UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing renewed pressure after reports suggested he could announce plans to step down. However, Business Secretary Peter Kyle said there was “nothing” to indicate the reports were true. Speaking to Sky News, Kyle said Starmer was spending the weekend reflecting on the “political realities, challenges and opportunities” facing him. He added that the prime minister remained focused on governing and putting the country first. The comments come as more Labour MPs call for Starmer to resign following recent political setbacks and growing speculation about his future as party leader.

The United States and Iran began high-level talks in Switzerland on Sunday as efforts continue to end months of conflict. The discussions focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and maintaining stability in the Middle East. US Vice President JD Vance said Washington hopes to make progress on both the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire. The talks follow a preliminary agreement signed earlier this week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Meanwhile, fresh Israeli attacks in Lebanon have raised concerns about regional tensions. Pakistan is also taking part in the diplomatic discussions. (PC: AP)

The United States and Iran are set to begin the first round of peace talks in Switzerland on Sunday. Reports said Washington wants Iran to allow UN inspectors to visit its nuclear sites. In return, the US may release part of Iran’s frozen funds, starting with a $6 billion account in Qatar. US Vice President JD Vance said the goal is to create an “actual structure” for future negotiations. The talks come under a 60-day interim peace deal signed last week. Issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme and regional tensions are expected to dominate discussions. (PC:;AFP, AP)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure over his leadership. A report by The Observer said Starmer could announce plans to step down as early as Monday. The report claimed he was discussing his future with family and senior Labour figures. However, a government source denied the claim and said Starmer remains focused on running the country. Starmer said on Friday that he would fight any challenge to his leadership. Pressure increased after rival Andy Burnham won a parliamentary seat, making him eligible to launch a leadership challenge. Burnham is seen by many as a possible successor. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing continued Israeli military strikes in Lebanon despite a renewed ceasefire agreement. Tehran described the move as a response to what it called violations of commitments linked to the US-brokered deal aimed at ending the regional conflict.   The strategic waterway, crucial for global oil and gas shipments, had only recently reopened under the preliminary agreement between Iran and the United States. The latest closure comes as Iranian and US negotiators head to Switzerland for talks on implementing the deal. Meanwhile, fresh clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have raised fears of renewed instability across the Middle East. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz if a final agreement with Iran is not completed within 60 days. The warning comes as American and Iranian officials prepare for talks in Switzerland aimed at turning a temporary peace deal into a long-term agreement.   The negotiations follow a ceasefire and the reopening of the vital oil shipping route. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region, with Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killing several people despite a renewed ceasefire. Qatar and Switzerland are playing key roles in facilitating the diplomatic efforts. (PC: HT)

A public dispute between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has intensified following the recent G7 Summit in France. Trump repeated his claim that Meloni repeatedly asked for a photo with him during the summit and suggested she was seeking to improve her political standing. Meloni strongly rejected the remarks, calling them “completely fabricated” and criticizing what she described as repeated attacks against Italy. The disagreement has also highlighted tensions over Italy’s refusal to support certain US military logistics related to Iran. The row has drawn political attention in both countries and strained relations between the two leaders. (PC: HT)

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after fresh Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed at least 16 people, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Tehran said the move was a response to growing regional instability and warned of further measures if hostilities continue. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping route through which a large share of the world's oil exports passes. The development has raised concerns about energy supplies and oil prices worldwide. The United States said it had not yet observed a complete disruption to maritime traffic but is closely monitoring the situation. (PC: The Indian Express)

A major Ukrainian drone attack hit an oil refinery in Moscow, sending thick black smoke over parts of the Russian capital and highlighting how the war is increasingly affecting life inside Russia. The strike also damaged residential buildings and shopping centres in the Moscow region. Local authorities said an eight-year-old girl was killed in a fire caused by one of the drones.   While many residents continued their daily routines, the attack underscored growing security concerns in Moscow. Russian officials downplayed the incident, insisting that Moscow's strikes on Ukraine remain more effective. The attack was among the largest on the region since the war began. (PC: BBC)

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, accusing Israel and the United States of violating a recent ceasefire agreement. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the move was the “first step” in response to what it called breaches of commitments and warned that further action could follow if attacks continue.   The announcement came after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least 16 people, including two children. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, and any disruption there could raise concerns about global energy supplies and regional stability. (PC: HT)