live Iran rules out direct talks with U.S. as Kushner, Witkoff meet with Qatar's PM
Iran has ruled out direct talks with senior U.S. envoys in the Gulf, saying any contact will take place through Qatari mediators. Meanwhile, Steve Wit...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 21st of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Texas Map Fight
Texas Republicans have approved a Trump-backed congressional map aimed at flipping five Democratic seats. The rare mid-decade redistricting effort passed after Democrats ended a two-week walkout. Civil rights groups plan to challenge it in court, saying the map dilutes minority voting power.
Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin has strengthened into a Category 5 storm, moving north in the Atlantic. Dangerous surf, storm surge, and tropical storm conditions threaten the U.S. East Coast, especially North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Evacuations are underway, and beaches from New Jersey to New York remain closed.
North Korea in Ukraine
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, calling them “heroic.” South Korean intelligence says more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers are deployed, with more on the way. Kim reaffirmed support for Moscow ahead of Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Donald Trump.
Türkiye’s Mediation Push
Türkiye is stepping up efforts to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war. President Erdoğan and NATO chief Mark Rutte stressed Ankara’s role in peace talks. Turkish officials are engaged in discussions with Washington, Paris, and Brussels on possible security guarantees and monitoring for future deals.
Guatemala Shelters Refugees
Guatemala has granted humanitarian status to 161 Mexicans fleeing cartel violence in Chiapas. The refugees, including 39 families, are staying in shelters and rented homes in La Mesilla. Human rights groups warn of soaring disappearances and killings as cartels tighten control of the border region.
New Zealand Security Warning
New Zealand’s intelligence service says the country faces its toughest national security challenges in decades, with foreign espionage and interference from states including China, Russia, and Iran. Wellington pledged NZ$2.7 billion to strengthen defence, while the Chinese Embassy called the report “groundless.”
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both sides tested the interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
The U.S. and Iran have agreed to 'stand down' and resume technical talks, allowing vessels allowed to move freely under the interim peace deal, a U.S. official said.
Six adults were killed in a shooting at a youth welfare facility in northern Germany on Monday, with police detaining two people, including the suspected gunman.
Azerbaijan has criticised Israel’s recent decision to recognise the 1915 events involving Armenians as genocide, warning against politicising historical narratives. The response comes after Israel’s cabinet approved the proposal, which still requires parliamentary ratification.
Morocco held their nerve to beat the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic late equaliser, Gabriel Martinelli spared Brazil's blushes with a stoppage-time winner against Japan, while Paraguay stunned Germany in the tournament's biggest shock to reach the World Cup last 16.
The latest AnewZ investigative documentary examines how Emmanuel Macron’s promise to break with France’s old political habits collided with diplomatic setbacks in Africa and legal fallout surrounding figures once close to the Élysée.
Fourteen children died after the roof of a tuition centre collapsed in the Kahna suburb of Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore on Tuesday, officials said.
A severe heatwave in France has overwhelmed funeral services and mortuary storage facilities, with undertakers reporting they are unable to cope with a surge in deaths linked to extreme temperatures.
Greek rescue teams searched on Tuesday after a four-storey apartment building collapsed in the Petralona district of Athens. Four people initially feared trapped were later found safe, while search operations continued as a precaution.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a £15 billion (U.S.$20 billion) defence investment plan to modernise Britain's armed forces and prepare for future security threats. The announcement comes ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara.
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