Donald Trump, the US president, has paused military strikes on Iran for a second night running to create room for diplomatic talks, according to Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations. Waltz told reporters in separate television interviews that Washington was "giving talks some space" but hadn't removed military action from the table if negotiations stall.
"The president is keeping all options on the table," he said.
The halt comes after roughly two weeks of relentless US airstrikes and Iranian counterattacks that destroyed a ceasefire deal reached in June. Iran signalled it too was stepping back from escalation, with a military spokesperson announcing Tehran had stopped launching retaliatory attacks in the region.
Waltz brushed aside claims that Washington was scaling back operations due to shrinking air defence stocks, saying the military had enough supplies to press ahead if needed. Meanwhile, Iranian and Omani officials met for technical discussions in Tehran about securing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping corridors, sparking guarded optimism that diplomacy might prevent wider regional violence.
Andy Burnham, Britain's prime minister, has vowed he'll challenge Donald Trump publicly whenever defending British interests demands it. In his first major interview since taking the top job, Burnham said his initial chat with Trump felt warm and constructive but made clear that protecting ties with Washington won't silence him when needed.
Asked if he trusted the US president, Burnham dodged a direct response, noting that global politics shifts fast and leaders must adapt. He added he remained uneasy about Trump's military operations against Iran and wouldn't "hold back" when British interests were on the line.
Burnham signalled his Labour government would prioritise Britain's interests while keeping alliances strong, marking a shift toward greater independence in foreign policy.
German police have shot and killed the suspect believed responsible for an Islamist-motivated attack at Berlin Pride celebrations, ending a major manhunt that started after a deadly vehicle rampage Saturday night. The suspect, named as 21-year-old Abdul Ballout, allegedly lunged at officers with a knife during an operation in Berlin's Spandau district, leading police to fire.
The assault near Tiergarten Park killed one woman and left at least 29 others hurt after a van struck the crowd before several people were stabbed. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said investigators believe the incident was an Islamist terror attack, pointing to the suspect's past convictions and suspected ties to extremist groups.
Prosecutors revealed Ballout travelled to Lebanon in 2025 attempting to join the Islamic State group and was jailed there before returning to Germany, where he faced ongoing investigation.
