live Trump says Iran wants to ‘settle’ as U.S. pauses talks for Khamenei funeral
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies...
President Donald Trump ended his Gulf tour with announcements of major U.S.-UAE cooperation on AI semiconductors and energy, reinforcing economic ties amid broader regional developments.
President Donald Trump concluded a four-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, highlighting a series of high-value agreements between the U.S. and Gulf nations. Among the key outcomes was a preliminary agreement that paves the way for the UAE to purchase advanced AI semiconductors from American firms, supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to emerge as a global centre for artificial intelligence.
The AI deal comes as the UAE seeks to balance its longstanding alliance with the United States and its expanding economic partnership with China. The agreement includes provisions that data centres involved in the technology transfer be operated by U.S. companies, reflecting concerns about security and strategic oversight.
President Trump described the agreement as “a very big contract,” adding that it would contribute “billions and billions of dollars in business” and accelerate the UAE’s AI development goals.
Alongside the AI initiative, the UAE announced plans to increase its investments in the U.S. energy sector to $440 billion by 2035, up from $70 billion at present. This commitment was presented by Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), who also noted reciprocal investments from American energy firms in UAE-based projects. Key U.S. companies involved include ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum (Oxy), and EOG Resources.
The trip also marked follow-up actions from a previously announced $1.4 trillion UAE investment framework targeting U.S. sectors such as energy, AI, and manufacturing. A new $14.5 billion deal was confirmed between Etihad Airways and Boeing for the purchase of 28 aircraft.
On the diplomatic front, Trump met with Syria’s interim leader and confirmed the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on the country. This move, supported by Saudi Arabia, enabled an $800 million agreement between Syria and UAE-based DP World to develop the port of Tartous. Trump stated that the policy shift was unilateral and not discussed with Israel.
Commenting on broader regional policy, Trump expressed optimism about future cooperation between Syria and Israel and encouraged Syrian participation in the Abraham Accords. He also noted progress in discussions with Iran regarding a potential nuclear agreement, stating that Tehran had received a U.S. proposal and acknowledged the urgency of negotiations.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Eight Buddhist monks were killed and more than 20 others injured after an 11-year-old boy driving his parents' pickup truck ploughed into a religious procession in north-eastern Thailand, police said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and the United States share a special responsibility for maintaining global security as the world's two largest nuclear powers.
China said on Saturday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of illegally expanding its authority and undermining regional stability.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 4 July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said, as Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure continued to add pressure to fuel supplies inside Russia.
World Athletics has reaffirmed its decision to keep Russian and Belarusian athletes excluded from international competition, saying there has been no meaningful progress towards peace in Ukraine.
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