EXPLAINER
US-Iran tensions: The diplomatic scramble to prevent a war
Facing the prospect of US strikes, Iran has intensified diplomatic efforts with countries including Turkiye.
Advertisement
Content Feed
Japan’s PM Takaichi will dissolve parliament, call snap election
The vote will decide all 465 seats in parliament’s lower house and mark her first electoral test since becoming leader.
Mother of Elon Musk’s child sues his AI company over Grok deepfake images
Ashley St Clair, mother of Musk’s son, Romulus, sues over ‘pain and mental distress’ caused by fake AI images.
Japan, Philippines sign new defence pacts amid surging China tensions
One deal allows the tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel and other supplies when their forces stage joint training.
Astronauts splash down on Earth after first-ever ISS medical evacuation
Four astronauts end their mission early so that a crew member can receive medical treatment.
Japan’s new PM Takaichi eyes parliament dissolution for snap polls: Report
Country’s first female prime minister hopes a bigger majority will help her implement her political and fiscal agenda.
China bans export of dual-use items to Japan amid tensions over Taiwan
Japan calls for the ban’s withdrawal, calling the measures ‘absolutely unacceptable’ and ‘deeply regrettable’.
EXPLAINER
Can China and South Korea reset complex ties after Xi-Lee summit?
Analysts say both countries increasingly rely on each other for economic and security reasons amid geopolitical churn.
South Korean President Lee to visit Beijing for pivotal 2nd summit with Xi
Analysts say summit signals Beijing’s desire to strengthen ties amid shifting regional alliances.
Fireworks explode during the New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand [Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters]
Fireworks burst over the Sydney Harbour Bridge as New Year's celebrations begin in Sydney [Rick Rycroft/AP Photo]
Fireworks detonate around Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, during New Year's Eve celebrations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates [Fatima Shbair/AP Photo]
People ride a chair carousel in Red Square on New Year's Eve in Moscow, Russia [Pavel Bednyakov/AP Photo]
Fireworks explode during the New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand [Chalinee Thirasupa/Reuters]
People hold sparklers next to a Christmas tree during a New Year's Eve celebration before a curfew during Russia's war on Ukraine, in Kyiv [Gleb Garanich/Reuters]
Pope Leo XIV leaves after a moment of prayer in front of the nativity scene that adorns St Peter's Square at the Vatican [Andrew Medichini/AP Photo]
People gather to celebrate the new year at the Zojoji Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Japan [Eugene Hoshiko/AP Photo]
Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora, hosts of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026, appear at the Times Square ball during New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York City [Ted Shaffrey/AP Photo]
People attend the New Year countdown event to celebrate the start of 2026 in the central district of Hong Kong [Chan Long Hei/AP Photo]
Revellers are showered by confetti as they celebrate the start of 2026 during the New Year countdown event held at a shopping mall in Beijing, China [Andy Wong/AP Photo]
A girl reacts after offering prayers during a New Year worship service at Centenary Methodist Church in Hyderabad, India [Mahesh Kumar A/AP Photo]
+8
EXPLAINER
How are China’s new war games around Taiwan different from earlier drills?
China’s military exercises cover more area than ever before and simulate a blockade of key Taiwanese ports.
