REI

Iran's foreign minister says the country is 'ready for diplomacy' and 'ready for war at the same time', signalling Tehran's dual-track stance amid heightening tensions. The full interview lays out Iran's position on negotiations while warning it will not back down if confronted, drawing wide international attention to the risk of further escalation.

Iran's foreign minister has said the country is 'fully prepared' for war, while stressing that diplomacy is not over. The statement, picked up by international outlets including NBC News, signals Tehran is projecting military readiness amid ongoing tensions while leaving the door open to negotiations. It comes at a time of heightened concern over a potential confrontation involving Iran.

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have reached a record high, but a large share of the total consists of borrowed funds rather than export earnings or domestic savings. Commentators point out that the milestone reflects loans and deposits from friendly countries and lenders like the IMF, raising questions about the sustainability of the country's external position and its dependence on external financing.

Federal authorities have issued a security bulletin ahead of the September 11 anniversary, warning that foreign terrorist organizations continue to call for attacks in the United States. The notice urges law enforcement and the public to stay alert ahead of the annual commemoration, which remains a period of heightened security concern.

Japan is moving to tighten rules affecting foreign residents, throwing the futures of many into doubt, according to Al Jazeera. The reported shift signals a harder line on immigration in a country that has recently relied on foreign workers to offset its shrinking, ageing population. Commenters are debating what the change means for migrants' livelihoods and for Japan's economy.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Defense Department to take action against foreigners who attempt to meddle in U.S. elections, according to a report by Axios. The move signals a harder line on foreign interference, though details of what authorities the military would use, and how it would differ from existing intelligence and law enforcement efforts, remain unclear.

Reporter Ken Klippenstein published a story alleging that US federal authorities have viewed critics of artificial intelligence through the lens of foreign influence, treating some AI skeptics as potential foreign agents. The report has drawn attention on technology discussion forums, where readers are debating whether government scrutiny of AI commentary amounts to surveillance of legitimate domestic critics. Details of the underlying evidence and any official response were not immediately available.

Qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix produced surprises, with a notable driver eliminated early in the sessions and the pole-sitter setting a large gap over the rest of the field. Fans and Formula 1 followers are debating the shock exit and the pace advantage shown ahead of the race in Baku.

The US Senate has passed a college sports bill that would place new limits on athlete payments and transfers, according to reports from major outlets. The legislation would rein in the name, image and likeness deals and freer transfer rules that have reshaped college athletics, marking a significant federal intervention in how student-athletes can be compensated and move between schools.

The U.S. Department of War says it is preparing measures to protect American elections from foreign interference. The announcement, published on an official government site, signals active defense planning ahead of upcoming voting. Details on specific threats or operations have not been disclosed, but the statement underscores federal concern over hostile actors seeking to meddle in the electoral process.

The UK government has abandoned a proposal to charge foreign visitors for entry to national museums. Announced in March as a way to boost cultural funding, the idea was dropped after months of consultation, with the culture ministry warning it could also deter domestic visitors and undermine free access to the arts.

The European Union's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act is drawing attention from foreign investors assessing its implications. Legal commentators note the act could affect investment screening, subsidies and market access rules for companies operating in or entering the EU. Firms are watching how the legislation, part of the bloc's push to speed up industrial development, would reshape conditions for non-EU investors.

A historical postcard of the Dreifaltigkeitskloster in Bad Driburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, has been shared by a private archive. The card, published by the Wilh. Miesler publishing house in Lippstadt, depicts the monastery of the Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration. The post offers a glimpse into the town's religious and architectural heritage.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a package of bills designed to limit federal immigration enforcement efforts pushed by President Trump. The measures aim to restrict cooperation between state agencies and federal immigration authorities. The signing positions California prominently in the ongoing legal and political fight between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration over immigration policy.

Germany's Foreign Minister has publicly reaffirmed the country's commitment to the Council of Europe, the Strasbourg-based organisation devoted to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The statement signals continued German support for the body's mission and its institutions at a time when European unity and human rights commitments face political pressure.

