United States

Writing on social media, US president says countries should make settlement with Iran ‘a far more Historic Event’ Iran denies deal with US is imminent, despite some progress Ebrahim Rezaei, the spokesperson of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, has said that time is working against the US and warned that Iran does not respond well to threats. In a post on X, he wrote: During the military war, our tactic was an eye for an eye; in the diplomatic war, it is action against action. Do not believe the bluff of the failed president; time is against the Americans. If they want an agreement, they should negotiate; if they want $6 gas, they should stand firm and bluff until the grass grows under their feet. Iran does not bow to force or threats. Continue reading...

Twenty-six US semiconductor firms, from Qualcomm to Nvidia, saw their China revenue climb by an average of 20 per cent last year, despite trade tensions, according to a new analysis. The data, featured in the latest “Hurun Top 100 US Enterprises in China 2026” report released by the Hurun Research Institute on Monday, tracks the performance of 100 publicly listed American companies based on their revenue in China last year. Among the top 100 earners in China, 26 were from the semiconductor...

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting India as Washington and New Delhi try to repair relations strained by trade tensions and tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Both sides say progress is being made toward a long-term trade agreement, though concerns remain over tariffs, India’s trade surplus, and delayed economic commitments.

Simon Mabon, Professor of International Politics and Middle East Studies at Lancaster University, joins FRANCE 24 to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East. While Iran and the United States are still exploring a possible deal to end the conflict, both sides are now downplaying hopes of an imminent breakthrough after appearing close to an agreement just days ago. Mabon explains that Iran may currently hold leverage through its influence over the Strait of Hormuz, increasing pressure on both President Donald Trump and the global economy, while Tehran also seeks economic guarantees after years of sanctions. The Iranian nuclear programme remains a major obstacle, with Israel likely pushing behind the scenes against any agreement that fails to address it directly.

The era when the three joint communiques set the terms of US-China relations may have “completely come to an end”, a prominent Chinese analyst has warned. Zhu Feng, dean of Nanjing University’s School of International Studies, also said that it might be “unrealistic” to expect Beijing and Washington to reach a comprehensive political understanding on Taiwan, given US domestic politics. Following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s highly anticipated summit with US counterpart Donald Trump earlier...

A major diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran could signal sanctions relief for Iran, a development analysts say bodes well for China, the primary buyer of Iranian oil. Negotiations have advanced on a proposed 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the US side issuing temporary sanctions waivers that would allow Iran to sell oil freely, Axios reported on Saturday, citing a US official. Any such relief would only be implemented under a final...

Rouzbeh Parsi, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Lund University, is FRANCE 24’s guest to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East. Iran and the United States are both seeking a possible diplomatic way out of the conflict, but uncertainty remains high amid conflicting signals from both sides. Parsi highlights the contradictions in the current negotiations and the difficulty in finding a credible agreement, particularly as mistrust continues to dominate relations. While the risk of escalation into a wider war remains, both Washington and Tehran appear to be looking for an exit strategy from prolonged confrontation.

The U.S. oil blockade has left millions without cooking gas. In Santiago de Cuba, the cradle of the Cuban revolution, apartment tower residents resort to charcoal and firewood.

The United States and Iran have downplayed prospects for a rapid deal to end the Middle East war, despite signs of progress in talks. Key sticking points remain over Iran’s nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, with both sides signalling that major issues are still unresolved.

China has praised Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict and pledged continuing support for its efforts amid signs that Washington and Tehran are moving towards a peace deal. Chinese President Xi Jinping thanked visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the country’s “proactive role” as a peace broker as the pair met in Beijing. Monday’s meeting came as the two countries marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, with both sides pledging to...