Iran is close to a deal with China to purchase anti‑ship cruise missiles, according to six people with knowledge of the negotiations, just as the US deploys a vast naval force near the Iranian coast ahead of possible strikes on the Islamic Republic.

US President Donald Trump boasted of a “turnaround for the ages” in a State of the Union speech, seeking to reverse his dismal polls and see off mounting challenges at home and abroad ahead of crucial midterm elections.

Two Ugandan women were arrested for kissing in public, a police spokesperson told AFP, under an anti-gay law considered among the harshest in the world.

France moved to block US envoy Charles Kushner from having access to government ministers, after he failed to show up to explain comments about a killed far-right activist.

Queen Camilla met French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot and revealed she was left “speechless” after reading her memoir.

Tourette’s sufferer John Davidson, who inspired a BAFTA-winning film, on Monday said he was “deeply mortified” after shouting a racial slur at the London awards ceremony.

Iranian students defied authorities with protests for a third day, weeks after security forces crushed mass unrest with thousands killed and as the US weighs possible air strikes against the Islamic Republic.

Iran vowed on Monday to retaliate “ferociously” against any attack by the United States and reiterated warnings of a regional conflagration in response to President Donald Trump’s threat of limited strikes.

The Mexican army announced that it had killed powerful drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera in an operation that sparked a wave of violence in various parts of the country.

Despite explicitly saying he “would be fine” if Israel took most of the Middle East in accordance with his interpretation of the Bible, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee has suggested the remark was selectively edited.

Iran has indicated it is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear programme in talks with the US in return for the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, as it seeks to avert a US attack.

The European Commission demanded that the US stick to the terms of an EU-US trade deal reached in 2025, after the US Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s global tariffs and he responded with new levies across the board.

Pakistan said it launched multiple air strikes targeting militants in neighbouring Afghanistan, where the government reported children were among dozens of people killed and wounded.

Here is what we know so far about the links between the late financier who died in a US jail in 2019 and the ex-prince who has enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege.

Britain’s former prince Andrew was arrested and released under investigation in a day of drama. What is he being probed for? Could he be jailed? And what next?

Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania have pledged to send troops to Gaza, the commander of a newly created International Stabilisation Force (ISF) has said during a meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.

Iran on Thursday warned that US bases, facilities and assets would be “legitimate targets” if the United States follows through on its military threats and attacks.

The families of 35 Kenyans lured into fighting for the Russian army demanded on Thursday that their government take action to bring them home.

The United States is planning to withdraw all of its 1 000 troops from Syria over the next two months, according to US media reports.

Hamas is cementing its hold over Gaza by placing loyalists in key government roles, collecting taxes and paying salaries, according to an Israeli military assessment seen by Reuters and sources in the Palestinian enclave.