AFP

Afghanistan's Supreme Court said three convicted murderers were executed by order of Taliban authorities on Friday, bringing to nine the number of men publicly put to death since their return to power, according to an AFP tally.

The US Department of Defense will cut $5.1 billion in "wasteful" spending, including on climate and diversity initiatives, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on Thursday.

Sudan and the United Arab Emirates will cross swords at the International Court of Justice on Thursday, with Khartoum accusing the UAE of breaking the UN Genocide Convention with its alleged support for rebel fighters.

After Israel killed a string of its leaders, Hamas anointed new commanders to top ranks, this time shrouding their identities in secrecy to protect them from assassination.

"I'm not happy about what's going on" in Ukraine, the Republican told reporters in the White House, accusing Russia of "bombing like crazy right now" even as he said the parties were "sort of close" on a deal.

Following Harry's dramatic split with the royal family in 2020 and subsequent move to North America, the British government said he would no longer be given the "same degree" of publicly funded protection when in the UK.

Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iranian women have been required to dress modestly and cover their hair, and the beauty industry has become almost entirely centred on the face.

President Donald Trump said the United States was starting direct, high-level talks with Iran over its nuclear program on Saturday, in a shock announcement during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.