US and Iran to hold talks as pressure for nuclear deal builds
US and Iranian officials are due to meet in Geneva on Thursday for a third round of indirect talks, as President Donald Trump threatens to strike Iran if a nuclear deal is not reached, BBC reported.
The discussions come amid the largest US military build-up in the Middle East since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and with Iran vowing to respond to an attack with force.
The talks are seen as a last-ditch effort to prevent a conflict, but the chances of an agreement remain unclear, according to BBC.
Australian PM apologises after calling child sex abuse survivor and advocate 'difficult'
Australia's prime minister has apologised for calling a former Australian of the Year and sexual abuse survivor "difficult", saying it was only in reference to the hardships she has faced, BBC reported.
During a one-word response game, Anthony Albanese used the adjective to describe Grace Tame, who was named the 2021 Australian of the Year for her advocacy for child sexual abuse survivors.
Tame, 31, said the description was "misogynist's code for a woman who won't comply. History tends to call her 'courageous'."
Iran nears deal to buy supersonic anti-ship missiles from China
Iran is close to a deal with China to purchase anti‑ship cruise missiles, according to six people with knowledge of the negotiations, just as the United States deploys a vast naval force near the Iranian coast ahead of possible strikes on the Islamic Republic, Reuters reported.
The deal for the Chinese‑made CM‑302 missiles is near completion, though no delivery date has been set, the people say. The supersonic missiles have a range of about 290 kilometers (180 miles) and are designed to evade shipborne defenses by flying low and fast.
Their deployment would significantly enhance Iran’s strike capabilities and pose a threat to US naval forces in the region, two weapons experts said, according to Reuters.
German chancellor lands in Beijing for inaugural China trip
Germany's chancellor has touched down in China as German businesses sound the alarm about a yawning trade imbalance, BBC reported.
Imports into Germany from China were more than double the value of those exported back last year – according to federal statistics.
"We want a partnership with China that is balanced, reliable, regulated and fair," said Friedrich Merz, before leaving for Beijing, according to BBC.
