World

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for de-escalation as fighting intensifies in Ethiopia. The appeal highlights growing concern over the impact of the conflict on civilians and the need for all parties to protect human rights. The office did not immediately detail casualties, but the statement underscores international alarm at the worsening situation.

President Trump said Saturday, speaking to reporters outside the White House, that he rejects Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear program within seven days if the United States lifts its naval blockade. The rejection keeps tensions high over one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, with energy markets and observers watching closely for Iran's next move.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to establish a dedicated channel for discussing artificial intelligence safety, a step announced as military and trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing continue. The agreement marks a rare area of cooperation between the two powers, pairing AI risk dialogue with broader talks on defence and economic issues.

Ukraine has carried out what is described as its largest attack to date on Moscow, according to CNN coverage featuring a military expert's analysis of the strike. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing war, targeting the Russian capital directly. Analysts are assessing the scale, weapons used, and potential impact on Russian air defences and the broader course of the conflict.

Donald Trump is holding off on resuming strikes against Iran until a particular deadline passes, according to the Wall Street Journal. The report, picked up by French outlet Le HuffPost, is drawing attention on both sides of the Atlantic as observers speculate about the timeline and what it means for tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Donald Trump has rejected a seven-day plan put forward by Iran, according to reports circulating widely online. The proposal was reportedly part of ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions relief. Critics and commentators are debating whether the rejection signals a hardening of US policy toward Tehran and what it could mean for already fragile diplomatic efforts.

Oil prices dropped as hopes grew for renewed diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. Traders weighed the prospect of eased tensions, which could reduce supply risks in the region and potentially open the door to more Iranian oil on world markets. Analysts are watching whether negotiations materialize and how far prices might fall if a deal becomes more likely.

Donald Trump is citing the Supreme Court's sweeping presidential immunity decision to justify an expansive use of executive power, according to ABC News reporting. The ruling, handed down by the nation's highest court, shielded official presidential acts from prosecution, and Trump is now wielding it widely as he consolidates authority and pursues his agenda.

A new NBC News poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating falling to 41% among registered voters, the lowest of his second term, with 55% disapproving. More voters also criticized his handling of the economy, a concern landing as the closely watched midterm elections approach.

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.

Ukraine reports the first known case of one unmanned surface vessel destroying another in combat, after a Ukrainian naval drone sank a Russian kamikaze drone boat at sea. The incident marks a military milestone in drone-versus-drone warfare, highlighting how the Black Sea conflict is increasingly fought by unmanned systems on both sides.

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman is scheduled to brief the UN Security Council next week, according to Reuters. The session would place one of the world's most prominent AI executives directly before global policymakers as governments weigh how to regulate artificial intelligence. The exact agenda and which of the 15 council members requested the briefing have not been disclosed.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has given an exclusive interview addressing the ongoing protests in Iran and the future of the country's military actions. The interview, conducted by Fox News, covers domestic unrest and Tehran's stance on further military operations, drawing wide attention as tensions around Iran's political situation and regional security continue to make headlines worldwide.

Ukraine launched a record drone attack on Moscow, leaving parts of the Russian capital ablaze on the final day of Russia's presidential election. The strike, one of the largest on the city since the war began, coincided with voting in which President Vladimir Putin sought a new term. Ukrainian officials described the operation as a demonstration that Russia's rear areas are no longer safe.

A week of intensive diplomacy has wrapped up, with the central question being whether it brought progress toward ending the conflict between the United States and Iran. Observers are weighing whether the high-level negotiations made any real headway, as the region watches for signs of de-escalation between the two adversaries following weeks of heightened tension.

Ethiopia's military says it will show restraint as concerns grow that the country could slide back into civil war. The pledge comes amid rising political tensions and fears of renewed large-scale fighting. Observers are watching closely for whether the army's commitment calms the situation or whether violence escalates further.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to denounce New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, tying his criticism to broader attacks on political opponents and critics of Israel's policies. The remarks drew immediate attention online, with commentators debating why a foreign leader was weighing in on a New York municipal race and what it signals about the polarization around the Gaza war.

Nearly every world leader is gathering in New York for the annual UN General Assembly, where heads of state deliver addresses and hold diplomatic meetings on the sidelines. The BBC explains what draws so many leaders to the city at once and why the week matters for global diplomacy.

The UN General Assembly's annual general debate has reached its fifth day, with world leaders continuing to address the assembly in New York. The general debate is the yearly forum where heads of state and government set out their countries' positions on global issues. UN News is providing ongoing coverage of the speeches as the high-level week of international diplomacy proceeds.

