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live Iran-U.S. peace talks stalled as Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in St Petersburg for talks with Putin

President Donald Trump said on Sunday Iran could telephone if it wants to negotiate an end to their two-month war. Tehran said the U.S. should remove obstacles to a deal, including its blockade of Iran's ports. Meanwhile Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in St Petersburg for talks.

Washington shooting suspect charged over alleged Trump assassination attempt

22:36

Dinner shooting

Washington shooting suspect charged over alleged Trump assassination attempt

The man accused of shooting a U.S. Secret Service agent as he tried to breach security at a Washington dinner attended by President Donald Trump is facing federal charges of attempting to assassinate the president, a judge said in court on Monday.

Trump urges Iran to 'pick up the phone' as Araghchi visits Pakistan, Oman and Russia for further talks

07:48

Middle East conflict

Trump urges Iran to 'pick up the phone' as Araghchi visits Pakistan, Oman and Russia for further talks

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Iran can contact the United States directly if it wishes to negotiate an end to the conflict between the two countries, now in its second month.

Oil climbs nearly 2% as U.S.-Iran peace talks stall

08:27

Oil price

Oil climbs nearly 2% as U.S.-Iran peace talks stall

Oil prices extended gains on Monday, rising nearly 2% as peace talks between the U.S. and Iran stalled while shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remained limited, keeping global oil supplies tight.

Between principle and pragmatism: China’s careful dance with Iran

14:08

Explainer

Between principle and pragmatism: China’s careful dance with Iran

China’s reaction to the latest tensions around Iran has been firm in tone but restrained in action. It has condemned strikes, called for dialogue and stepped up diplomacy but shown no sign of military involvement or appetite for escalation.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

PKK disarmament process sees little progress: Turkish Intelligence chief

20:41

View from Türkiye

PKK disarmament process sees little progress: Turkish Intelligence chief

The months-long disarmament process involving the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has made little tangible progress, Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın has said.

Central Asia pushes ahead with major Kambarata HPP-1 hydropower project

15:20

View from Uzbekistan

Central Asia pushes ahead with major Kambarata HPP-1 hydropower project

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are advancing one of Central Asia’s largest joint energy projects: the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 hydropower plant on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan, with a planned capacity of nearly 2,000 megawatts.

Energy leaders gather in Baku to address global oil supply and security challenges

15:05

Oil and energy

Energy leaders gather in Baku to address global oil supply and security challenges

150 senior leaders from the oil and trade industry met in Baku last week for the second annual Caspian and Central Asia Oil Trading and Logistics Forum, as the world grapples with oil and energy shortages linked to the Middle East conflict.

China strengthens energy ties with Turkmenistan in $4.6 billion Galkynysh gas expansion

14:34

View from Turkmenistan

China strengthens energy ties with Turkmenistan in $4.6 billion Galkynysh gas expansion

China Petroleum Engineering has secured a $4.6 billion contract to expand gas infrastructure at Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh field, reinforcing Beijing’s long-term energy partnership with one of its key suppliers.

Iran-U.S. peace talks stalled as Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in St Petersburg for talks with Putin

42min ago

Middle East conflict

live Iran-U.S. peace talks stalled as Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in St Petersburg for talks with Putin

President Donald Trump said on Sunday Iran could telephone if it want...

4h ago

Dinner shooting

Washington shooting suspect charged over alleged Trump assassination attempt

The man accused of shooting a U.S. Secret Service agent as he tried to breach security at a Washington dinner atte...

6h ago

View from Türkiye

PKK disarmament process sees little progress: Turkish Intelligence chief

The months-long disarmament process involving the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has made little tangible progress, Turkish intellig...

King Charles begins U.S. state visit amid security concerns and diplomatic strain

6h ago

View from United Kingdom

King Charles begins U.S. state visit amid security concerns and diplomatic strain

King Charles and Queen Camilla have begun a landmark visit to the U.S., aimed at reinforcing ties between the two allies at a sensitive moment. The...

Walmart expands China footprint as Beijing drives consumer spending

6h ago

View from China

Walmart expands China footprint as Beijing drives consumer spending

China is stepping up efforts to boost domestic spending and U.S. retail giant Walmart is expanding across the country to meet demand....

More than 1,300 glaciers lost in Tajikistan, raising Central Asia water concerns

16:54

View from Tajikistan

More than 1,300 glaciers lost in Tajikistan, raising Central Asia water concerns

More than 1,300 glaciers have disappeared in Tajikistan, President Emomali Rahmon has said, warning of growing strain on water resources across Central Asia.

