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”. 06/02/2026
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. 06/02/2026
12 minutes with Council of Europe boss calls for full backing for Ukraine Tribunal The head of Europe’s leading human rights organisation, the Council of Europe, told Euronews that European countries need to provide the budgetary resources and political will to ensure accountability for Russian war crimes committed in Ukraine. 05/02/2026
Europe News EU, US and Japan to cooperate on critical raw materials The joint arrangement will focus on boosting demand and diversifying the supply of critical raw materials by identifying and backing projects in mining, refining, and recycling, all with the goal of reducing reliance on China. 05/02/2026
USA Bill Gates denies Epstein email claims and says he was ‘foolish’ "The focus was always, he knew a lot of very rich people, and he was saying he could get them to give money to global health. In retrospect, that was a dead end," Gates said in an interview aired Wednesday. 05/02/2026
Europe News Melting ice, rising risks: Why the Arctic is key to Europe's security Western allies lack military capabilities that can withstand the harsh conditions of the Arctic and keep Russia in check in an area that spans about 4% of the Earth's surface. 05/02/2026
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. 05/02/2026
Europe News What is ICE's mandate abroad and can it operate on foreign soil? Experts say that while the US immigration agency’s principal criminal investigative arm, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), has operated abroad for many years, its activities are formally subject to the approval of host governments. 04/02/2026
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. 04/02/2026
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. 04/02/2026
Iran US-flagged tanker challenged by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz The Stena Imperative was approached by small armed vessels belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, but continued on its way as planned. 03/02/2026
Health news 22.6 million deaths by 2030 if foreign aid cuts persist, study finds As cuts in international aid continue worldwide, a new study projects 22.6 million people will die by 2030, including 5.4 million children under the age of five. 03/02/2026
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. 03/02/2026
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. 03/02/2026
Culture news 'F*ck ICE': Artists stand up to Trump at politically-charged Grammys This year's Grammy Awards saw several artists stand up to Donald Trump and ICE. From host Trevor Noah to Olivia Dean, Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny - who targeted US immigration authorities in his acceptance speech - politics loomed large at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. 02/02/2026
Iran Iran summons EU ambassadors to protest IRGC listed as terror group Tehran summoned EU ambassadors to protest the bloc's decision to classify Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terror group. 02/02/2026
USA Johnson says partial shutdown expected to last through to Tuesday US House Speaker Mike Jonson has blamed Democrat lawmakers over their lengthy demands to end a weekend-sprung partial government shutdown, but is convinced he has enough votes to end the impasse by Tuesday. 02/02/2026
No Comment 'No words': Danish war veterans hold silent march in Copenhagen to protest against Trump's remarks In Denmark, veterans who went to war alongside US troops took to the streets of Copenhagen. 01/02/2026
World News US ‘starting to talk to Cuba’, Donald Trump says moves to cut its oil The US president did not offer any details about what level of outreach his administration has had with Cuba recently or when, but said, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.” 01/02/2026
USA US Senate passes Trump-backed government funding deal The bill passed 71-29 and will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday, meaning the government could be in a partial shutdown temporarily over the weekend until they pass it. 31/01/2026