Washington

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to the United States on Friday, wrapping up his trip in Washington. As he departed, senior U.S. government officials saw him off at the airport, where a 21-gun salute was fired in honor of the occasion. The ceremonial farewell was noted as a sign of the formal regard accorded to the visit.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran no longer trusts negotiations with Washington, in an interview with Al Jazeera. He said Qatar and Pakistan are acting as intermediaries, relaying Tehran's messages to the United States. The remarks signal a further breakdown in direct US-Iran diplomacy, with third-party countries now carrying communication between the two sides amid heightened regional tensions involving Israel and the US.

President Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping chokepoint for global oil supplies. The refusal comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Persian Gulf. Attention now turns to how Iran responds and whether the dispute will escalate further, with broader Middle East developments also drawing international focus.

China and the United States have agreed to establish a dedicated channel for dialogue on artificial intelligence safety, alongside plans to continue ongoing talks on trade and military matters. The agreement marks a step toward keeping communication open between the two powers on emerging technology risks, even as broader economic and strategic tensions between Washington and Beijing persist.

A US intelligence assessment warns that Saudi Arabia may still be considering the pursuit of nuclear weapons, despite ongoing discussions about civil nuclear cooperation and possible normalisation with Israel. The warning highlights concerns in Washington about proliferation risks in the Gulf, particularly if Iran's nuclear programme advances. Analysts say Riyadh has previously signalled it would seek a bomb if Tehran acquired one.

Donald Trump is holding off on resuming strikes against Iran until a particular deadline passes, according to the Wall Street Journal. The report, picked up by French outlet Le HuffPost, is drawing attention on both sides of the Atlantic as observers speculate about the timeline and what it means for tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian officials have stated that diplomacy is the only option available to the United States, a defiant message amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Separately, Northern Ireland's Orange Order is set to march again at Drumcree, the controversial parade site long associated with sectarian conflict. Both stories draw attention to long-running standoffs and their symbolic weight for observers following international and regional affairs.

Iran has stated that only diplomacy can resolve the ongoing conflict, reacting after Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan. The statement underscores Tehran's position that negotiations, not force, are the path forward, while Washington's dismissal of the plan highlights the widening gap between the two sides over how to end the standoff.

The United States is threatening to ground Iranian airlines from operating worldwide starting Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera. The move would bar Iranian carriers from international airspace and airports, escalating pressure on Tehran. Details on the legal basis and how other countries would respond remain unclear, and the announcement is drawing attention amid already heightened tensions between Washington and Iran.

Donald Trump has delivered a critical speech targeting the United Nations at one of its major international gatherings. The address, covered by BBC News, drew wide attention as the US president openly criticised the organisation at a forum meant to promote global cooperation. The remarks are prompting debate about US-UN relations and Washington's stance toward multilateral diplomacy.

President Donald Trump says he has turned down an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping lane for global oil trade. The claim, reported by NBC News, suggests Tehran had floated reopening the strait as a diplomatic gesture, which the US president declined. The strait has been a flashpoint amid tensions between Washington and Tehran, and any move affecting its status has immediate implications for energy markets and regional security.

Beijing has announced that the United States and China will pursue a military crisis-communication pact, according to the South China Morning Post. The reported agreement would aim to keep open channels between the two militaries and reduce the risk of escalation during incidents at sea or in the air. The announcement comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, Taiwan and regional security.

China used its address at the United Nations to push back against the United States over its policies on Iran and Cuba, defending Beijing's positions and criticizing Washington's approach to both countries. The remarks underscore ongoing diplomatic friction between the two powers on the world stage, with China framing US sanctions and pressure campaigns as interference, according to Reuters reporting.

The United Nations Secretary-General has delivered pointed remarks telling major powers that 'their power isn't so super', in what is being read as a veiled criticism of Donald Trump. The comments come amid ongoing tensions between the UN leadership and Washington over multilateralism, funding and global cooperation, and have drawn wide attention online.

Iran says it remains committed to diplomatic efforts after President Donald Trump rejected a peace plan concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The dispute centres on the strategic waterway, a critical route for global oil shipments. Tehran's insistence on talks signals it is seeking to keep negotiations alive despite Washington's dismissal of the proposal, amid already heightened tensions between the two countries.

Donald Trump has confirmed a meeting with an Iranian delegation, with Qatar actively pushing for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. The meeting signals a potential opening in tensions between the United States and Iran, with Doha positioning itself as a key mediator. The development is drawing widespread attention as observers watch for signs of de-escalation in the region.

Russia has accused European governments of obstructing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, while Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "settle" the conflict directly with Vladimir Putin. The exchange highlights growing friction between Washington, Moscow and European capitals over who is responsible for the stalled peace effort and what terms might end the fighting.