World

World News

Trump calls suspect in press dinner attack ‘pretty sick guy’ as suspect's relatives had raised previous concerns

08:31

Security

Trump calls suspect in press dinner attack ‘pretty sick guy’ as suspect's relatives had raised previous concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump has described the man accused of attempting an attack at a high-profile Washington gala at the weekend as a “pretty sick guy”, saying relatives had previously alerted authorities to his behaviour.

Russian attacks Odesa wounding 10 people, one person dies in Zaporizhzhia, as Russia claims control of two villages

15:09

Ukraine-Russian war

Russian attacks Odesa wounding 10 people, one person dies in Zaporizhzhia, as Russia claims control of two villages

An overnight Russian drone attack on Ukraine's southern city of Odesa has wounded at least 10 people, including two children, and inflicted severe structural damage across several residential neighbourhoods, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Monday morning.

Taiwan says China sanctions on European firms will not disrupt arms supply

14:01

Taiwan - China

Taiwan says China sanctions on European firms will not disrupt arms supply

Taiwan’s defence minister has downplayed the impact of new Chinese sanctions on seven European firms, saying they will not disrupt the island’s access to weapons.

U.S. Army soldier charged with making $400,000 in bets on Maduro's removal

09:52

Insider Trading

U.S. Army soldier charged with making $400,000 in bets on Maduro's removal

A United States Army soldier has been charged with making more than $400,000 by betting on the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, according to the Department of Justice.

Business

Business Economy Markets

China orders Meta to unwind $2bn Manus acquisition

18:40

Artificial Intelligence

China orders Meta to unwind $2bn Manus acquisition

China has ordered Meta to unwind its more than $2 billion acquisition of artificial intelligence start-up Manus, marking a major escalation in Beijing’s scrutiny of foreign investment in sensitive technology sectors. The order was issued on Monday by the National Development and Reform Commission.

Meta to cut 10% of workforce in first round of layoffs as AI investment drives major restructuring

10:26

Technology

Meta to cut 10% of workforce in first round of layoffs as AI investment drives major restructuring

Meta Platforms will cut about 10% of its global workforce from 20 May, marking the start of a wider restructuring as the company increases spending on artificial intelligence (AI) and plans further layoffs later this year, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down after 15 years

07:53

Technology

Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down after 15 years

Tim Cook, the tech boss who led Apple to become a $4 trillion company in its post-Steve Jobs era, is stepping down after 15 years in the top job. John Ternus, an Apple veteran of 25 years, who is currently the U.S. company’s Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will take over from September.

Chinese automakers take aim at Europe's premium brands at Beijing car show

12:17

Business

Chinese automakers take aim at Europe's premium brands at Beijing car show

China's domestic automakers have a message for the boardrooms of premium German brands such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW: We are coming for your customers, and we are armed with superior technology at a fraction of the cost.

Netflix shares slide as co-founder Reed Hastings steps down as chairman

16:21

Netflix shares slump

Netflix shares slide as co-founder Reed Hastings steps down as chairman

Netflix shares fell sharply on Friday after the streaming group issued a weaker-than-expected outlook and said chairman and co-founder Reed Hastings will step down from the board.

Culture

Culture News Lifestyle Art

Disney+ debuts animated songs in American Sign Language for Deaf History Month

13:22

Signed cinema

Disney+ debuts animated songs in American Sign Language for Deaf History Month

Disney+ has debuted Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language, a new collection of animated musical sequences reimagined in American Sign Language (ASL), released on 27 April to mark National Deaf History Month.

16:08

Eurovision

Slovenia joins Eurovision boycott as broadcasters protest Israel’s participation

Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV Slovenia has confirmed it will not air the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, joining a widening boycott over Israel’s participation.

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders back Paramount merger, creating Hollywood mega studio

20:23

Hollywood Merger

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders back Paramount merger, creating Hollywood mega studio

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed takeover of the media group, advancing a deal valued at roughly $110 billion including debt in a move that could reshape Hollywood and the global entertainment industry.

Netherlands hands ancient Coțofenești helmet back to Romania

15:33

Artefacts

Netherlands hands ancient Coțofenești helmet back to Romania

The 2,500-year-old Golden Helmet of Coțofenești and two ancient gold bracelets have been returned to Romanian authorities after being stolen from a Dutch museum in January last year.

Most viewed

U.S. President Trump is 'safe' after 'lone wolf' shooting at annual White House dinner

08:07

Security

U.S. President Trump is 'safe' after 'lone wolf' shooting at annual White House dinner

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner by Secret Service agents after a 31 year old suspect attempted to storm event.

