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The United States and Iran are preparing to resume diplomacy through indirect talks conducted via mediators, according to a report from Modern Diplomacy. The arrangement, which avoids direct contact between the two sides, signals a renewed effort to address tensions between Washington and Tehran. Observers are watching closely for what issues the talks will cover and whether they can produce tangible progress.

Donald Trump has confirmed meeting with an Iranian delegation, with Qatar actively pushing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. The talks come amid heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, and Qatari mediators have been working to open channels between the two sides. Observers are watching closely for signs of whether the engagement could lead to renewed negotiations or an agreement.

The United Arab Emirates has called for renewed diplomacy and stronger international measures to address the war in Gaza and wider regional crises, speaking at the United Nations. The appeal underscores growing frustration among Gulf states over the pace of international responses, with the UAE pressing global powers to take a more active role in de-escalating conflicts across the Middle East.

The United States and Iran have each held separate discussions with mediators in the latest diplomatic effort to bring an end to the war. Reuters reported the parallel talks, which signal renewed international pressure for a negotiated settlement despite the absence of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Oil prices gave back an earlier rally amid speculation that the United States and Iran may be moving toward renewed diplomacy. Traders bid crude up before reversing course as expectations of potential talks eased concerns about supply disruption from the Persian Gulf region, pressuring prices back down.

A Wall Street Journal opinion piece argues that the October 7 Hamas attack and the ensuing war in Gaza have not destroyed the Abraham Accords. It points to a New York meeting bringing together the United Arab Emirates, Israel and other partners as evidence that the normalization process between Israel and Arab states is continuing, partly driven by shared concerns over Iran.

US immigration authorities are detaining more people than ever, according to a Guardian report. After public backlash against high-profile, visible raids, the Trump administration moved from a 'siege' approach to what critics call 'soft feet' tactics — shorter, quieter operations lasting as little as 90 seconds. Observers say ICE is now effectively everywhere, with arrests less visible to the public.

Scientists are developing new ways to control mosquitoes as warming temperatures lengthen mosquito seasons and expand the range of dangerous diseases. Mosquitoes kill more people than any other animal on earth, and researchers warn that longer warm periods give the insects more time to spread illnesses such as malaria and dengue, prompting renewed focus on innovative control strategies.

The European Union is considering a naval presence in the Red Sea as attacks on shipping in the region drive up energy costs. Bloomberg reports that rising freight and insurance expenses are forcing EU officials to weigh a stronger operational role to protect trade routes. The discussions come as Europe's energy prices feel renewed pressure from disrupted maritime traffic.

Pope Leo is stepping into the role of global statesman, calling repeatedly for peace at a time when major conflicts have returned to the international stage. The Washington Post highlights how the new pontiff is using his platform to press for diplomacy and an end to renewed warfare, positioning the Vatican as a moral voice in world affairs.

Nepal has filed a $20 million claim under the UN loss-and-damage fund for flooding, but analysis shows this covers only about 0.7% of the country's actual flood-related costs. The gap highlights how international climate finance falls far short of the real damage developing countries face, raising questions about the fund's scale and adequacy as more nations submit claims.

The US Education Department has formally rescinded the Biden administration's Title IX rules, which had expanded protections for LGBTQ+ students and changed how schools handle sexual harassment and assault complaints. The move returns schools to earlier regulatory standards and is expected to trigger legal challenges and renewed debate over transgender athletes and campus misconduct procedures.

Kurt Olsen, a lawyer known for promoting false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, has resigned from the Department of Justice, according to sources cited by CBS News. Olsen had drawn criticism for his role in efforts to challenge election results, and his departure raises fresh questions about election-related figures serving inside the department.

Reports say the European Union is pressing the United Kingdom to introduce higher tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles. The request touches on post-Brexit trade friction, as the UK sets its own trade policy and has so far not matched the EU's duties on Chinese cars. Commenters are debating whether the UK will align with Brussels or keep its market open to cheaper Chinese imports.

Roughly $1.3 billion that Congress allocated has not been spent by the Trump administration, according to reporting by NPR. The unspent funds raise questions about whether the administration is withholding money approved by lawmakers, a longstanding flashpoint between Congress and the White House over control of federal spending and the executive branch's obligation to implement appropriations.

The US Transportation Secretary is pressing Congress to approve a $30 billion overhaul of the nation's air traffic control system. The proposal targets aging infrastructure that officials warn is overdue for modernization. Lawmakers now face the question of funding the sweeping upgrade, which would be one of the largest investments in aviation technology in decades.

The Middle East Institute is examining Iran's internal power structure, asking who is actually in charge in Tehran. The analysis comes amid ongoing questions about decision-making within Iran's leadership, including the role of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the presidency, and the Revolutionary Guards following a period of regional conflict and political uncertainty.

The European Union's trade with countries covered by its trade agreements is growing faster than its trade with the rest of the world, according to a report highlighted by Law360. The finding points to the value of the EU's network of trade deals, though details on specific partners, sectors and figures were not provided in the available reporting.

Analysis from the Middle East Institute examines how Iran's strategic thinking has evolved, drawing lessons from recent regional confrontations and outlining what may come next in Tehran's approach to deterrence, proxies, and negotiations with the West. The piece feeds into an ongoing debate among analysts about how Iran recalibrates after a period of direct clashes and economic pressure.

The district attorney has reopened the case of an alleged gang rape connected to Cornell University, renewing scrutiny of an incident that had previously been closed. The move means investigators will re-examine evidence and witness accounts in the case. Details about what prompted the reopening have not been made public, and it remains unclear whether any new charges will be brought against those accused.

Advocacy group Transportation For America is pressing Congress to act on the rising number of pedestrian deaths on US roads. The group is asking what lawmakers should do to stop what it calls a scourge of pedestrian fatalities, keeping pressure on federal transportation policy debates.

A labor union in New York scored a notable political victory over the state's entrenched political establishment, according to a New York Times report. The win highlights the growing influence of organized labor in local and state politics, with the union's organized campaign effort proving more effective than the backing of party leaders and elected officials.

Montana is once again at the centre of the debate over 'dark money' in US elections, with discussion focused on whether the state can restrict political spending by groups that do not disclose their donors. Montana has a long history of fighting untraceable campaign money, dating back to its 1912 Corrupt Practices Act, and the issue has renewed attention amid ongoing legal battles over campaign finance limits.

Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist behind the 1619 Project, is at the center of renewed debate over the state of American education. Commentary framed around her work and public profile argues the real crisis in schools runs deeper than headlines suggest, touching on history, race and how curricula are taught.

Researchers from Purdue University are traveling this week as part of a new expedition to locate the aircraft of aviator Amelia Earhart, who vanished over the Pacific in 1937 during her attempt to fly around the world. The effort revives one of aviation's most enduring mysteries, with the team hoping modern methods can finally resolve what happened to her missing plane.

Tesla has delayed its Roadster 2 event once more, citing bad weather. It is the second postponement of the showcase for the next-generation sports car, and fans and observers are questioning the reasons behind the repeated hold-ups and when the vehicle will finally be shown.