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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for accountability from those providing support that fuels the war in Sudan, where fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. He is urging an end to outside backing for the warring parties and pressure on those responsible for atrocities.

Demands are mounting for the US government to release the files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019. Commentators and politicians are pressing for full disclosure of records connected to his case and associates, keeping the issue at the centre of political debate.

Anthropic's chief executive has called for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence, speaking in an exclusive interview. The company behind the Claude chatbot has previously urged governments to establish testing and safety standards for advanced AI systems. The remarks add to a growing debate among AI developers and policymakers over how quickly rules should be introduced to manage risks from increasingly capable models.

Stock markets dropped worldwide as geopolitical upheaval pushed investors toward safe-haven assets, sending oil prices and bond yields higher. The surge in volatility highlights how sensitive markets remain to escalating international tensions, with traders weighing the risk of prolonged disruption to energy supplies and broader economic fallout if the situation deteriorates further.

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. Macron also did not rule out an additional deployment of French Air Force fighter jets, signalling a deepening French security role in the Red Sea region amid ongoing threats to global energy infrastructure.

Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a possible technical partner in diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear programme, specifically if talks turn to how Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium should be handled. The move signals Astana's ambition to play a bigger role in nuclear diplomacy and nonproliferation, drawing on its own experience as a former nuclear state that gave up its arsenal. Observers are watching whether Iran's uranium dispute with the IAEA and Western powers could open a role for Central Asian mediation.

An update on the Ukraine war claims Russian forces are suffering major setbacks across the entire eastern front, describing the situation as a big loss for Moscow and saying Putin is reacting hysterically. The claim is circulating widely among people following daily battlefield developments in the conflict.

A new Ebola emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is prompting calls from the United Nations and humanitarian organisations for urgent access to affected communities. Aid agencies say rapid, unimpeded access is essential to contain the outbreak, treat patients and deliver supplies, amid concerns that access restrictions could allow the virus to spread further.

Oil prices rose sharply after renewed attacks by Yemen's Houthis and growing fears of escalation between the United States and Iran. Traders are pricing in the risk that the confrontations could disrupt shipping and supply through the Red Sea and the wider Gulf region. Markets are watching closely for any retaliatory moves that could widen the conflict.

Salinas, California-based produce company Taylor Farms has issued a recall of lettuce products across 27 US states amid an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, a foodborne illness caused by a microscopic intestinal parasite. The news is being widely reported by national and regional outlets, which are advising consumers to check whether they purchased affected lettuce and to watch for symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach cramps.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for de-escalation as fighting intensifies in Ethiopia. The appeal highlights growing concern over the impact of renewed hostilities on civilians, and comes amid reports of worsening conditions on the ground. Observers are watching for whether the parties to the conflict respond to international pressure to step back.

Iran is making a forceful diplomatic play at the United Nations, framing it as a surgical strike in the diplomatic arena amid a standoff with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The episode has drawn attention after delegates staged a walkout during proceedings. Commentators are debating whether Tehran's UN offensive marks a shift in momentum, with international audiences weighing Iran's rhetoric against Israel's position and the broader implications for regional diplomacy.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Qatari mediators in Doha as Washington presses for renewed negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. Qatar has acted as a key intermediary between Tehran and Washington in past exchanges. The meeting comes amid heightened regional tension, and observers are watching for any signal that direct nuclear talks between Iran and the United States might resume.

Russia is set to increase its military spending by 27% as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate, according to a Bloomberg report. The planned surge signals Moscow's intent to sustain and intensify its military campaign, pouring significantly more resources into defense despite mounting economic pressure and sanctions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used his final address to the UN General Assembly to renew calls for global oversight of artificial intelligence and an end to ongoing conflicts. His remarks coincide with the Security Council preparing to host a briefing with AI leaders on the risks and governance of the powerful technology.

CNN is examining the Trump administration's ban on certain media outlets from White House access, with legal analysts saying Trump's legal position has shifted dramatically. The move has reignited debate over press freedom and the limits of presidential power over news organisations, drawing strong reactions across the political spectrum.

President Donald Trump has called off planned military strikes against the Houthis, according to Fox News. The decision, announced as breaking news, is drawing wide attention given the US campaign against the Yemen-based group and questions over what prompted the reversal and what it means for American military operations in the region.

Germany's foreign minister met with her Russian counterpart in a rare face-to-face encounter, urging Moscow to step back from what she called a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine. The meeting stands out given how few high-level contacts between Berlin and Moscow have taken place since Russia's full-scale invasion, and it signals continued diplomatic channels despite deep tensions.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for 'war' in the occupied West Bank, prompting questions about whether his remarks signal a genuine escalation of military operations there or are political rhetoric. The statement adds to tensions as Israeli operations in the territory have intensified amid the wider conflict with Hamas and Palestinian groups, drawing international scrutiny of settlement and annexation policies.

The Muslim World League has issued a call for the establishment of a Palestinian state and urgent international action to end the suffering of civilians in Gaza. The announcement, reported by Arab News, underscores growing pressure from global Islamic and humanitarian organisations for a political resolution to the conflict and improved humanitarian conditions in the territory.