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A US assessment warns that Saudi Arabia could still seek nuclear weapons despite ongoing diplomatic engagement with Washington. The finding raises questions about the future of non-proliferation in the Gulf, especially as Riyadh continues to insist it would match any Iranian nuclear capability. Analysts say the warning could complicate efforts to conclude a US-Saudi defence and normalisation package.

Iranian officials have declared the country prepared to resume armed conflict with the United States while simultaneously leaving the door open to renewed diplomatic negotiations. The statement signals a dual-track posture following this year's fighting between the two countries. It comes as regional tensions remain elevated and questions persist over whether talks on Iran's nuclear programme and broader disputes will resume.

Sudan's civil war has left the country with two rival centres of power: the army-backed administration under the military controls much of the formal state apparatus, while the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exercises authority across territory it holds. Washington has declined to recognise either as legitimate constitutional governance, raising questions about diplomacy, aid and who represents Sudan internationally.

Ethiopia's military has pledged to show restraint as concerns grow that the country could slide back into a new civil war. The promise comes amid rising tensions, with observers warning that renewed large-scale conflict remains a serious risk for the region.

The United States has accused China of conducting secret nuclear weapons tests, raising fears of a new nuclear arms race between the two powers. The claim intensifies tensions in an already fraught strategic relationship, with concerns growing that both countries could resume explosive testing or expand arsenals. Arms control advocates warn the standoff undermines global non-proliferation efforts.

French news programme 24H Pujadas on LCI is covering a United States alert about Russian nuclear weapons potentially being placed in orbit. The report examines warnings from US officials about Russia's space-based nuclear capabilities and what this development could mean for international security and arms control.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized Western actions in Ukraine, repeating Moscow's position that the West is fueling the conflict through its support for Kyiv. The remarks come as the war continues to dominate international diplomacy, with Western governments maintaining arms supplies and sanctions against Russia while Moscow blames NATO expansion for the crisis.

Bill Gates says reaching international agreement on regulating artificial intelligence will prove more difficult than the Cold War-era nuclear arms negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union. His comments come as governments worldwide grapple with how to oversee rapidly advancing AI technology while balancing innovation, safety and national competitive interests.

Russian forces carried out large-scale strikes on Kyiv, with reports claiming hits on Ukrainian military hubs and what Moscow describes as NATO specialists present in the country. The claims of foreign casualties have not been independently verified, and Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the extent of the damage. The strikes mark a further escalation in Russia's sustained bombardment of the Ukrainian capital.

The Israeli military has released footage it says shows a terrorist using a child to transfer weapons into a civilian home in Gaza. The clip, shared publicly by the IDF, is being presented as evidence of armed groups embedding operations among civilians and involving minors. The claim has not been independently verified, and reactions to the footage are circulating widely as the Gaza conflict continues.

Anthropic and OpenAI are publicly warning about the risks of advanced artificial intelligence while lobbying to influence how the technology will be regulated. The simultaneous safety appeals from the two leading AI companies are drawing attention, with commentators debating whether the warnings reflect genuine concern or an effort to steer incoming rules in their favor.

Iran's armed forces have issued a blunt statement demanding that American troops leave West Asia, declaring that Tehran 'will not retreat one step'. The message, carried by regional Kurdish media outlet Kurdistan 24, frames the US military presence in the region as unacceptable. It reflects Iran's long-standing opposition to American bases and forces in neighbouring countries, and comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.

A plane carrying a military delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo has crashed, according to Al Jazeera. Details about casualties, the cause of the crash, and the delegation's destination have not yet been confirmed. The incident is likely to draw scrutiny of the country's military aviation safety at a time when DR Congo's armed forces are heavily engaged in operations against rebel groups in the east.

Intelligence assessments indicate Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons. The finding underscores long-standing concerns that Riyadh could pursue a nuclear deterrent if regional rivals, particularly Iran, advance their own nuclear programmes, and it raises fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and the future of any US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement.

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.

Bloomberg reports that the bond market is edging closer to signalling alarm about the state of the economy, with moves in US government debt prices suggesting investors are increasingly worried about the outlook. The item has drawn attention among market watchers tracking whether bond traders are pricing in a slowdown ahead of official data.

Nigeria and the armed group Boko Haram have reportedly reached a secret three-month ceasefire, according to a report cited by Genocide Watch. If confirmed, the deal would mark a significant pause in a conflict that has devastated northeast Nigeria for over a decade. Details of the agreement, including who brokered it and what each side receives, remain undisclosed, and there has been no formal confirmation from Nigerian authorities.

Russia's Ministry of Defense says its armed forces hit a Kyivstar data center in Kyiv that provides internet services to Ukraine's Armed Forces. The claim, reported by CGTN, highlights the growing targeting of telecommunications infrastructure in the war. Kyivstar is Ukraine's largest mobile operator, and any disruption to its facilities could affect both military communications and civilian connectivity in the capital.

Researchers are developing new methods to control mosquitoes as warming temperatures lengthen mosquito seasons and expand the range of dangerous diseases such as malaria and dengue. The mosquito kills more people than any other animal on Earth, and scientists warn that longer warm periods give the insects more time to spread illness, prompting renewed focus on innovative control strategies.

NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service is highlighting forecasts of a very strong El Nino in 2026-2027, warning that unusually warm waters in the tropical Pacific could reshape weather patterns worldwide. Strong El Nino events typically bring heavier rains to parts of the Americas, drought to Australia and Southeast Asia, and altered hurricane and monsoon seasons, prompting scientists to urge early preparation.

Bill Gates says reaching global cooperation on artificial intelligence will be more difficult than negotiating nuclear arms agreements. He is drawing on the history of nuclear treaty talks to argue that regulating AI across rival powers poses an even bigger challenge. His remarks are fueling debate about whether meaningful international AI rules are achievable as the technology develops faster than diplomacy can keep up.

Bill Gates said creating a global framework for artificial intelligence would be more difficult than negotiating Cold War-era nuclear arms limitations. His comments underline how the fast-moving, commercially widespread nature of AI makes international coordination harder than it was for weapons controlled by a few governments. The remarks have drawn attention amid ongoing debate over how the world should regulate advanced AI.