Iran signals readiness for US talks as tensions remain high
Iran says it will pursue negotiations with the United States, marking a cautious diplomatic opening despite escalating Harvard pressure in the region. President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had instructed foreign minister Abbas Araghchi to respond to a US proposal following appeals from regional allies. Tehran insists any talks must be conducted without threats or “unreasonable expectations”. The announcement comes as Washington maintains a heightened military posture in the Middle East. Iranian officials stress negotiations will proceed strictly within the framework of national interests.
US downs Iranian drone near aircraft carrier amid standoff
The United States says it shot down an Iranian drone that approached an American aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea with “unclear intent”. A US Navy F-35 jet intercepted the drone in what officials described as an act of self-defence. No damage or injuries were reported. The incident underscores the fragile balance between military deterrence and diplomacy as US-Iran talks are expected to resume. Washington says diplomacy remains its preferred path, but all options remain on the table.
Trump escalates Harvard feud with $1bn damages demand
Donald Trump, United States president, has said his administration will seek $1bn in damages from Harvard University, intensifying a long-running dispute over federal funding and governance. Trump accused the Ivy League institution of serious wrongdoing but offered no public legal basis for the figure. The move follows reports that the White House had earlier sought a $200m settlement. Harvard has not publicly responded to the latest demand. The clash highlights Trump’s broader campaign against elite US universities.
UK police probe Mandelson over Epstein-linked leak claims
British police have opened a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson over allegations of misconduct in public office. The former Labour minister is accused of passing market-sensitive information to financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2009. Mandelson denies any criminal wrongdoing and says he was not motivated by financial gain. The investigation follows the release of emails by the US Department of Justice. Mandelson has announced plans to resign from the House of Lords.
Jill Biden’s ex-husband charged with murder in Delaware
William Stevenson, former husband of Jill Biden, one time US First Lady, has been charged with first-degree murder over the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson. Police say she was found unresponsive at their home following a reported domestic dispute. Stevenson, 77, is being held after failing to post bail. Authorities stress the case has no connection to Jill Biden’s public role. The charges follow a weeks-long investigation.
AFRICA
Ethiopia accuses Eritrean forces of atrocities in Tigray
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused Eritrean troops of committing atrocities during the Tigray war, acknowledging for the first time that massacres occurred in the city of Aksum. Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopian troops during the conflict, which ended in 2022. The admission marks a sharp shift in Addis Ababa’s position and risks inflaming tensions with Asmara. Relations between the two neighbours have deteriorated amid disputes over Red Sea access. Fears of renewed instability in the region are growing.
South Sudan President sacks aides after dead man named to election panel
South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir has dismissed two senior aides after a deceased opposition figure was mistakenly appointed to an election committee. The blunder triggered widespread ridicule after it was revealed that the appointee had died five years earlier. Officials blamed outdated information submitted by stakeholders. The incident raises fresh questions about Kiir’s capacity for governance ahead of elections scheduled for December. No disciplinary reasons were formally cited.
DR Congo urges calm after drones target key airport
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have called for calm after drones targeted a strategic airport in Kisangani. Officials accuse the M23 rebel group and Rwanda of being behind the attack, though no claim of responsibility has been made. Several drones were intercepted before reaching their targets, and no casualties were reported. Security has since been tightened around the airport. Domestic flights continue to operate.
Tunisia tightens grip as court extends sentences for opposition figures
A Tunisian court has upheld and extended lengthy prison sentences for senior opposition figures accused of conspiring against the state. Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi saw his sentence rise to more than 40 years. Ghannouchi has refused to appeal, citing lack of judicial independence. The ruling deepens concerns over democratic backsliding under President Kais Saied. Civil society groups warn political space continues to shrink.
Somaliland eyes Israel trade deal, offers mineral access
Somaliland says it expects to reach a trade agreement with Israel following Tel Aviv’s recognition of its independence. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said the territory is willing to offer access to minerals, including lithium, oil and gas. Somaliland hopes to secure Israeli investment and technology in return. No deal has yet been signed, but talks are ongoing.
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