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U.S.-Iran talks resume as Tehran rules out surrender

Indirect talks resumed in New York as Iran’s president rejected surrender and the two sides remained far apart on ending the war. The conflict threatens regional security and global energy flows.

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U.S.-Iran talks resume as Tehran rules out surrender

Washington and Tehran held indirect talks in New York as the war and sharp public rhetoric continued. Iran also signaled it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments.

Figure of the Day

451,000 — Estimated excess heat deaths linked to the current El Niño, according to a research report.

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Russian attacks kill six in Ukraine after Zelenskyy-Trump talks

Russian attacks killed people in Kyiv and the Donetsk region shortly after talks between Ukraine’s president and the U.S. president. NATO aircraft were also deployed over Poland and Romania as Russian strikes continued near the alliance’s borders.

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Trump-Xi summit puts trade, Taiwan and AI in focus

The Trump-Xi summit comes as Washington and Beijing compete over trade, technology and strategic influence. Calls to slow AI development have gained attention, but the two countries driving the race show no sign of backing away.

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Tigray leaders say renewed war with Ethiopia has begun

Tigrayan leaders say fighting with Ethiopia’s federal government has renewed, raising fears of a wider conflict in the north. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended service to three airports in the region amid the escalation.

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McDonald’s pledges multibillion-dollar investment in restaurants

McDonald’s announced new financial targets, restaurant upgrades and training plans, along with support for franchisees, as it seeks to improve operations and drive growth. More on wsj.com

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Gaza recovery plan proposes $2.4 billion as attacks continue

A U.S.-backed initiative has proposed billions of dollars for Gaza’s reconstruction while Israeli attacks continue to cause Palestinian deaths. A U.N. agency has also reported a surge in reports of violence against women in the enclave.

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Study projects 451,000 excess heat deaths from El Niño

A research report estimates that unusually intense El Niño-driven heat could cause hundreds of thousands of additional deaths worldwide. The figure is a projection, not a count of deaths that have already occurred.

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Admiral proposes 500 job cuts in UK insurance business

The British insurer plans to cut about 500 jobs, roughly 5% of its UK workforce, under proposals affecting its insurance business. More on bbc.co.uk

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Category 5 Hurricane Polo churns off Mexico’s Pacific coast

Hurricane Polo has intensified into a Category 5 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast, among the strongest recorded in the region. Forecasters are also tracking threats to Hawaii amid an exceptionally active Pacific storm season.

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White House weighs 90-day diesel export ban as prices climb

The White House is weighing a temporary diesel export ban as fuel prices rise, drawing objections from energy officials and industry representatives. Markets have reacted to the possibility, with European diesel futures jumping.

Quote

We can’t let diplomacy fail.
— Majed al-Ansari, Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson

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Congo faces health-worker shortage as Ebola outbreak spreads

The World Health Organization says Congo lacks enough health workers to staff treatment centers as the Ebola outbreak continues. The warning highlights the pressure on frontline care during a fast-growing public-health emergency.

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Chagos Islands deal faces review over Diego Garcia base

Britain’s planned transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is under review amid concerns about the U.S.-UK military base on Diego Garcia. The deal’s future depends in part on U.S. support.

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Germany commits to phasing out fossil fuels by 2045

Germany has committed to phasing out fossil fuels by 2045, a significant shift for Europe’s largest economy. Italy’s parliament has separately cleared the way for a return to nuclear power.

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Moroccans vote for parliament amid economic uncertainty

Moroccans voted for a new parliament amid economic uncertainty. The election will determine the makeup of the country’s lower house.

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ICC convicts Central African militia commander of crimes against humanity

The International Criminal Court convicted a former Central African Republic militia commander of crimes against humanity, including torture. The ruling marks a significant step in the court’s prosecution of crimes committed during the country’s conflict.