Malis new turmoil tests Algerian bid to reclaim mediator role in the Sahel Submitted by Samira Elsaidi on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 09:27 Latest crisis in Mali offers Algiers a chance to regain diplomatic influence on a key security issue, but distrust prevails in Bamako Black smoke rises above buildings in the Malian capital Bamako after attacks by the Azawad Liberation Front and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, 26 April 2026 (AFP) Off Recent fighting in Mali that has weakened the ruling junta has revived a familiar question in the Sahel : can Algeria , once the regions leading mediator, regain a role that many in Bamako openly question? On 25 April, an alliance of Tuareg separatists linked to the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a group seeking independence for a region in northern Mali, and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated coalition, launched a surprise attack on Malian military and government sites

Before the US strikes on targets in southern Iran, Tehran said a deal with Washington was not imminent.

Asia-Pacific markets were set to open broadly higher Tuesday, amid hopes for a breakthrough in the U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.

European stocks edged lower Tuesday, as traders watched developments in the Middle East and Ukraine.

China and Pakistan back five-point plan for Middle East stability China and Pakistan have expressed their readiness to make a joint contribution to restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, according to Pakistans Foreign Ministry

U.S

Rubio says Iran deal remains within reach despite strikes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiators were still working through the wording of an initial draft agreement and that finalising the terms could take several days due to ongoing discussions over specific language, AFP reported

Qatar rejects claims Iran was offered payment for deal Qatars foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari has rejected reports suggesting Iran was offered a payment to secure an agreement to end the war, describing the claims as rumours spread by parties seeking to derail diplomatic efforts

Canada raises concerns over treatment of flotilla activists Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told Israeli President Isaac Herzog that Israels treatment of civilians aboard the Gaza-bound flotilla was unacceptable during a phone call between the two leaders

Markets remain optimistic as talks inch toward an Iran deal.

Man City striker Khadija Shaw signs a new four-year contract with the club, just days after it looked like she would be leaving the WSL champions this summer.

Even as the U.S

A deal appears to be emerging between the United States and Iran to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S

Even if an initial understanding is reached, it does not mean Iran has changed its view of America or that it trusts the current administration to fulfill its obligations, the source said.

Gold prices rise amid a weaker dollar as investors weigh US-Iran peace deal prospects.

Trump said on Saturday that an agreement would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, without giving further details.

Ex-CIA director David Petraeus said that an initial successful peace deal with Tehran would see the Strait opened without any conditions.

The deal under discussion would involve a 60-day ceasefire extension during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, US media reports.

India Inc spent $18bn on global buyouts in 2025 and the deal value could cross $15bn in the first half of 2026.

The deal under discussion would involve a 60-day ceasefire extension during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, according to US media.

The president said the U.S

Iran cites battles from history in response to Trump's latest comments on an imminent deal between the US and Iran.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8, punctuated by skirmishes as the U.S

Tehran also signals progress on talks but says the key issue of nuclear weapons is not part of an initial framework it is working on.

US president says deal would include reopening Strait of Hormuz after call with Middle East leaders.

A possible deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could bring relief to Canadians facing higher gas prices, after the Middle East conflict disrupted a key global oil shipping route.

Donald Trump was elected on his election promise to be a peace president, however, in just over one year he has managed to plunge the world into economic chaos having launched unprovoked war in Iran as a result of Israeli pressure.

Iran says ending war and lifting US blockade are priorities in talks An Iranian official has told Al Jazeera that Tehrans priorities in ongoing peace talks remain ending the war, lifting the US blockade and securing stability in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran says Pakistani mediation marks turning point in US talks Iran says intense diplomatic activity in Tehran could mark a decisive stage in efforts to reach a peace agreement with the United States

Iran says US talks remain far from deal as gaps stay deep and significant Iran says negotiations with the US are far from a breakthrough, with major gaps still separating the two sides

From 'Baby Shah' to Bond villains, Iran war coverage has reached new heights of absurdity Submitted by Tanya Goudsouzian on Fri, 05/22/2026 - 16:27 The insertion of former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad into the narrative is just the latest telenovela-worthy twist Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is pictured in Tehran on 2 June 2024 (Atta Kenare/AFP) Off Media coverage of the Iran war has reached full telenovela levels of absurdity

Palantir UK chief says blocking 50m Met deal will give "hostile states and criminals an advantage".

Rubio said he didnt want to exaggerate the progress, saying there had been a little bit of movement and thats good

Este Lauder's shares jumped before the market opened after talks over a potential merger deal with Spanish beauty group Puig was terminated.

The deal will create one of the largest real estate companies in the U.S., with more than 180,000 rental apartments.

U.S

While oil prices fell in U.S

UN Security Council urged to press for Israeli obligations and Hamas disarmament under Gaza 'ceasefire' roadmap.

Spotify, which is holding its first investor day in four years, is now under the direction of co-CEOs Gustav Sderstrm and Alex Norstrm.

Microsoft has not made the Maia 200 chips available to customers, but they are used in the company's data centers, offering better efficiency than other silicon.

Supporters say unpredictable Trump approach deal-making strength, others see reflection of strategic dilemma.

Iran and the U.S

City Hall has refused a contract worth up to 50m with the US technology firm Palantir.

It comes after President Donald Trump said he was prepared to wait a few more days to "get the right answers" from Tehran.

Benchmark KOSPI rises more than 8 percent following deal to avert strike at top memory chip maker.

The walkout, which was due to start on Thursday, has been suspended while union members vote on a tentative deal.

The deal will remove an estimated 580m worth of tariffs from British exports, but rights groups are critical

The US president's extraordinary new deal for himself and members of his family

The deal, valued at more than $300m, gives Murdoch control of a storied magazine and a podcast division.

Russia and China showed they were shoulder-to-shoulder on the world stage, but it became clear there are limits, says the BBC's Russia Editor.

Iran says it learned from past clashes as Trump gives Tehran 'two to three days' to reach a deal.

Chinese president says Middle East at 'critical juncture between war and peace' Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, according to Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency

US Vice President JD Vance says the US is prepared to take military action if Iran does not agree to a nuclear deal

Trump says Iran eager to make deal as conflict continues US President Donald Trump said the war involving Iran would end very quickly, adding that Tehran was eager to reach a deal and that the United States would ensure Iran could not obtain a nuclear weapon

Warning comes after Trump threatened military action against Iran and gave it 'two to three days' to strike a deal.

UN-approved body says that pledged funds have not materialised despite urgent situation in Gaza.

More than six months after the U.S.-negotiated ceasefire, Israel still controls more than half the territory in Gaza, and Hamas refuses to disarm.

Nadia Marcinko is relatively unknown but may soon be called before US legislators.

Iran says US behaviour undermining diplomatic efforts Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the contradictory and excessive behaviours of the United States remain a serious obstacle to diplomacy, according to Irans ISNA news agency

Dominion powers the world's largest data center market in northern Virginia

Analyst says Trumps Iran demand blocks path to deal A US foreign policy analyst has said Washingtons stance on Iran is undermining prospects for a diplomatic agreement

Trump says US may accept Iran deal if Gulf allies back terms The US president has indicated Washington could accept a diplomatic settlement with Iran if key Gulf allies support the outcome