News brief: Big stories of the day

Osama bin Laden's son Hamza is dead, says US official

The United States believes that Hamza bin Laden, a son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and himself a notable figure in the militant group, is dead, a US official said on Wednesday.

US imposes sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, targeting the country's top spokesman and potentially hurting chances of diplomatic talks amid rising tensions between the two countries.

'It only works if both parties comply': US prepares to pull out from INF treaty with Russia

The United States will officially withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia - and throwing China into the mix.

US national security adviser Bolton says North Korea tests didn't violate pledge to Trump, but no word on talks

US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday North Korea's recent missile tests did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong-un made to President Donald Trump, but Pyongyang had yet to say when working-level talks on denuclearisation would resume.

North Korea test-fired new rocket system under Kim's supervision: State media

North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday.