US to close diplomatic missions in Canada, Japan, Indonesia and other countries, TASS reports citing sources. White House initially sought closure of up to 30 foreign missions deemed inefficient, but only five will be cut.

Trump says US-Iran talks are 'going on right now,' aims to reopen Strait of Hormuz, warns 'last chance' before 'decapitation'; Tehran denies negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that talks with Iran are 'going on right now,' calling it Iran's 'last chance' before 'decapitation,' with negotiations reportedly at Iran's request and backed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Trump outlined a two-phase process: reopening the Strait of Hormuz as phase one, and Iran's denuclearization as phase two. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran is not engaged in any negotiations with the United States, adding that talks with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz are underway.

US military experts tasked to find 'creative ways to punish' Iran, CNN reports citing sources. Administration's options limited, strategy under reassessment.

US military experts have been tasked with devising 'creative ways to punish' Iran, CNN reported, citing sources. The US administration has a limited set of options on Iran, some deemed unacceptable, with the military acknowledging that its Iran strategy needs reassessment.

Denmark assumes UN Security Council presidency for August, naming conflict-related hunger, food security, women and climate security as its priorities

Denmark has assumed the rotating UN Security Council presidency for August, with Copenhagen saying it will prioritize conflict-related hunger, food security, women, peace and security, and climate security during its month-long term.

UN says Quintet of 5 international bodies engaged Sudanese civilian leaders to advance political process. Envoy Haavisto discussed de-escalation with Sudan's FM and RSF's Dagalo, heads to Türkiye this week.

Five international organizations known as the Quintet—the African Union, IGAD, League of Arab States, European Union, and United Nations—continued consultations with Sudanese civilian political leaders to advance an inclusive political process including confidence-building measures, a UN spokesman said Monday. UN Secretary-General's envoy Pekka Haavisto spoke Sunday with Sudanese Foreign Minister Muhieddine Salem and continues engaging Rapid Support Forces leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on de-escalation, ahead of a planned trip to Türkiye.