US President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Tehran, in turn, has signalled that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward in the standoff. The exchange underscores the deep gap between Washington and Tehran over the Gulf's most important maritime passage.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a recent intelligence report. The finding highlights lingering concerns in Washington about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly if regional rival Iran moves closer to a nuclear capability. Analysts say the assessment could shape debate over US-Saudi defence cooperation and any future civil nuclear agreements between the two countries.

The United States has refused to back a United Nations declaration on preparing for future pandemics, according to The New York Times. The decision sets Washington apart from other member states on global health cooperation and raises questions about the future of international pandemic readiness efforts.

A new report citing US officials says Saudi Arabia is weighing the development of a nuclear weapon. The claim, published by Haaretz, would mark a major shift for the kingdom, which has long pushed for civilian nuclear capabilities amid regional rivalry with Iran. US officials' comments on the matter are drawing close attention given the strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh.

The United States and China have reached an agreement to reduce tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods, following a summit in Washington between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The deal marks a step toward easing trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, though details of which products will be affected have not yet been fully outlined.

House Democrats are preparing an extensive oversight agenda targeting the Trump administration, with party leaders confirming that impeachment remains an option on the table. The plans signal aggressive congressional scrutiny of the White House, with committees expected to launch investigations into the administration's conduct. The move sets up a major confrontation between congressional Democrats and President Trump, and is drawing wide attention across the US political landscape.

Iran is signalling it still wants a negotiated path forward after US President Donald Trump rejected a proposal, according to reporting carried by Jordan News. The standoff highlights continued tension between Tehran and Washington, with Iran stressing diplomacy despite the setback, while observers watch for how the White House responds next.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons program, according to the assessment. The finding highlights lingering concerns in Washington about Riyadh's nuclear intentions, even as the two countries discuss closer cooperation, including potential civil nuclear agreements. Observers say the assessment could complicate diplomatic efforts over regional security and nonproliferation.

President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports circulating in regional and global news. Tehran, for its part, insists that diplomacy is the only path to resolving the standoff. The exchange underscores continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the strategic waterway, a critical artery for global oil shipments, with both sides signaling sharply different positions.

Iran has put forward new demands to the United States following a sharply critical speech at the United Nations. The address and the ensuing demands come amid already strained relations between Tehran and Washington, with tensions over sanctions, nuclear negotiations and regional conflicts continuing to dominate diplomatic exchanges between the two governments.

President Trump said Saturday he rejected Iran's latest cease-fire proposal, which offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations over Iran's nuclear program in exchange for concessions from the United States. The refusal marks another turn in a repeated cycle between Washington and Tehran, keeping tensions high over shipping lanes and nuclear diplomacy.

Donald Trump is expected to meet Xi Jinping at the Apec forum in China this November, and analysts argue the Chinese leader will arrive in a stronger position than at their previous encounters. Beijing has spent the period since consolidating its economy, expanding trade partnerships and positioning itself as a defender of globalisation, while Washington's tariffs and erratic diplomacy have unsettled allies. The meeting is being watched for signals on the future of US-China trade talks.

US intelligence assessments indicate Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing nuclear weapons, even as American senators move to block a proposed deal with Riyadh backed by President Trump. The combination of intelligence findings and congressional pushback has reignited debate in Washington over nuclear proliferation risks in the Gulf and the terms of any US-Saudi cooperation agreement.

Iranian leaders are delivering defiant statements during their visit to New York, drawing attention amid strained Iran-US relations. The remarks, made on American soil, are being widely covered as a sign of ongoing diplomatic tension, with observers debating whether the rhetoric signals a hardening stance or a prelude to further negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

Saudi Arabia has signaled it may be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to a New York Times report on US-Saudi politics. The statement marks a notable shift in the kingdom's public stance on nuclear armament, a topic long tied to regional rivalry with Iran and to negotiations over civilian nuclear cooperation and security guarantees with Washington.

US intelligence assessments indicate that Saudi Arabia continues to harbour intentions of developing nuclear weapons, according to a report carried by WION. The finding points to Riyadh's persisting interest in nuclear arms despite ongoing diplomatic discussions about regional security and potential agreements with the United States. The revelation raises questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and how Washington will respond to its Gulf ally's ambitions.

The UK Chancellor is facing budget decisions as economic pressures from the Iran conflict mount. A US Treasury official named Burke has reportedly issued an ultimatum to more than 50 countries across the Middle East and Europe, demanding they end trade relationships with Iran or risk having their own ties with Washington severed. The reports have drawn attention to the growing economic and diplomatic fallout of the confrontation.

US aviation authorities briefly stopped flights at several busy East Coast airports after a cut fiber optic line disrupted communications. Reuters reports the FAA halted some flights due to the communication failure, with affected hubs including major New York-area and Washington airports. Flights were delayed while crews worked to restore the connection, and travelers faced knock-on disruptions across the regional network.