Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly contacted Iranian diplomat Araghchi, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities amid escalating regional tensions. The move signals Moscow’s diplomatic engagement to de-escalate conflict, while analysts say the situation remains fragile. This high-level communication may influence regional stability and international diplomatic efforts.

Breaking: Russian FM Lavrov Calls Araghchi for Immediate Cessation of Hostilities

An Iran‑backed militant group in Iraq has claimed responsibility for downing a U.S. KC‑135 military refueling aircraft in western Iraq, saying it took the action “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.” The claim was made by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran‑aligned armed factions.

BREAKING: Iran‑Backed Group Claims Downing of US KC‑135 in Iraq

Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate as President Donald Trump demands Tehran agree to a deal, warning of severe consequences if no agreement is reached. The US has deployed additional warships, aircraft carriers and fighter jets to the Middle East to pressure Iran amid stalled nuclear talks and growing fears of conflict.

US-Iran Tensions: Trump Ultimatum to Iran, Massive Military Buildup Near Tehran

Iran has intensified its crackdown on dissent even as diplomatic talks with the United States continue. Security forces have arrested activists, reformist figures, and filmmakers who co‑signed a protest statement critical of the government.

Iran Steps Up Arrests Amid US Talks as Activists, Filmmakers Detained

The United States is hopeful of reaching a deal with Iran, with reports suggesting Washington is ready to meet and negotiate. Regional allies including Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar are working to facilitate the meeting, while the US strengthens air defenses in West Asia amid rising tensions and the possibility of Iranian strikes.

US-Iran Tensions: Washington Ready to Meet Iran as Allies Facilitate Possible Deal

US President Donald Trump softens his tone on the Iran threat, signaling openness to diplomacy and possible negotiations, even as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issues a stark warning to Washington, cautioning that any attack on Iran could trigger serious consequences, the contrasting messages highlight rising tensions and parallel diplomatic signals between the two nations,

US-Iran Tension: Trump Softens Tone on Iran, Offers Talks Amid Threats

The G20 foreign ministers will be meeting in New Delhi today, the meet comes against Russia's war in Ukraine and spiraling U.S.-China tensions. In such a backdrop New Delhi hopes that issues like climate change and third world debt are not overlooked.

G20 talks overshadowed by the Ukraine War

Even after an year, the canvas of the Russia- Ukraine war is expanding dangerously. European Unions Ambassador to India Ugo Astuto and Ukranian Envoy Ivan Konovalov speaks to WION over Russia-Ukraine War.

EU Ambassador & Ukraine top diplomat speak to Wion on 1-year of Russia-Ukraine conflict

A five-member delegation from Pakistan approved by PM Shehbaz Sharif will visit New Delhi on Monday. India and Pakistan likely to discuss key projects as part of the Indus Water Treaty.

India, Pak to hold Indus water talks: Pak delegation will arrive in New Delhi on Monday

With the goal of 'talking' to the majestic marine animals, a project to listen to, contextualise and translate the communication of Sperm whales was recently launched by a team of international scientists. &nbsp;

Called Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), the initiative looks to harness the power of artificial intelligence to interpret clicking sounds, or 'codas,' which these whales make to communicate with one another. &nbsp;

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The researchers have been using natural language processing or NLP, a subfield of artificial intelligence focused on processing written and spoken human language. It will be trained in four billion Sperm whale codas. &nbsp;

According to the researchers, the plan is to have the AI correlate each sound with a specific context. This feat will take at least five years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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If the team achieves these goals, the next step would be to develop and deploy an interactive chatbot, which engages in dialogue with Sperm whales living in the wild. &nbsp;

Michael Bronstein, lead, machine learning for Project CETI, told Hakai, "If we discover that there is an entire civilisation basically under our nose — maybe it will result in some shift in the way that we treat our environment. And maybe it will result in more respect for the living world." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With the goal of 'talking' to the majestic marine animals, a project to listen to, contextualise and translate the communication of Sperm whales was recently launched by a team of international scientists.

