The world in a glance.

US-Iran talks postponed as Vance pulls out of Switzerland trip

Eighteen people and four IDF soldiers are also killed in clashes in Lebanon, officials say, despite a truce meant to be in place in the country.

Fears for US-Iran deal as talks delayed by Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Tehran holds back from talks to cement ceasefire due to ongoing Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon.

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup 2026 travel restrictions

Team's complaint comes amid the denial of their request to fly to the United States two days before their next match.

Thousands killed in US-Israeli war on Iran - but experts say true total may never be known

Experts say internet, media and government restrictions have all hampered casualty reporting across the region.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha happy his mother will attend World Cup

The mother of Cape Verde’s star goalkeeper Vozinha has been granted a visa to enter the United States.

Behind the noise of an ‘Iran deal’, Palestine continues to burn

Israel's war on the Palestinians never stopped; the world just stopped watching.

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0, become first team to reach World Cup knockouts

Luis Romo's 50th-minute goal sent Mexico into the round of 32, which they will play on home soil, too.

Do it at home too, women tell Japanese fans who cleaned World Cup stadium

Some see a double standard: Japanese men who clean in public while their wives do all the housework.

In Trump's shadow, Vance becomes face of Iran deal

His fierce defence of the Iran plan amid mounting criticism comes as speculation intensifies about a possible 2028 presidential run.

Norway MP’s join viral World Cup ‘Viking Row’ trend

Norwegian lawmakers paused a parliamentary session on Thursday to perform the team's trademark “Viking Row” celebration.

Canada vs Qatar World Cup: 3 goals for David, 2 red cards, 1 injured Kone

BC Place was a battlefield as Kone was stretchered off, Qatar got two red cards, and both teams brawled after full-time.

Obama opens presidential centre with call for unity

Former US President Barack Obama opened his presidential centre in Chicago, using the occasion to call for unity.

Mangione's lawyers reverse course on psychiatric defence in state murder trial

The defence team reverse course a day after saying they would argue he suffered "extreme emotional disturbance".

Obamas host star-studded opening of Chicago presidential centre

The campus opens to the public this weekend with a museum, community amenities and more to honour the 44th US president.

Vote counting begins in high-stakes UK by-election

Ballots are being counted in the UK’s closely watched Makerfield by-election.

US judge orders release of Palestinian rights advocate detained by ICE

Mosque leader says he was arrested and detained by immigration authorities for his Palestine advocacy.

Cuba’s Communist Party approves opening economy in unprecedented move

The emergency economic package comes amid an ongoing US pressure campaign that has left the island nation reeling.

Myanmar military airstrike kills seven civilians in Rakhine state

A Myanmar military airstrike on the Rakhine state town of Kyauktaw killed at least seven civilians.

Brazil executes warrant against Lula ally in widening financial scandal

Left-wing Senator Jaques Wagner was the latest prominent figure to be swept up in investigations into Banco Master.

Neymar will not play in Brazil’s World Cup match against Haiti due to injury

Brazil's record goal-scorer continues to struggle with injuries after being named in their World Cup 2026 squad.

Ivory Coast’s Elye Wahi granted Canadian visa hours after denial

The forward will now be able to join his team in Toronto when they take on Germany on Saturday.

Hegseth renews Nato criticism and says US will review presence in Europe

The US defence secretary's move follows a US decision to scale back its commitments to a high readiness force within the alliance.

Pro-Israel hawks in US criticise Iran MoU but avoid clashing with Trump

Analysts warn that pro-Israel groups and politicians in Washington will likely push to derail diplomacy with Tehran.

Gaza fans chase World Cup joy amid blackout, displacement and war

World Cup matches offer residents of Gaza a brief escape from war, blackouts and life in tents.

What Iran and US get from deal and why both could struggle to keep it

BBC analysts assess the claims by both Washington and Tehran to have won a victory with the deal to end their war.

At least 29 countries raise alarm about atrocities in Sudan’s el-Obeid

UN and allies warn of grave rights violations in North Kordofan, ⁠urge maximum pressure on ⁠RSF and SAF.

