Thing

Attention is turning to Ethiopia amid warnings that the country risks sliding into a wider war. Coverage lays out five key points to understand the situation, amid concern that renewed fighting could draw in additional forces and destabilise the wider Horn of Africa region.

Iran has put forward a new proposal aimed at reaching an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway at the centre of rising regional tensions. The pitch suggests Tehran may be seeking a negotiated off-ramp, and observers are weighing what concessions Iran wants and how the US and Gulf states might respond to the offer.

Iran has put forward a new proposal offering a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping chokepoint for much of the world's oil. The pitch has drawn attention across regional and international outlets, with analysts weighing what Tehran wants in return and how the United States and Gulf states might respond. Details of the proposed terms remain limited, but the move signals an attempt to de-escalate tensions over the vital waterway.

French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticised Israel during his address at the United Nations, in what French media describe as a scathing attack. The remarks have drawn wide attention as diplomatic tensions grow over the war in Gaza and France's shifting stance on Israel's conduct.

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.

Mike Waltz says Iranian negotiators asked for 'everything up front' in concessions before any ceasefire, and that President Trump rejected the proposal. The comments shed light on stalled diplomacy around the conflict, suggesting the US side viewed Iran's terms as excessive and walked away rather than trade sanctions relief or other major concessions for a halt in fighting.

Donald Trump is preparing to meet China's Xi Jinping at a summit, with the Wall Street Journal flagging three key issues business leaders should monitor. Observers expect trade tariffs, technology restrictions and supply-chain policy to dominate the agenda. Analysts say the outcome could shape market sentiment and corporate planning across both economies, making the encounter one of the most closely watched diplomatic events of the moment.

Donald Trump has rejected a proposal from Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping chokepoint for global oil flows. Details of what the proposal entailed and the terms of the rejection remain limited, but the move adds new tension to the standoff between Washington and Tehran, with observers watching closely for how Iran responds and what it means for shipping and oil markets.

SpaceX is preparing another test flight of its Starship rocket from its launch site in Texas on Monday. The upcoming launch has drawn attention as the company continues developing the massive vehicle intended for deep-space missions, including eventual trips to the Moon and Mars. Coverage focuses on what to expect from the flight, launch timing, and how the test fits into SpaceX's broader Starship programme.

Elon Musk, in a new interview with CCTV Finance, said he generally recommends people visit China as much as they can, citing the many things to see. He described taking the bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an as a great experience and praised the train stations. The remarks are drawing wide attention given Musk's business ties to China and his political prominence in the United States.

The Wall Street Journal profiles the 'doomers' — researchers and commentators who warn that advanced artificial intelligence could pose existential risks to humanity — and their influence on the broader AI safety debate. Their warnings have helped push concerns about unchecked AI development into mainstream political and public discussion.

Manchester City's chairman has addressed the club's long-running Premier League charges case, saying nothing has changed in their position. The club faces numerous alleged breaches of the league's financial rules, and the chairman's comments signal City remain firm in their stance as the case continues to draw attention across football.

Germany's foreign minister, following talks with US officials, reacted coolly to remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, saying she 'heard nothing new' and demanding evidence for Russian claims of attacks on ships. The exchange has drawn attention as a test of Western unity toward Moscow, with critics questioning whether the German minister walked into a diplomatic trap set by Lavrov.

AI agents are being pitched as assistants that can handle tasks for users end to end, but a major obstacle may stand in the way of that vision. The report highlights a significant wrinkle in the plans of companies racing to deploy autonomous AI assistants, tempering expectations around the technology.

ASML, the Dutch chip equipment maker, says it sold 'absolutely nothing' in Europe in 2026 and is calling on the EU to help create demand for its lithography machines. The comments highlight Europe's weak semiconductor manufacturing base, as ASML's sales remain concentrated in Asia, particularly Taiwan, South Korea and China.

The Guardian's First Thing briefing reports that the 'counting window' — the days after midterm voting as ballots are tallied — is seen as a high-risk period for Donald Trump to cast doubt on the results. Observers warn he could use slow counts or shifting tallies to question the legitimacy of outcomes, echoing disputes that followed previous US elections.

A major American women's clothing retailer known for affordable fashion is closing 120 stores. The announcement, reported by regional US outlets, adds to a string of store closures across the apparel sector as chains grapple with shifting shopping habits and rising costs. Shoppers are discussing which locations will be affected and what the closures mean for the brand's future.

The chairman of Manchester City has publicly addressed the Premier League's investigation into the club, saying there are 'so many things' to respond to. The remarks come amid the ongoing financial rules case between the club and the league, a dispute that has drawn sustained attention across football. Comments from senior club figures are being closely read for hints about the club's stance and the case's direction.

ASML, the Dutch maker of chipmaking equipment, says it sold 'absolutely nothing' in Europe in 2026, pointing out that demand for its machines comes overwhelmingly from Asia. The company is calling on the European Union to help create demand for advanced chip manufacturing within Europe. The remark has drawn attention to Europe's limited role in the semiconductor supply chain despite hosting the company itself.

Manchester City remain defiant over the 115 Premier League financial rule charges they face, with the club's stance unchanged while the lengthy legal process continues. The case has hung over English football for months, and City continue to compete at the top level while maintaining their innocence, with no resolution expected until the hearings conclude.

Disney held its D23 fan event, where the company laid out a wide range of announcements spanning new theme park attractions and an upcoming slate of films. Coverage has rounded up everything revealed, from ride plans to movie projects, giving fans a first look at what the studio and parks division have in store over the coming years.