With the goal of 'talking' to the majestic marine animals, a project to listen to, contextualise and translate the communication of Sperm whales was recently launched by a team of international scientists. Called Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), the initiative looks to harness the power of artificial intelligence to interpret clicking sounds, or 'codas,' which these whales make to communicate with one another. Also Read: Why is mysterious dark energy leading to expansion of the universe? The researchers have been using natural language processing or NLP, a subfield of artificial intelligence focused on processing written and spoken human language. It will be trained in four billion Sperm whale codas. According to the researchers, the plan is to have the AI correlate each sound with a specific context. This feat will take at least five years. Also Read: During Halloween weekend, solar flare helps northern lights become visible to US If the team achieves these goals, the next step would be to develop and deploy an interactive chatbot, which engages in dialogue with Sperm whales living in the wild. Michael Bronstein, lead, machine learning for Project CETI, told Hakai, "If we discover that there is an entire civilisation basically under our nose — maybe it will result in some shift in the way that we treat our environment. And maybe it will result in more respect for the living world." (With inputs from agencies)

Humans may get to talk to whales, courtesy artificial intelligence

North Korea's recent ballistic missile tests were "concerning and counterproductive" for efforts to reduce tensions, and Pyongyang should instead engage in talks, the US&nbsp;envoy for North Korea said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with his South Korean counterpart in Seoul, Special Representative Sung Kim&nbsp;said the United States is committed to exploring "sustained and substantive diplomacy" with North Korea.

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"Our goal remains the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," Kim said. "That's why Pyongyang's recent ballistic missile test, one of several in the past six weeks, is concerning and counterproductive to making progress towards a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula."

Pyongyang so far has rejected US&nbsp;overtures, accusing Washington and Seoul of talking diplomacy while ratcheting up tensions with their own military activities.

On Thursday, the North said the United States was overreacting to a submarine-launched ballistic missile test that it called self-defensive, and questioned&nbsp;the sincerity of Washington's offers of talks, warning of consequences.

That launch violated multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and poses a threat to North Korea's neighbours and the international community, Kim said.

"We call on the DPRK to cease these provocations and other destabilising activities and instead engage in dialogue," he said, using the initials of North Koreas official name. "We remain ready to meet with DPRK without preconditions and we have made clear that the United States harbours no hostile intent toward DPRK."

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South Korean nuclear envoy Noh Kyu-duk said Sunday's talks with Kim had included "serious" discussion of Seoul's proposal to formally declare an end to the state of war that has technically existed since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

South Korean officials see such a declaration as a gesture of goodwill to get talks started.&nbsp;Kim said Washington was discussing ways to make progress with North Korea, including the South's end-of-war proposal and possible humanitarian aid projects.

North Korea's recent ballistic missile tests were "concerning and counterproductive" for efforts to reduce tensions, and Pyongyang should instead engage in talks, the US envoy for North Korea said on Sunday.

North Korea's recent ballistic missile tests were "concerning and counterproductive" for efforts to reduce tensions, and Pyongyang should instead engage in talks, the US envoy for North Korea said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters after meeting with his South Korean counterpart in Seoul, Special Representative Sung Kim said the United States is committed to exploring "sustained and substantive diplomacy" with North Korea. Also Read | North Korea missile launch: US issues warning, China calls for restraint "Our goal remains the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," Kim said. "That's why Pyongyang's recent ballistic missile test, one of several in the past six weeks, is concerning and counterproductive to making progress towards a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula." Pyongyang so far has rejected US overtures, accusing Washington and Seoul of talking diplomacy while ratcheting up tensions with their own military activities. On Thursday, the North said the United States was overreacting to a submarine-launched ballistic missile test that it called self-defensive, and questioned the sincerity of Washington's offers of talks, warning of consequences. That launch violated multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and poses a threat to North Korea's neighbours and the international community, Kim said. "We call on the DPRK to cease these provocations and other destabilising activities and instead engage in dialogue," he said, using the initials of North Koreas official name. "We remain ready to meet with DPRK without preconditions and we have made clear that the United States harbours no hostile intent toward DPRK." Also Read | North Korea slams UN over its meeting on missile test South Korean nuclear envoy Noh Kyu-duk said Sunday's talks with Kim had included "serious" discussion of Seoul's proposal to formally declare an end to the state of war that has technically existed since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. South Korean officials see such a declaration as a gesture of goodwill to get talks started. Kim said Washington was discussing ways to make progress with North Korea, including the South's end-of-war proposal and possible humanitarian aid projects.

US envoy urges N Korea to end 'provocations', accept offer of talks

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first on Friday for talks expected to focus on Iran.

Naftali took office in June, following Benjamin Netanyahu who was in power for 12 years and had close ties with Putin.