MoU’s $300bn Iran reconstruction fund becomes US political flashpoint

Trump says US will not pay for planned fund as part of Iran MoU, as lawmakers connect price tag to affordability issues.

Pakistan signs US-Iran MoU

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed a US-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war.

Giant Messi portrait carved into a Philippine beach for the World Cup

A Filipino artist has created a giant sand portrait of Lionel Messi on a beach in Tandag, Philippines.

JD Vance tells Israel ‘you can’t kill your way out’ of security problems

US vice president defends Iran war MoU, framing war as victory for Washington regardless of negotiation outcome.

Bowen: US-Iran deal raises inescapable question of what the war was for

While the human cost is clear, the Iranian regime has not just survived the war, it has been empowered.

Explosions and sustained gunfire reported at Niger airport

Soldiers have been searching for militants around the main airport and military airbase in Niger's capital Niamey.

Should the US impose a teen social media ban like the UK?

The UK is enforcing a social media ban for children under the age of 16. The BBC asked Americans of different ages if they thought it was a good idea.

Trump-Netanyahu tensions: Have Israeli and US leaders clashed before?

Media reports talk about rifts between Israeli and American leaders, but it has not changed US policy towards Israel.

Jury fails to reach verdict in Norwegian 'hitman' trial

Johannes Natland, 19, was remanded in custody and will now face a retrial.

These are the Palestinians that Israel has killed during Gaza’s ‘ceasefire’

Israel has killed more than 1,000 Palestinians since agreeing to a US-brokered ‘ceasefire’ in its genocidal war.

Patients die in Gaza waiting for medical evacuations Israel keeps blocking

Despite having medical referrals to leave Gaza, Palestinians are not allowed to leave.

First Russian shadow fleet tanker enters Channel since Smyrtos boarding

Forwarder, a Russian-flagged ship which left port in Primorsk last week, entered the Channel on Wednesday evening.

UK court convicts two men for spying for Hong Kong, China

The men, dual Chinese-British nationals, are believed to be the first people convicted of spying for China ‌in Britain.

What the Trump-Iran agreement says about Lebanon, Hormuz and uranium

The memorandum of understanding covers 14 points but leaves many crucial questions unanswered.

Greece’s ‘war on Roma’ is Europe’s new blueprint for discrimination

Mass raids on Roma communities show how Europe is recasting racial discrimination as crime prevention and public order.

Real Madrid sign Ibrahima Konate to multi-year deal from Liverpool

Acquisition of the French defender, who is currently at the World Cup, is a key signing by new Real coach Jose Mourinho.

Apple CEO warns price rises ‘unavoidable’ amid AI boom

The increase of AI data centres has made supply for key electronic device components dwindle, driving up prices.

World reacts to US-Iran deal to extend ceasefire, reopen Strait of Hormuz

Several countries welcome deal, as IAEA chief says 'now the technical work starts' on Iran's nuclear programme.

Will Putin change tactics after Ukrainian drone attacks?

Steve Rosenberg explains what Russia's next steps may be after frequent Ukrainian drone attacks.

Lawyer in high-profile Ugandan treason case charged with related offence

Uganda's military chief had boasted of "the hurt and pain" he would inflict on Erias Lukwago, who was arrested earlier this week.

Suspected gang leader shot dead in flower bouquet ambush at airport

The gunmen concealed their weapons behind flowers and stuffed toys while waiting for the victim outside Guayaquil airport.

World Cup 2026: Full group schedule and top second-round matches to watch

Remaining group schedule, teams, as well as the best second-round group fixtures at the tournament in North America.

Ukraine hits Moscow refinery as Zelenskyy seeks Trump support to end war

Russia's Defence Ministry says air defences shot down 555 Ukrainian drones over several regions overnight.

How Sweden’s far right went from political pariah to powerbroker

Once shunned by every major party, the Sweden Democrats have gone from political pariah to the heart of government.