for diplomacy' and 'war at the same time', stressing a dual posture in the face of mounting tensions. In a full interview, he signalled Tehran is open to negotiations while insisting it will defend itself if confronted, a message drawing wide international attention.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran will never seek to build a nuclear bomb, speaking ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The pledge comes as Iran's nuclear programme remains under intense international scrutiny and as world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the annual UN meeting.

Bangkok has declared all 50 of its districts disaster zones following severe flooding across the Thai capital. The declaration allows city authorities to unlock emergency resources and relief measures for residents affected by widespread inundation. The move signals the scale of the flooding crisis, and people are discussing the city's response and conditions on the ground as heavy water disrupts daily life across the metropolis.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will send soldiers and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia to help protect Yanbu's critical oil-export facilities from Houthi attacks. He did not rule out an additional French Air Force fighter deployment as well. The move marks a significant expansion of France's military role in the region and its security cooperation with Saudi Arabia.