LIBERTY

Iran Says US Must Choose Peace Iran says it does not want the war to continue—but insists Washington must decide whether the fighting ends. The statement comes as diplomacy and military pressure unfold side by side. What Is Happening Now Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview aired Thursday that the United States must decide whether it wants to end the war. He said Tehran does not wish to continue fighting. His comments followed a tense week at the UN General Assembly. US President Donald Trump warned that Iran could face devastating consequences without an agreement, while also suggesting a deal might be possible. US and Iranian officials have held talks, according to Trump. Why It Matters The conflict has expanded far beyond Iran and the United States. Fighting has affected Israel, Gulf states and commercial shipping, while instability around the Strait of Hormuz has put global energy supplies under pressure. Oil markets are already reacting to prospects for either ...

Trump-Xi Summit Puts 4 Big Issues in Focus Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are meeting in Washington with four major issues hanging over the world's most consequential bilateral relationship: trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and Iran . The summit could show whether Washington and Beijing can keep their growing rivalry under control—or whether new disputes are coming. What Is Happening Now? Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 24. The visit comes as both governments seek greater stability despite continuing economic and security tensions. The two sides have already extended their trade truce, giving negotiators more time to pursue a broader agreement. But tariffs, Chinese exports, critical minerals and access to advanced technology remain contentious. Taiwan Remains a Flashpoint Taiwan could produce some of the summit's most sensitive discussions. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and opposes American m...

US Networks Halt Trump Pool Coverage in Press Clash America's biggest television networks have taken the unusual step of suspending pooled video coverage of President Donald Trump. The dispute has quickly grown from a media-access fight into a major test of press freedom and presidential authority. What Is Happening Now? ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC suspended their shared presidential television pool after the White House prevented CNN from carrying out its scheduled pool assignment. CNN, MS NOW and Politico had been barred from White House grounds after Trump accused them of producing unfair or false coverage. CNN, MS NOW and Politico have challenged the restrictions in federal court, arguing that the administration violated First Amendment press protections and Fifth Amendment due-process rights. The administration disputes the characterization that its actions amount to an attack on press freedom. Why It Matters The television pool allows one network to film presidential even...