Beijing is holding up a proposed visit by the Pentagon’s top policy official, pressing China specialists to explain the decision, as China pressures the Trump administration over a proposed $14 billion US weapons package for Taiwan. The blocking of the Pentagon official’s visit marks a rare diplomatic rebuff at a time when US-China relations are already under strain. The arms package, one of the largest proposed sales to Taiwan in years, includes advanced air defense systems and anti-ship missiles. China opposes any foreign military support for Taiwan, which it claims as its territory. Talks between the two sides remain on hold with no date set for rescheduling the visit.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday to reach a nuclear agreement quickly or face fresh American action, saying negotiations with Tehran are in their “final stages.” Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States had offered Iran a deal that would lift sanctions in exchange for permanent caps on its nuclear programme, but warned that the window for a diplomatic solution was closing. Iran has rejected preconditions and demanded total sanctions removal before any talks begin. The ultimatum comes as tensions in the Persian Gulf remain elevated, with shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz facing renewed disruption concerns. Iran has threatened retaliation for recent Israeli operations linked to the broader Gaza conflict.
Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to help end the Iran conflict on day 83 of hostilities, with officials in Islamabad quietly engaging both Tehran and Washington in parallel backchannel talks. The push comes as the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil passes — faces mounting disruption risks following Iran’s threats to target commercial shipping. Pakistan’s foreign minister held separate calls with his Iranian and US counterparts this week, according to diplomatic sources, exploring a ceasefire formula that could create space for broader negotiations. Iran has stated that diplomacy with the US remains open but has conditioned any talks on a permanent end to sanctions. Analysts warn the diplomatic window is narrow before the conflict spills into wider regional disruption.
The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in support of the International Court of Justice’s landmark ruling that climate change constitutes an “existential threat” to human rights, with 141 member states endorsing the finding despite continued opposition from the United States. The vote, which exceeds the threshold needed to signal international consensus, marks the first time the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion has been formally endorsed by the world body. The ruling, issued earlier this year, found that states have a legal obligation to act decisively on climate change and that major emitters can be held accountable for failing to meet emissions targets. The US voted against the resolution and reiterated its position that the ICJ advisory opinion is not legally binding.
Aston Villa won the Europa League on Wednesday night, defeating their opponents in a decisive final to end a 30-year wait for a major trophy. The victory, sealed in front of a record crowd, secures Villa’s place in next season’s Champions League and delivers a historic moment for the club and its supporters. Manager Unai Emery, nicknamed “the King” by fans, became the first manager in history to win the Europa League four times. The result also marks a significant boost for the club financially, with Champions League qualification worth an estimated €50 million in additional revenue. Villa last lifted a major trophy in 1996, when they won the European Cup.