US-Iran talks in Doha end without breakthrough as nuclear issue remains untouched

Indirect talks between the United States and Iran have concluded in Doha without a significant breakthrough, despite both sides expressing cautious optimism about future negotiations.

Sources familiar with the discussions said negotiators spent two days focusing on technical issues, including maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and financial incentives for Tehran—matters that had already formed part of the ceasefire framework agreed in June. The more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and a long-term peace agreement, were reportedly not discussed.

Speaking in Washington, Donald Trump, United States president, said negotiations were progressing well and suggested talks on limiting Iran’s nuclear programme were moving in the right direction. However, officials involved in the discussions said the nuclear issue did not feature in the latest round, underscoring the challenges facing efforts to secure a comprehensive agreement after months of conflict.

Germany charges Ukrainian national over 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions

German federal prosecutors have formally charged a Ukrainian national over the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, marking the first major criminal case linked to one of Europe’s most significant acts of infrastructure sabotage.

The suspect, identified only as Serhii K under German privacy laws, is accused of leading and coordinating the operation that destroyed three of the four pipelines transporting Russian natural gas to Germany beneath the Baltic Sea. German media reported that he was arrested in Italy last year before being extradited to Germany in November.

The accused has denied any involvement. Ukraine has consistently rejected allegations linking it to the attack, while no government or group has claimed responsibility. The case is expected to have significant diplomatic implications given Germany’s support for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.

Syria completes new transitional parliament with final presidential appointments

Syria’s Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has completed the formation of the country’s transitional parliament by appointing the remaining 70 members of the new People’s Assembly.

The appointments include 15 women and 13 former political prisoners detained during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown in 2024. The selections were intended to improve representation after regional electoral colleges filled the first 140 seats but produced limited representation for women and minority groups.

Election officials said the appointees include academics, professionals, civil society leaders, survivors of detention and relatives of those killed during Syria’s civil war. The new parliament, representing all 14 provinces, is expected to convene for its first session next week as the country continues its political transition.

US declines to renew North American trade pact, opening door to renegotiation

The Trump administration has declined to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form, triggering a review process that could eventually replace or significantly amend North America’s free trade framework.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington would continue engaging with Canada and Mexico to address what it considers shortcomings in the agreement, particularly persistent trade deficits and manufacturing losses.

Although the agreement remains in force for another decade under its review mechanism, annual negotiations will now determine its future. The next round of bilateral talks with Mexico is scheduled for later this month and will focus on tightening rules of origin for automobiles and strengthening regional economic security.

Chris Brown ordered to pay nearly $13 million over housekeeper’s dog attack

American singer Chris Brown has been ordered by a Los Angeles jury to pay nearly $13 million in damages after being found liable for a brutal dog attack that left his former housekeeper permanently disfigured.

Maria Avila sued Brown after she was attacked by his 90-kilogram Caucasian shepherd, Hades, while taking out rubbish at his California home in 2020. She suffered severe facial injuries, permanent scarring, vision loss and nerve damage.

During the trial, jurors heard evidence that Brown left the property rather than assisting the victim because he feared attracting media attention. Brown had argued that the dog was kept solely for security purposes and was not his personal pet. Neither the singer nor his representatives have publicly commented on the verdict.

AFRICA

Ivory Coast floods claim 59 lives as West Africa battles heavy rains

Severe flooding across Ivory Coast has killed at least 59 people, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.

Government spokesman Amadou Coulibaly said emergency teams remain on the ground searching affected communities following days of intense rainfall that inundated homes and infrastructure.

The disaster comes as neighbouring Ghana also grapples with deadly flooding after torrential rains submerged large parts of Accra and surrounding areas, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather across West Africa during the rainy season.

Amnesty accuses Sudan’s RSF of crimes against humanity in Darfur

Amnesty International has accused Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing during its campaign to seize the strategic city of el-Fasher in Darfur.

According to the rights organisation, the paramilitary group carried out widespread killings, torture, rape, sexual slavery, forced displacement and persecution during its assault on the city, one of the bloodiest battles in Sudan’s civil war.

The RSF has not responded to the latest report but has previously denied allegations of war crimes. Sudan’s conflict, now entering its third year, has displaced more than 14 million people and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces facing accusations of serious human rights abuses.

Uganda confirms isolated Marburg virus case during Ebola surveillance

Uganda has confirmed an isolated case of Marburg virus disease discovered during surveillance for an ongoing Ebola outbreak, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials said no contacts linked to the infected individual have developed symptoms, indicating there is currently no active Marburg outbreak in the country. The World Health Organization confirmed it had been notified of the case and is supporting investigations, contact tracing and community engagement.

Marburg virus is a highly infectious haemorrhagic fever closely related to Ebola and has a high fatality rate. Authorities say surveillance has been intensified to prevent further transmission.

More than 900 arrested during South Africa’s anti-migrant protests

South African police arrested more than 900 people during nationwide anti-migrant demonstrations that swept across the country, with authorities reporting isolated violence despite most protests remaining peaceful.

Police said 108 of the 120 demonstrations proceeded without incident, while officers intervened in 12 protests involving looting, public violence and attacks on businesses owned by foreign nationals.

One person was shot dead during unrest in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township, where crowds targeted foreign-owned spaza shops. Those arrested face charges ranging from immigration violations and robbery to harbouring undocumented migrants and public violence.

Eight Kenyan schoolgirls charged over deadly dormitory fire

Eight schoolgirls have been charged with murder over a dormitory fire that killed 16 fellow students at a boarding school in Kenya’s Nakuru County earlier this year.
The teenagers appeared before the Kibera High Court in Nairobi, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors have yet to reveal details of the evidence linking the students to the fatal blaze.

The fire, which also injured 79 students, reignited concerns about safety standards and recurring unrest in Kenyan boarding schools. Investigations into previous school fires have often found that students deliberately started blazes to protest harsh disciplinary measures and poor living conditions.