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Russian state television aired footage of the pair meeting ahead of the talks in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.&nbsp;

Putin said the two countries have "unique" ties and hoped for "continuity" of the "trusting relationship" he developed with Israel's previous government.&nbsp;

Bennett told Putin that Israel views him as "a true friend of the Jewish people" and praised the Soviet war effort in fighting Nazi Germany.&nbsp;

He said the pair will discuss the "situation in Syria and our efforts to prevent a breakthrough in Iran's military nuclear program".&nbsp;

As he left for Sochi, Bennett said Israel's relations with Moscow are an "important element" of the country's foreign policy.&nbsp;

This was in part due, he said, "to the million Russian speakers in Israel, who constitute a bridge between the two countries".&nbsp;

The visit may be one of Putin's last face-to-face meetings with a foreign leader before Russia's new Covid restrictions come into force next week.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has said the 69-year-old will scrap in-person meetings during a nationwide week-long holiday starting October 30 designed to curb record virus deaths. &nbsp;

Last week, Bennett's office said the pair will discuss Iran's nuclear programme.&nbsp;

Moscow is one of the signatories to a 2015 deal that saw sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits to its nuclear capability.&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, leading Tehran to gradually roll back its commitments under the agreement.

Bennett told the United Nations General Assembly last month that Israel "will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon."&nbsp;

Putin had congratulated Bennett after he was sworn in and said that Russian-Israeli cooperation would help strengthen "peace, security and stability in the Middle East."

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first on Friday for talks expected to focus on Iran. Naftali took office in June, following Benjamin Netanyahu who was in power for 12 years and had close ties with Putin.

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first on Friday for talks expected to focus on Iran. Naftali took office in June, following Benjamin Netanyahu who was in power for 12 years and had close ties with Putin. Also Read | Israel to join India based International Solar Alliance Russian state television aired footage of the pair meeting ahead of the talks in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi. Putin said the two countries have "unique" ties and hoped for "continuity" of the "trusting relationship" he developed with Israel's previous government. Bennett told Putin that Israel views him as "a true friend of the Jewish people" and praised the Soviet war effort in fighting Nazi Germany. He said the pair will discuss the "situation in Syria and our efforts to prevent a breakthrough in Iran's military nuclear program". As he left for Sochi, Bennett said Israel's relations with Moscow are an "important element" of the country's foreign policy. This was in part due, he said, "to the million Russian speakers in Israel, who constitute a bridge between the two countries". The visit may be one of Putin's last face-to-face meetings with a foreign leader before Russia's new Covid restrictions come into force next week. The Kremlin has said the 69-year-old will scrap in-person meetings during a nationwide week-long holiday starting October 30 designed to curb record virus deaths. Last week, Bennett's office said the pair will discuss Iran's nuclear programme. Moscow is one of the signatories to a 2015 deal that saw sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits to its nuclear capability. Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, leading Tehran to gradually roll back its commitments under the agreement. Bennett told the United Nations General Assembly last month that Israel "will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon." Putin had congratulated Bennett after he was sworn in and said that Russian-Israeli cooperation would help strengthen "peace, security and stability in the Middle East."

Israeli PM holds first talks with Putin

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed.

Iran said in December it had been meeting with Taliban representatives with the knowledge of the Afghan government after reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-us-taliban-talks-cancelled-impact-on-india-248667">US-Taliban</a> talks about a ceasefire and a possible withdrawal of foreign troops.

Last week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">US-Taliban talks collapsed</a> and fighting resurged.

The two sides had been seeking to reach an accord on the withdrawal of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-withdraw-5000-troops-from-afghanistan-close-bases-zalmay-khalilzad-247234">American troops from Afghanistan</a> in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

"In the framework of Iran's comprehensive consultations with all parties in Afghanistan, a Taliban political delegation visited our country recently to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan with Iranian officials," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by state media.

Mousavi did not give further details.

The US-Taliban negotiations, which did not include the Afghan government, were intended as a prelude to wider peace talks to end more than 40 years of war in Afghanistan.

Majority Shi’ite Muslim Iran has long had close ties to Shi’ite groups in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban’s Sunni Muslim militants.

But last year, Afghan government officials accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that.

In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban. Tehran denied this.

Iran was at odds with the Taliban for most of the time the group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and massed troops on the border in 1998 after 11 of its diplomats were killed there.

