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Trump kicks off his 'Board of Peace,' as war clouds loom on Iran
President Donald Trump on Thursday promised $10 billion for a new "Board of Peace," an amorphous new institution focused first on Gaza that is being launched just as he threatens Iran with war.
US and Israel issue dire warnings to Iran alongside US military buildup
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday Iran must make a "meaningful deal" in its negotiations with Washington in the next 10 days or else "bad things happen", as he deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware in the region.
US trade deficit in goods widens to new record in 2025
The US trade deficit in goods expanded to a new record in 2025, government data showed Thursday, despite sweeping tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed during his first year back in the White House.
Olympics rev up Milan's renewal but locals fear price to pay
The Winter Olympics are expected to accelerate Milan's transformation into a vibrant international metropolis -- but many residents fear the effect will see them priced out.
MSF will keep operating in Gaza 'as long as we can': mission head
The head of Doctors Without Borders in the Palestinian territories told AFP the charity would continue working in Gaza for as long as possible, following an Israeli decision to end its activities there.
Russian Filippov wins first medal at Milan-Cortina Games for individual neutral athletes
Russian Nikita Filippov won the first medal at the Milan-Cortina Games for individual neutral athletes when he claimed silver in the men's ski mountaineering sprint in Bormio on Thursday.
Dozens killed in jihadist attacks in northwest Nigeria
Jihadist fighters have killed dozens of people and destroyed seven villages in raids in northwestern Nigeria's Kebbi state, the police told AFP Thursday.
Repsol says could boost Venezuela oil output over 50% in 12 months
The boss of Spanish energy giant Repsol said Thursday that his company could boost oil production in Venezuela by more than half over the next year after Washington reauthorised its operations there.
UN says Israeli actions raise 'ethnic cleansing' fears in West Bank, Gaza
Israel's increased attacks and forcible transfers of Palestinians "raise concerns over ethnic cleansing" in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, the United Nations said Thursday.
UN Sudan probe finds 'hallmarks of genocide' in El-Fasher
The UN's independent fact-finding mission on Sudan said Thursday the paramilitary siege and capture of El-Fasher bore "the hallmarks of genocide".
Facing US warnings, Iran defends right to nuclear enrichment
Iran's atomic energy chief on Thursday said "no country can deprive Iran of the right" to nuclear enrichment, following fresh US warning that there were "many reasons" to strike the Islamic republic.
British couple held in Iran sentenced to 10 years
A British couple detained in Iran since January 2025 have been sentenced to 10 years in jail for espionage, their family announced on Thursday, prompting condemnation from the UK government.
Ex-S.Korea leader Yoon gets life in prison for insurrection
A South Korean court sentenced ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison on Thursday after finding him guilty of leading an insurrection with his martial law declaration in 2024.
South Korea's Yoon: from rising star to jailed ex-president
South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol capped a remarkable fall from grace on Thursday when he was sentenced to life imprisonment over his bungled efforts to impose military rule.
India's Modi calls for inclusive tech at AI summit
Artificial intelligence must be accessible and inclusive, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told world leaders and tech CEOs on Thursday, at a summit focused on the fast-evolving technology.
Australia rejects foreign threats after claim of China interference
Australia condemned foreign harassment of its residents Thursday after a media report alleged Chinese police had pressured food delivery riders in the country.
Somali militias terrorise locals after driving out Al-Qaeda
Fear starts to grip lorry driver Zakeriya Hersi whenever he reaches the edge of the central Somalian plains.
Australian defence firm helps Ukraine zap Russian drones
One of Australia's most highly valued defence firms is helping Ukrainian soldiers knock Russian drones off the battlefield, riding a surge in military spending by Western governments with tech combating the weapon of the future.
Cuban opposition figure Ferrer supports Maduro-like US operation for Cuba
Cuban opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer supports a US operation in his country akin to the one that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro should the communist leadership refuse to give up power, he told AFP in an interview Wednesday.
High-stakes showdown in Nepal's post-uprising polls
In Nepal's eastern plains, rival political flags depicting blue bells and red suns flutter over tea farms and brick homes -- symbols of a local election campaign shaping landmark nationwide polls.
After Greenland, Arctic island Svalbard wary of great powers
There are no outward signs of jitters, at least not yet: people in Svalbard are going about their daily lives as normal despite speculation that this Norwegian archipelago could be the next Arctic territory coveted by the United States or Russia.
Sudan's historic acacia forest devastated as war fuels logging
Vast stretches of a once-verdant acacia forest south of Sudan's capital Khartoum have been reduced to little more than fields of stumps as nearly three years of conflict have fuelled deforestation.
Jail, disgrace and death: the dark fates of South Korean leaders
South Korea's ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol faces prison or even the death penalty when he appears in court Thursday on insurrection charges stemming from his 2024 bid to impose martial law.
S. Korea court weighs death sentence for ex-president Yoon
A South Korean court will rule Thursday on insurrection charges against ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, weighing whether he should be sentenced to death for his failed bid to impose military rule.
Trump kicks off his 'Board of Peace,' with eye on Gaza and beyond
US President Donald Trump on Thursday gathers allies to inaugurate the "Board of Peace," his new institution focused on progress on Gaza but whose ambitions reach much further.
Israel conducting 'gradual de facto annexation' of W.Bank: UN official
A top UN official warned Wednesday that steps by Israel to tighten control of areas of the West Bank administered by the Palestinian Authority amount to "gradual de facto annexation."
Major US naval, air buildup sets stage for potential Iran war
The massive US military buildup in the Middle East, including warships, fighter jets, and refueling aircraft, lays the foundation for a potentially sustained campaign against Iran -- should President Donald Trump give the order.
White House tells Iran to do deal as Trump hints at US strikes
The White House warned on Wednesday that Iran would be "wise" to do a deal with the United States as President Donald Trump once again hinted at military action.
Putin says Russia 'always' stands by Cuba, slams US sanctions
Moscow will "always" stand by Cuba, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Havana's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Moscow on Wednesday, reiterating support for the Caribbean island struggling against sweeping US sanctions.
Berlin Film Festival rejects accusation of censorship on Gaza
The director of the Berlin Film Festival on Wednesday rejected accusations from more than 80 film industry figures that the festival had helped censor artists who oppose Israel's actions in Gaza.
Paris prosecutor calls on Epstein victims in France to testify
A Paris prosecutor Wednesday called on potential victims of US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to come forward, as magistrates investigate possible offences committed in France or involving French victims or perpetrators.
First woman envoy for Palestine dies in France: family
Leila Shahid, the first woman diplomat representing Palestine abroad, died in southern France aged 76, her family said Wednesday.