Japan's defense chief Shinjiro Koizumi has repeated his call for the country to openly debate nuclear weapons and nuclear-powered submarines "without taboos," arguing that an unspoken atmosphere discourages such discussion. As head of the defense ministry, his remarks touch one of the most sensitive questions in postwar Japanese security policy, given Japan's non-nuclear principles and its history as the only nation attacked with atomic bombs.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation placing limits on immigration agents operating in the state, as the Trump administration escalates its deportation campaign. The laws aim to restrict how federal immigration enforcement is carried out in California. The move sets up a fresh clash between the state and federal government over immigration policy, and is drawing attention as deportations intensify nationwide.

An opinion piece argues that the United States must abandon its reliance on coercion in foreign policy, claiming that pressure tactics such as sanctions and threats have damaged America's standing and effectiveness abroad. The piece calls for a shift toward diplomacy and persuasion instead, joining a wider debate over whether Washington's hard-line approach is doing more harm than good.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a 'foreign actor' was involved in a terror plot in the United Kingdom. The claim adds an international dimension to the case and raises questions about state or foreign-linked involvement in attacks or planned attacks on British soil. Details about the plot, the alleged actors and the evidence behind Rubio's statement have not yet been made public.

Sudan's foreign minister has urged foreign powers to halt interference in the country, arguing that outside involvement is prolonging the war that has devastated Sudan since fighting erupted between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. He called on external actors to stop backing rival sides so a peaceful resolution can be reached.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said a foreign actor was 'clearly' behind a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, the US air base in Gloucestershire, England. The claim, reported by ITV News, comes as authorities examine the alleged scheme, though details of the plot and the country implicated have not been disclosed. The accusation has raised questions about security at US bases in the UK.

Bryan Stern has issued a warning about foreign threats following arrests in the United Kingdom connected to an alleged terror plot. The arrests have drawn attention to security concerns, and Stern's comments add a further warning about dangers originating abroad. Details about the plot, those arrested, or the specific threats he described have not been confirmed in available reporting.

Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student who became a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests and in debates over free speech and deportation, has published a book that restates his anti-Zionist position. Coverage so far focuses on his reaffirmed opposition to Zionism and on what the memoir reveals about his activism and detention experience. Reactions are divided between supporters who see him as a free-speech cause and critics who dispute his views.

Flexport has launched an MCP Server that allows AI agents to book freight directly through its platform, the company announced. The move means businesses using AI assistants could automate shipping arrangements rather than working through traditional booking interfaces, a notable step in applying agent-based AI to logistics operations.

Beth Ferreira, a venture investor, is profiled in a Q&A about how she leverages celebrity connections to source investment deals. The interview explores her approach to converting famous names into startup opportunities and what that means for early-stage investing.

Indian stock markets opened little changed after a bout of foreign investor selling weighed on sentiment, according to a Reuters report. Traders are watching whether overseas outflows persist, with benchmark indexes holding steady despite the pressure from foreign funds reducing their positions in Indian equities.

Ryan Rasmussen, head of research at asset manager Bitwise, says sovereign wealth funds and governments are selling gold reserves to buy Bitcoin. The claim, aired via Bitcoin Magazine, suggests nation-states are beginning to treat Bitcoin as a superior reserve asset. If accurate, it marks a significant shift in how governments manage reserves, though details and evidence supporting the claim were not provided.

The military sites in Gavere and its sub-municipality Semmerzake in Belgium are celebrating their 75th anniversary. At a commemorative ceremony held on Wednesday evening, officials stressed that the sites will continue to play an important role for Belgian defence in the years ahead, underlining their lasting strategic value to the region and the armed forces.

Apple TV has released the trailer for 'Nocturne', a new crime thriller starring Liev Schreiber and Zazie Beetz as investigators pursuing a serial killer. The preview showcases a dark, atmospheric tone and the two leads leading the manhunt. The trailer is drawing attention ahead of the series' release as viewers get their first proper look at the show's cast and premise.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation aimed at restricting the actions of federal immigration agents in the state, as the Trump administration intensifies its deportation campaign. The measures are part of a growing standoff between Democratic-led states and the White House over immigration enforcement, with Newsom positioning California as a leading opponent of the federal crackdown.