Tehran then armed factions that helped US-led forces overthrow the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed.

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed. Iran said in December it had been meeting with Taliban representatives with the knowledge of the Afghan government after reports of US-Taliban talks about a ceasefire and a possible withdrawal of foreign troops. Last week, the US-Taliban talks collapsed and fighting resurged. The two sides had been seeking to reach an accord on the withdrawal of thousands of American troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. "In the framework of Iran's comprehensive consultations with all parties in Afghanistan, a Taliban political delegation visited our country recently to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan with Iranian officials," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by state media. Mousavi did not give further details. The US-Taliban negotiations, which did not include the Afghan government, were intended as a prelude to wider peace talks to end more than 40 years of war in Afghanistan. Majority Shi’ite Muslim Iran has long had close ties to Shi’ite groups in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban’s Sunni Muslim militants. But last year, Afghan government officials accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that. In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban. Tehran denied this. Iran was at odds with the Taliban for most of the time the group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and massed troops on the border in 1998 after 11 of its diplomats were killed there. Tehran then armed factions that helped US-led forces overthrow the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Iran says it held talks with Afghanistan's Taliban

British singer Elton John told a concert in Moscow he still wanted to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss his concerns about gay rights and AIDS in Russia, despite the Kremlin leader not having time to meet him this time round.

John, performing at a luxury shopping and&nbsp;entertainment&nbsp;centre in the Russian capital on Monday night as part of a world tour, sounded disappointed about not getting to meet Putin, but said he would return to try to see him.

&quot;As some of you may know I hoped to meet with President Putin on this trip,&quot; said John, whose music has been popular in Russia since the Soviet era, told the audience.

&quot;Although it wasn&#39;t possible, I&#39;m deeply grateful to him for inviting me to discuss some serious issues in Russia including LGBT, HIV and AIDS, and I very much hope we will find time in future to meet.&quot;

Putin&#39;s spokesman said last week that the Russian leader&#39;s schedule did not match up with John&#39;s, but that a meeting might take place &quot;next time.&quot; Putin had to fly to Kazakhstan on Tuesday morning for a meeting.

In September Putin phoned the singer, who has used his status as one of the world&#39;s most famous gay celebrities to push for equal rights for homosexuals around the world, to say he would be willing to meet up after John, 69, requested a meeting.

Western governments and human rights activists have criticised the Russian authorities for their treatment of gay people, and John has previously spoken out against a 2013 law banning the dissemination of &quot;gay propaganda&quot; among young Russians.

Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people.

John has also expressed alarm about the scale of Russia&#39;s AIDS epidemic.

The number of people registered HIV-positive passed the 1 million mark earlier this year and the country&#39;s top AIDS specialist warned the rate of infection had reached record levels.

British singer Elton John told a concert in Moscow he still wanted to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss his concerns about gay rights and AIDS in Russia, but the Kremlin leader didn't have time

British singer Elton John told a concert in Moscow he still wanted to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss his concerns about gay rights and AIDS in Russia, despite the Kremlin leader not having time to meet him this time round. John, performing at a luxury shopping and entertainment centre in the Russian capital on Monday night as part of a world tour, sounded disappointed about not getting to meet Putin, but said he would return to try to see him. "As some of you may know I hoped to meet with President Putin on this trip," said John, whose music has been popular in Russia since the Soviet era, told the audience. "Although it wasn't possible, I'm deeply grateful to him for inviting me to discuss some serious issues in Russia including LGBT, HIV and AIDS, and I very much hope we will find time in future to meet." Putin's spokesman said last week that the Russian leader's schedule did not match up with John's, but that a meeting might take place "next time." Putin had to fly to Kazakhstan on Tuesday morning for a meeting. In September Putin phoned the singer, who has used his status as one of the world's most famous gay celebrities to push for equal rights for homosexuals around the world, to say he would be willing to meet up after John, 69, requested a meeting. Western governments and human rights activists have criticised the Russian authorities for their treatment of gay people, and John has previously spoken out against a 2013 law banning the dissemination of "gay propaganda" among young Russians. Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people. John has also expressed alarm about the scale of Russia's AIDS epidemic. The number of people registered HIV-positive passed the 1 million mark earlier this year and the country's top AIDS specialist warned the rate of infection had reached record levels.

Elton John tells Russians he still wants to meet Putin to discuss gay rights

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