Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Ankara for talks with Turkish counterparts aimed at preventing a potential U.S. military strike over Tehran’s crackdown on mass protests and its nuclear programme. Ankara is offering to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease spiralling tensions and has urged the U.S. to address disputes step-by-step. The U.S. has deployed a naval strike group to the Middle East, with President Trump warning of harsher action if Iran does not negotiate. Iran insists negotiations can’t happen under military threats and emphasises diplomatic engagement on equal terms. (PC: EPA)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, emphasizing the need for maintaining open dialogue on areas of disagreement while building a long-term strategic partnership. The visit, the first by a British leader in eight years, secured 30 days' visa-free travel for UK citizens visiting China for business and tourism. Starmer welcomed AstraZeneca's $15 billion investment in China and discussed lower Chinese tariffs on whisky. The three-hour summit and lunch covered trade, security, Ukraine war, and cultural topics. Starmer stated that engagement with major powers is directly linked to UK's domestic growth, calling China a vital global player.

A small passenger plane crashed in northern Colombia on Wednesday, killing all 15 people on board, authorities said. The aircraft, operated by state-owned airline Satena, was flying from Cucuta to Ocana when it lost contact minutes after take-off. Colombia’s transport ministry said rescuers later found the wreckage and confirmed there were no survivors. The victims included two crew members and 13 passengers, among them congressman Diogenes Quintero and political candidate Carlos Salcedo. The Beechcraft 1900 aircraft went down in a rural area of Norte de Santander, near the Venezuelan border. The cause of the crash is under investigation. (PC: Sky News)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said ties with China are in a “good, strong place” after talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Downing Street called the meeting productive and said both sides will keep frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement. Officials said progress was made on easing whisky tariffs and expanding visa-free travel for UK visitors to China. Xi said China-UK relations have seen twists and turns, but engagement is unavoidable. Starmer received a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People and met Premier Li Qiang. The leaders are expected to sign agreements, including a border security pact to disrupt small boat engine supplies. (PC: BBC)

Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday. Thousands of supporters gathered as funeral arrangements began in the morning. Authorities shortened the planned procession due to crowd size and the condition of the body. Pawar’s wife Sunetra and sons Parth and Jay were present, along with uncle Sharad Pawar. Leaders from several parties also attended. Pawar, 66, died on Wednesday when a chartered Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati airport. Four others, including both pilots, were killed. Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s black box. Three days of state mourning have been announced. 

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that time was running out to reach a nuclear deal as US military forces increased in the Gulf. He said a large naval force, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, was moving toward the region. Iran responded by saying its armed forces were ready to react to any attack. Tehran repeated that its nuclear programme was peaceful and denied seeking nuclear weapons. US officials said the military build-up was meant to deter threats and protect personnel. The warning comes as Washington presses Iran to curb uranium enrichment and missile activity. No formal talks are under way. (PC: BBC)

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sharply criticised the newly signed India-European Union free trade agreement, accusing European leaders of prioritising trade with India over solidarity with Ukraine amid the war against Russia. Bessent argued that by pursuing the trade deal, Europe has shown a “deep contradiction” in its Ukraine policy and, in his view, placed economic interests above geopolitical commitments. He also said some European nations continued buying refined products linked to discounted Russian oil, undermining coordinated Western sanctions. The landmark India-EU pact is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, but has triggered transatlantic tensions over geopolitical priorities. (PC: NDTV)

U.S. intelligence reports indicate interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez may not fully cooperate with the Trump administration’s goals, especially regarding severing ties with adversaries such as Iran, China and Russia. Rodríguez, who took office after the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3, has not publicly expelled diplomats or advisers from those countries as Washington demands. The CIA assessed that Maduro loyalists were best placed to govern post‑ouster, but critics worry Rodríguez’s reliability could undermine U.S. influence and investment plans in Venezuela’s oil sector. Washington is also exploring contacts with military officials as alternatives. (PC: Reuters)

At least eight people have died in encounters with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) so far in 2026, including deaths in custody and fatal shootings by federal agents. Two high‑profile cases in Minneapolis — Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good — have sparked protests and national debate over use of force. Others died from medical issues, alleged suicide, or under unclear circumstances in detention facilities. The toll follows 32 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, the highest in two decades, raising concerns about medical care, oversight and enforcement practices under the current administration. (PC: Bloomberg)

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on Iran, warning that Washington could launch a military attack if Tehran does not agree to negotiate a nuclear weapons deal. Trump said a “massive armada,” led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, is moving toward Iranian waters and insisted time is “running out” for diplomacy, referencing past U.S. strikes and stating a future attack could be “far worse.” Tehran has rejected talks under threat and says any assault would be met with fierce retaliation, while regional tensions rise amid protests and nuclear concerns. (PC: AP)