Malek Fouda
USA
Washington announces $6 million aid to Cuba amid diplomatic rift
The US has extended aid to Cuba for people still reeling from Hurricane Melissa in the island’s eastern regions. The aid comes despite a diplomatic rift, as Washington continues to urge Cuba to negotiate a deal to end tensions “before it is too late”.
USA
US and Russia agree to resume military dialogue after Abu Dhabi talks
The US and Russia have agreed to resume military communications hotlines following talks in Abu Dhabi. The move comes as Washington continues to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, nearing its fourth anniversary.
China
China's Xi Jinping holds video call with Russia's Vladimir Putin
China’s Xi Jinping held a video call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral ties and exchange strategies and views on current geopolitical tensions. The call between the two allies came just before President Xi held a wide-ranging phone call with US President Donald Trump.
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USA
Trump pushes Beijing to break from Tehran in phone call with Xi
Trump said he held an “excellent” phone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Wednesday where the pair discussed many things, from trade to the war in Ukraine. Topping the agenda of their talks was the situation in Iran, as Washington continues to urge countries to isolate Tehran.
USA
Mexico agrees to make more predictable water deliveries to the US
The US has reached a deal which guarantees an annual minimum of water deliveries from Mexico, replacing the old system under which Mexico had to fulfil a quota on a five-year cycle. Washington says the deal is set to help farmers in southern states, particularly in Texas.
Iran
Iran seeks 'fair and equitable' talks with the US to ease tensions
Iran’s President says he has instructed the country’s foreign minister to pursue constructive negotiations to ease tensions and a looming threat of conflict with the US. The move signals a shift in approach for Tehran, who for weeks has countered with its own threats against Washington.
Libya
Seif al-Islam Gaddafi killed by masked gunmen in his home in Zintan
Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, son to late long-time Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, was killed on Tuesday in his home in the western town of Zintan in western Libya. Sources close to him say four masked gunmen stormed his home to carry out the “heinous crime”.
Bangladesh
Former PM Sheikh Hasina and UK lawmaker niece sentenced in graft case
A special court in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison, and her UK lawmaker niece, Tulip Siddiq to four, over corruption charges. Hasina is accused of misusing power to illegally secure plots of land in a government project to distribute to her family.
USA
Trump urges quick House vote to end partial government shutdown
Trump has implored lawmakers to quicky end the partial government shutdown, promising to “work in good faith” on raised issues and concerns. The shutdown comes as Democratic lawmakers demand changes to immigration operations after the fatal shooting of two US citizens in Minneapolis in January.
USA
Clintons agree to testify in House investigation into Epstein
An attorney for the Clintons said the pair had agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee on matters related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It comes after months of political wrangling and as Republican lawmakers advanced contempt proceedings against Bill and Hillary.
Pakistan
Pakistan says it killed 145 terrorists after deadly Saturday attacks
Pakistan says it has killed 145 “Indian-backed terrorists” in retaliation to Saturday’s suicide and gun attacks in the southwestern province of Balochistan. Officials say at least 33 people, mostly civilians were killed in what they described as ‘coordinated attacks’.
Culture news
Bad Bunny wins album of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards
Many artists dedicated their award-acceptance speeches to criticise US President Donald Trump’s administration over immigration operations, as the outrage over ICE’s fatal shooting of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis continues to ensue.
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