02:18

Middle East conflict

live Iran-U.S. peace talks stalled as Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in St Petersburg for talks with Putin

13:22

Signed cinema

Disney+ debuts animated songs in American Sign Language for Deaf History Month

Adidas shares rise after Sawe’s historic sub-two-hour London Marathon run

15:56

Business

Adidas shares rise after Sawe’s historic sub-two-hour London Marathon run

Adidas shares rose after Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe delivered a historic performance at the London Marathon on Sunday (26 April), becoming the first athlete to run an official marathon in under two hours.

DeepSeek-V4 launch fails to rattle markets as AI competition intensifie

14:49

Artificial Intelligence

DeepSeek-V4 launch fails to rattle markets as AI competition intensifie

Market reaction to DeepSeek’s preview of its next-generation artificial intelligence model has been relatively subdued, in sharp contrast to the global shock triggered by its breakthrough releases last year.

Health

Health news Healthcare

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

21:02

Haiti Hunger Crisis

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

More than half of Haiti’s population is facing acute food insecurity, prompting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to warn that recent progress in tackling hunger remains fragile and could quickly be reversed without urgent support.

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

20:46

meningitis Outbreak

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of Wednesday evening, it has identified six new cases of meningococcal disease in Kent, bringing the total of confirmed or suspected cases to at least 27.

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

10:40

Middle East Conflict

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released $2m in emergency funding to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as escalating regional conflict strains hospitals, raises displacement and increases pressure on already fragile health systems.

Police warn one poisoned HiPP baby food jar could still be in circulation in Austria

13:06

Health

Police warn one poisoned HiPP baby food jar could still be in circulation in Austria

Jars of baby food deliberately tampered with rat poison and discovered in Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia were part of an attempted extortion plot targeting manufacturer HiPP, German police said on Monday.

China turns to AI and IVF tech as falling birth rates raise alarm

10:54

View from China

China turns to AI and IVF tech as falling birth rates raise alarm

A Chinese biotechnology company is stepping up efforts to combine artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced genetic testing in a bid to improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF), while also tapping into growing demand for fertility services.

Austria moves to ban social media for children under 14

11:54

Europe tech rules

Austria moves to ban social media for children under 14

Austria’s government on Friday approved plans to introduce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 14, alongside reforms to upper secondary school curricula aimed at boosting media literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education from the 2027/28 academic year.

Travel

Travel News Destinations

11:58

Travel Restrictions

Dubai caps flights, raising pressure on Indian airlines and travel sector

Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

20:52

Tourism Impact

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

The ongoing conflict involving Iran is set to disrupt global travel on a massive scale, with nearly 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East at risk this year, according to Oxford Economics.

Rome opens Colosseum’s southern walkways as public square for tourists

15:45

Historic Reopening

Rome opens Colosseum’s southern walkways as public square for tourists

The Colosseum in Rome has reopened its southern corridors as a public square following a four-year restoration, giving visitors free access to a long-lost part of the ancient monument. The newly restored area was unveiled on Tuesday (17 March).

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

16:20

Middle East Conflict

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran is already hitting the Middle East travel and tourism sector hard, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimating losses of at least $600 million per day in international visitor spending.

Green

Green News Climate Nature

Beijing Auto Show 2026 highlights China’s eco-friendly vehicle push

23:33

Green Transport

Beijing Auto Show 2026 highlights China’s eco-friendly vehicle push

China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

09:45

Climate

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

Communities in Mexico have taken to the streets to protest against an ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has killed wildlife and damaged coral reefs over several weeks.

16:15

Climate risks

Central Asia steps up action on rapid glacier melt and climate risks

Central Asia is stepping up efforts to address rapid glacier melt, following United Nations warnings of unprecedented climate pressure on mountain ecosystems.

European airlines likely beat 2% green jet fuel target last year

09:13

European Aviation

European airlines likely beat 2% green jet fuel target last year

Europe's aviation sector hit - and may well have surpassed - a 2% mandate for green jet fuel use in 2025, a regulatory official and a source told Reuters, bolstering airlines' green credentials as the region seeks to cut reliance on hydrocarbons.

Explainer: How El Niño could impact the global weather in 2026-2027

16:38

Climate change

Explainer: How El Niño could impact the global weather in 2026-2027

Global weather forecasters predict a strong El Niño will develop in the second half of 2026, bringing hotter, drier conditions to much of Asia while increasing rainfall in parts of North and South America.

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