Italy's parliament has approved a plan to bring back nuclear power, more than three decades after the country abandoned it following the 1987 referendum held in the wake of Chernobyl. The move marks a major shift in Italian energy policy, as lawmakers back nuclear as part of the transition toward low-carbon energy sources. Debate is expected over timelines, safety and where reactors would be built.

Finland's President delivered a full address at the United Nations General Assembly, framing his remarks around what he called a defining moment of global disorder. The speech has drawn wide attention online, with viewers sharing the complete recording and discussing his warnings about the state of international order and multilateral cooperation.

Local communities are organizing against the construction of AI data centers in their areas, citing concerns over electricity and water consumption, noise, and limited local benefits. The resistance is turning into a broader political issue, with residents and officials questioning whether large-scale AI infrastructure should be built without greater local consent and planning oversight.

Canada has declared Iran the principal threat to peace and insisted the country must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. The strong statement, carried by international outlets, marks a sharp rhetorical escalation in Ottawa's stance toward Tehran and aligns Canada with Western allies pressing to prevent Iranian nuclear capability amid ongoing regional tensions.

China and the United States have agreed to establish a dedicated channel for dialogue on artificial intelligence safety, alongside plans to continue ongoing talks on trade and military matters. The agreement marks a step toward keeping communication open between the two powers on emerging technology risks, even as broader economic and strategic tensions between Washington and Beijing persist.

The Pentagon is reported to have suffered a data breach involving military personnel, according to the headline claim. No details have been confirmed about how many service members were affected, what data was exposed, or who is believed responsible. The story is drawing attention given the sensitivity of information on US military staff.

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.

The European Union has issued a warning to member states about an urgent energy price crisis as the winter season approaches. Governments are being urged to prepare for potential price spikes and supply pressures. The alert signals growing concern in Brussels that household and business energy costs could worsen without coordinated action across the bloc.

The UK military is jamming satellites belonging to other nations as part of its own defensive operations, according to information given to the BBC. The disclosure offers a rare look into electronic warfare practices in orbit, where signals used by hostile forces are disrupted to protect British interests. It is likely to renew debate about rules of engagement and escalation risks in space.

President Donald Trump has registered a new low in polling, according to CNN data analyst Harry Enten, who described the figures as 'stunning numbers'. Enten's assessment, aired on CNN, breaks down what the weak approval ratings mean for Trump and his standing with voters. The analysis is drawing wide attention as observers weigh the political implications ahead of upcoming elections.

A US jury has ruled that Apple must pay a record $5.7 billion in damages in a patent dispute over haptic technology, the vibration and touch-feedback systems used in its devices. The verdict ranks among the largest patent damages awards ever issued in the United States, and discussion is focused on what the ruling means for Apple and for future haptic patent litigation.

Iran is maintaining that it seeks a diplomatic resolution after Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan, according to reports carried by Reuters and multiple international outlets. The rejection has raised questions about the future of negotiations, with Tehran publicly restating its commitment to talks despite the setback. Commentators are watching closely for how both sides respond next.

Iranian officials have stated that diplomacy is the only option available to the United States, a defiant message amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Separately, Northern Ireland's Orange Order is set to march again at Drumcree, the controversial parade site long associated with sectarian conflict. Both stories draw attention to long-running standoffs and their symbolic weight for observers following international and regional affairs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a full address to the UN General Assembly in New York, with the complete speech broadcast live and drawing large audiences. The remarks come amid ongoing international debate over Israel's conduct in Gaza and its relations with global powers. Many delegates and observers have focused on how world leaders responded to his appearance and message at the assembly.

Iran has stated that only diplomacy can resolve the ongoing conflict, reacting after Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan. The statement underscores Tehran's position that negotiations, not force, are the path forward, while Washington's dismissal of the plan highlights the widening gap between the two sides over how to end the standoff.

Donald Trump and other world leaders are delivering addresses at the United Nations General Assembly's 2026 session, with speeches broadcast live worldwide. The gathering is drawing broad attention as leaders use the annual forum to lay out their foreign policy positions and respond to ongoing international crises. Viewers are following the full speeches as they are streamed.

Beijing has announced that the United States and China will pursue a military crisis-communication pact, according to the South China Morning Post. The reported agreement would aim to keep open channels between the two militaries and reduce the risk of escalation during incidents at sea or in the air. The announcement comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, Taiwan and regional security.

A US judge has overturned the White House media ban imposed under Donald Trump, ruling against the restrictions that had barred certain news outlets from press access. The decision restores journalists' access to the White House and is being widely discussed as a significant moment for press freedom, pitting First Amendment protections against a president's control over media access.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for the creation of a new Eurasian 'security architecture', speaking in remarks reported by UN News. The proposal signals Moscow's push to reshape regional security arrangements beyond existing Western-led frameworks. The appeal has drawn attention given the ongoing war in Ukraine and debates over the future of European and Asian security order.

President Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping chokepoint for global oil supplies. The refusal comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Persian Gulf. Attention now turns to how Iran responds and whether the dispute will escalate further, with broader Middle East developments also drawing international focus.

A new report says global temperatures have reached record highs as the El Niño climate pattern strengthens in the Pacific. El Niño, which warms ocean surface waters and alters weather worldwide, is adding to the underlying warming trend driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists warn the combination could push average temperatures to new extremes in the coming months, with implications for heatwaves, droughts and storms across many regions.

The annual UN General Assembly gathering opens in New York, with heads of state and government from around the world arriving for a week of speeches and bilateral meetings. It is widely described as the biggest event in world diplomacy, offering a stage for addresses on conflicts, climate and global cooperation, though concrete outcomes often depend on side negotiations rather than the podium.

Russia's and Germany's top diplomats have met at the United Nations for their first direct talks since 2022, marking the highest-level contact between the two governments since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting signals a possible easing of diplomatic freeze between Moscow and Berlin, and is drawing attention for what it could mean for Europe's stance on Russia going forward.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have held a rare direct meeting at a time of sharply elevated tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Direct high-level contacts between the two governments have been scarce since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, so the talks draw attention as a possible channel for diplomacy, even though no major breakthrough is expected from a single conversation.

The UN General Assembly's 2026 session in New York has drawn international attention, with a week of speeches and side meetings offering a snapshot of the state of global diplomacy. Coverage highlights what the gathering revealed about current geopolitical alignments and the major issues dominating debate among world leaders this year.

A House Democrat has introduced 26 articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, alleging sweeping abuses of power during his second presidency. The move is largely symbolic given Republican control of the House, but it has drawn wide attention and debate over its political impact and the specific allegations included.

The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements, citing alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The updated list, published by the UN human rights office, names businesses across sectors including construction and technology. Rights groups welcomed the move while it is expected to draw sharp criticism from Israel and its allies.

Major US television networks are preparing to resume coverage of President Trump after the White House TV pool went dark for a week during a standoff between CNN and the president. The White House has excluded CNN from its coverage arrangements, but network leaders believe an indefinite suspension of coverage would be untenable, so broadcasts are set to continue even as the CNN dispute remains unresolved.

The European Union has released humanitarian aid funding destined for Africa and other regions hit by crises. The aid is intended to support populations affected by conflict, displacement and emergencies, though details on the sums involved and the specific recipient countries have not yet been set out.

US President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Tehran, in turn, has signalled that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward in the standoff. The exchange underscores the deep gap between Washington and Tehran over the Gulf's most important maritime passage.

The United Nations Secretary-General has delivered pointed remarks telling major powers that 'their power isn't so super', in what is being read as a veiled criticism of Donald Trump. The comments come amid ongoing tensions between the UN leadership and Washington over multilateralism, funding and global cooperation, and have drawn wide attention online.

China addressed the United Nations General Assembly with a call to 'safeguard the postwar order,' positioning itself as a defender of the international framework established after World War Two. The appeal comes amid ongoing tensions with Western powers, which Beijing often accuses of undermining the UN-centred system. The statement frames China as a champion of multilateralism and sovereignty on the world stage.

India has told the United Nations that countries far from any conflict zone are paying the price for wars they did not start. The statement, delivered at the UN, highlighted how the effects of distant wars — from economic shocks to food and energy insecurity — spill over onto uninvolved nations. The remarks add to India's regular calls at the world body for greater global cooperation and shared responsibility in resolving conflicts.

The Yemeni government has called for a general mobilisation, prompting questions about what triggered the move and what it could mean for the country. The call comes amid heightened tensions in Yemen, though the government has not detailed the specific threat or operation behind the order. Observers are watching closely for signs of a new offensive or escalation involving the internationally recognised government and its rivals.

The European Union has announced an emergency aid package worth 700 million euros to respond to global humanitarian crises. The funds are intended to address urgent needs in affected regions, though the bloc did not detail in the announcement which specific crises or countries will receive the money. The move comes as humanitarian organisations continue to warn of severe underfunding worldwide.

Donald Trump has confirmed a meeting with an Iranian delegation, with Qatar actively pushing for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. The meeting signals a potential opening in tensions between the United States and Iran, with Doha positioning itself as a key mediator. The development is drawing widespread attention as observers watch for signs of de-escalation in the region.

The U.S. military is preparing for possible operations around Cuba, according to CBS News reporting. Details about the scope, timing, or purpose of the preparations were not provided, and it is not clear whether any action is imminent. The report comes amid ongoing tensions over Venezuela, with Cuba a close ally of Caracas and a longtime point of friction in U.S.-Caribbean relations.