AFP

Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 16: Iranian Democratic Opposition Leader Reza Pahlavi speaks during a news conference at the National Press Club on January 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. Pahlavi called for protection for the Iranian people from the regime’s crackdo

Son of Iran's late shah says Islamic republic 'will fall'

A senior UN official has warned that threats of military action against Iran, like those made by US President Donald Trump, increased "volatility" in the protest-torn country.

World • 17 Jan

Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre L) and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney (2nd R) attend a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on January 16, 2026. (Photo by Vincent Thian / POOL / AFP)

Canada hails 'new strategic partnership' with China

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed a "new strategic partnership" with Beijing as he held talks with President Xi Jinping, the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in eight years.

World • 16 Jan

Trump names Blair and Rubio to Gaza 'board of peace'

US President Donald Trump has tapped Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former British prime minister Tony Blair as founding members of the Gaza "board of peace".

Middle East • 17 Jan

Firefighters and police deployed during riots in Los Angeles in 1992

What is the US Insurrection Act threatened on Minnesota?

A look at the US Insurrection Act, the law that President Trump has threatened to use to put an end to protests over federal immigration raids in the northern state of Minnesota.

US • 15 Jan

KHAN YUNIS, GAZA - JANUARY 14: Palestinian children receive medical treatment at Nasser Hospital amid a rise in influenza and respiratory infection cases due to cold weather and inadequate shelter in Khan Yunis, Gaza on January 14, 2026. The health condit

Hamas says committee formation key to Gaza truce

A senior Hamas official has welcomed the formation of a technocratic committee to govern post-war Gaza, saying it would help consolidate the ceasefire and prevent a return to fighting.

Middle East • 15 Jan

a German flag with a candle stick graph imposed on it

German economy returns to growth, but headwinds fierce

Germany's economy eked out meagre growth in 2025 and dodged a third year of recession in a row, data showed today, but Europe's languishing industrial powerhouse still faces huge challenges to return to long-term health.

Business • 15 Jan

A tractor in Athlone, Co Westmeath, protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade deal

Long-awaited EU-Mercosur trade pact set for signing

The European Union and South American bloc Mercosur are set to sign an agreement, more than 25 years in the making, to create one of the world's largest free trade areas.

World • 15 Jan

X moves to restrict Grok-generated undressing images

Elon Musk's platform X has announced measures to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from undressing images of real people, following global backlash over its generation of sexualised images of women and children.

World • 15 Jan

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 02: Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivers keynote remarks during a discussion at Georgetown University on December 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Secretary Clinton discussed "Confronting Modern Day Slavery: A Bluepr

Hillary Clinton defies Epstein probe, risking prosecution

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has defied a subpoena to appear before a congressional probe into notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein prompting Republicans to move toward holding her in contempt of Congress.

World • 14 Jan

a man and woman sit at separate drum kits with a screen showing the flags of south korea and japan behind them

Japan, South Korea leaders drum up viral moment at summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi played two K-pop songs during a post-summit drumming session with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

News Lens • 14 Jan

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AFP