Oman has said positive talks have been taking place with Iran over an agreement to secure a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran warned that any deal would not see an immediate reopening of the vital waterway. read more
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, stating that no military pull-out will happen until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed. Trump's Board of Peace said last month it had reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. read more
The US has pledged $1bn (740m) in assistance to Colombia, after the country's new right-wing president was sworn in on Friday. read more
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has fallen to a record low -- yet another sign that the Colorado River system is spiraling further into crisis. read more
Some estimates made by Doge, the body charged with reducing US government spending, that it saved billions of dollars are "incorrect or lack supporting evidence", a watchdog has found. A report released on Thursday by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has given an extensive review of Doge's claims about its so-called "Wall of Receipts", which reported savings of $110bn (82bn) across contracts, grants and leases. "Several issues limit the transparency and reliability of these reported savings," the report stated. read more
I love how he proudly displays someone else's Nobel Peace Prize front and center on his desk.