Trump finally agrees to Biden transition - but still not conceding

President Donald Trump came his closest yet to admitting election defeat Monday after the government agency meant to ease Joe Biden's transition into the White House said it was finally lifting its unprecedented block on assistance.

US-Europe row as Pompeo triggers start of Iran sanctions 'snapback' The United States formally began the process on Thursday of activating a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing sanctions on Iran, a move that was immediately rejected by European allies fighting to save the Iranian nuclear deal.

US to submit UN resolution on Iran arms next week The United States will submit a UN Security Council resolution next week to extend an arms embargo on Iran despite opposition from Russia and China, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday.

Việt Nam reiterates consistent support for 2015 Iran nuclear deal Việt Nam affirmed its consistent support for the disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, along with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal at a meeting of the UN Security Council on June 30 (local time).

Nuclear powers modernising, arms control outlook 'bleak': report Nuclear powers continue to modernise their arsenals, researchers said on Monday, warning that tensions were rising and the outlook for arms control was "bleak".

Trump plan to slash US troops sparks concern in Germany Germany on Sunday voiced concern at reports that President Donald Trump plans to cut the number of US troops stationed in Germany, amid fears it could weaken a key pillar of NATO defence in the region.

US ends waivers for nations in Iran nuclear deal The United States said on Wednesday it was ending waivers in its sanctions for nations that remain in the Iran nuclear accord, bringing the deal further to the verge of collapse.

EU top diplomat holds talks in Iran to de-escalate tensions Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell on Monday held talks in the Iranian capital during a mission aimed at lowering tensions over the Islamic republic's nuclear programme.

EU states launch process disputing Iran's nuclear compliance Three EU countries on Tuesday launched a process charging Iran with failing to observe the terms of the 2015 deal curtailing its nuclear programme, a move that sparked anger and threats from Tehran at a time of growing tensions.

NATO tells Iran to avoid 'further provocations'

Tehran should avoid "further violence and provocations", NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned on Monday, as tensions mount in the Middle East after US forces killed a top Iranian general.