Washington

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to the United States on Friday, departing Washington after talks with the Biden administration. Senior US government officials saw him off at the airport, where a 21-gun salute was fired. The send-off is being noted as a ceremonial gesture, with observers weighing what the visit signals for future US-China relations.

President Trump says he expects talks with Iran to begin this week, telling Axios this shortly after his administration turned down an Iranian proposal. The comments point to renewed diplomatic activity between Washington and Tehran despite the rejected offer. Officials and observers will be watching whether the talks materialise and what terms the US is now seeking.

Iranian officials have signalled openness to diplomatic talks while warning the country is 'fully prepared' for war should the United States launch an attack. The dual message underscores rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, with Iran framing diplomacy as its preferred path but stressing military readiness as a deterrent.

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from a China-led cross-border currency platform, according to the Financial Times. The move is seen as a setback for Beijing's efforts to build alternatives to the dollar-based global payments system, and observers are weighing what it signals about the Gulf kingdom's financial alignment with Washington versus its deepening economic ties with China.

The leaders of the United States, Denmark and Greenland have signed a new security agreement covering Greenland, according to a breaking announcement. The deal would touch on the Arctic island's defence arrangements, an issue of renewed attention given Washington's strategic interest in Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty over the autonomous territory.

Iran is publicly insisting it still seeks a diplomatic resolution after US President Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan. The story is being carried widely by international outlets including Reuters, Al-Monitor and Ynetnews, highlighting concerns that the deadlock could escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran despite ongoing calls for negotiations.

Japan is partially turning off the tap of decades of cheap money, moving to support the yen after prolonged currency weakness. The shift in monetary policy is being framed as an effort to defend the currency, with coverage suggesting Washington's position — described as an 'American friend' — played a supporting role in Tokyo's decision to rein in ultra-loose policy.

China said the extension of the trade truce between Washington and Beijing creates space to advance negotiations between the two countries. The remarks signal a willingness to keep dialogue going while both sides work through outstanding trade disputes. Observers are watching closely to see whether the breathing room translates into concrete progress on tariffs and market access.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a Washington Post report. The finding highlights Riyadh's hedging as regional tensions persist and talks over a potential civil nuclear program and a defense pact with Washington continue. It also raises questions about proliferation risks if Iran's nuclear program advances further.

Iran says a draft agreement with the United States would include a waiver on oil sanctions, limits on its nuclear programme and the release of frozen assets. The outline, if confirmed, would mark a significant step toward easing tensions and restoring Iranian oil exports. Details of the draft have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether Washington has accepted the terms as described by Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is prepared for a 'doomsday war' if the United States resumes military attacks, while stressing that Tehran remains open to diplomatic negotiations. The statement underscores Iran's dual posture of military deterrence and willingness to talk as tensions with Washington persist.

A US diplomat says President Donald Trump turned down Iran's proposed new truce plan, citing a lack of confidence in Tehran's commitments. The reported rejection adds fresh tension to diplomacy between Washington and Iran, and the remarks are drawing attention as observers weigh what the collapse of the proposal means for future negotiations and regional stability.

US intelligence assessments indicate Saudi Arabia is keeping open the option of acquiring nuclear weapons, even as Washington discusses a civil nuclear cooperation deal with Riyadh. A group of US senators is targeting the Trump administration's proposed agreement, citing proliferation concerns, with the intelligence findings likely to intensify congressional resistance to the deal.

President Trump has rejected a proposal from Iran for a seven-day plan, keeping tensions between Washington and Tehran in the spotlight. The refusal comes amid ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear programme and regional escalation, and observers are watching to see whether diplomacy can continue or if the standoff will harden further.

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.

US and Israeli interests over Iran are increasingly diverging, according to reporting by The Jerusalem Post. The analysis points to growing gaps between Washington and Jerusalem on how to handle Iran, particularly around its nuclear programme and regional influence. Observers are watching whether the longstanding strategic alignment between the two allies can hold as their priorities drift apart.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered remarks suggesting that the world's major powers have overstated their strength, saying 'their power isn't so super'. The comments are being read as a veiled criticism of Donald Trump and Washington's unilateral approach to global affairs. The speech has drawn wide attention as a rare rebuke of great-power politics from the UN's top official.

Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran will resume next week, claiming Tehran has "overplayed their hand." The remark suggests Washington sees leverage in the standoff as diplomacy picks up again. No details were given on the agenda or who will take part in the next round of talks, and Iran has not publicly responded to the comments yet.

Sudan is effectively governed by two rival powers, with the army-backed administration controlling much of the formal state apparatus while the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces rules territory under its control. Washington has signalled it recognises neither side as legitimate constitutional governance, leaving the country with authorities but no internationally endorsed government.

Democratic lawmakers are publicly pledging to challenge the Israeli government over escalating violence against Palestinians, describing the situation as 'out of control'. The vow signals growing friction within the US political establishment over Washington's traditionally strong support for Israel, and points to increased congressional scrutiny of Israel's conduct toward Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Donald Trump has confirmed that a meeting took place between US officials and an Iranian delegation, with Qatar actively pushing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. The talks signal a possible opening in tensions between the two countries, with Doha positioning itself as a key mediator. Observers are watching closely for what the engagement could mean for regional stability and nuclear negotiations.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has arrived in Washington for talks with US officials as tensions with the Houthis escalate. The visit comes at a sensitive moment for regional security, with the Kingdom and the United States expected to discuss the Houthi escalation and broader coordination. Details of the meeting agenda and participants have not been announced.

Russia has accused European governments of obstructing peace negotiations over Ukraine, while Donald Trump urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "settle" with Vladimir Putin. The statements highlight growing pressure on Kyiv to reach a deal and deepen tensions between Washington, Moscow and European allies over how to end the war.

Iran says only diplomacy can resolve the ongoing conflict, responding after Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan. The statement underscores Tehran's position that negotiation, not military pressure, is the path forward, while Washington's refusal of the plan signals a hardening stance. The exchange highlights widening differences over how to de-escalate the conflict and what terms any settlement might require.

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.