Iran rejected claims of negotiations with the United States after Donald Trump postponed a planned strike, citing “productive” talks. Conflicting accounts emerge as regional tensions escalate and indirect diplomatic efforts continue.

Iran has accused Israel of striking its South Pars gas field, a key energy site, in a major escalation that has heightened tensions across the Gulf and rattled global markets.

Donald Trump says the war in the Middle East could end soon, but Iran’s hardliners are rallying behind new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and vowing to intensify missile strikes as the conflict escalates and global markets swing.

Jimmy Lai, a prominent critic of China and founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following a high-profile national security case. His conviction has ignited global condemnation, raising alarms about Beijing's increasing crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong. Supporters fear for his health as he faces a lengthy prison sentence.

The planned deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel to support security for American delegations at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics has triggered sharp criticism from Italian politicians, unions and local officials, despite assurances that the agents will operate only within U.S. diplomatic facilities.

At least 40 people have died in southern Spain after a high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train on Sunday night, marking one of the most devastating railway accidents in Europe in 80 years.