Trump says talks with Iran will continue to see whether deal can be consummated

U.S. President Donald Trump said that U.S.-Iran talks will continue to see whether a deal can be consummated, shortly after his closed-door meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday.

"There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated," Trump said. "If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be."

Worst DRC cholera outbreak in 25 years needs increased response: UN

UN humanitarians on Wednesday called for an immediate scale-up of the response to the worst cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 25 years.

"Since the start of the year, more than 1,300 suspected cases and 35 deaths have been reported," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

"The Government, the UN and its partners are continuing to provide support, but there are still major gaps," OCHA said. "Water, sanitation and hygiene services are critically underfunded, health workers are overstretched, supplies are running low, and access to treatment facilities remains difficult."

BMW recalls hundreds of thousands of cars over starter fire risk

German carmaker BMW is recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide due to a technical defect that could pose a fire risk, the company said Wednesday.

The Munich-based automaker did not disclose the exact global figure but said 28,582 vehicles are affected in Germany. Industry publication kfz-betrieb reported Tuesday that up to 575,000 units could be involved globally.

The company traced the issue to the starter system, noting that a high volume of engine starts could cause excessive wear in the switch, potentially leading to a short circuit. In rare cases, this malfunction could trigger a vehicle fire while the car is in operation.

Canadian PM orders half-mast to mourn British Columbia school shooting

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday ordered all flags on Parliament Hill and federal buildings across Canada to be flown at half-mast for seven days as the country mourns the victims of a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia province.

Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill that it was a "very difficult day for the nation."

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is currently en route to the northeastern British Columbia town to coordinate federal assistance, Carney said, adding that "all assistance will be offered."

Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Wednesday revised the death toll from the mass shooting, confirming that nine people died, including the suspect, down from the previously reported 10.

Police told a news conference that one female victim, initially believed to have died while being transported for medical care, is still alive and remains in serious condition. The attack left at least 25 others injured.

Iran says distrust of West stalls nuclear talks, describing missile program as "red line"

Iran on Wednesday said a "wall of distrust" created by the West is hindering nuclear talks with the United States, reaffirming its readiness for diplomacy on its nuclear program while vowing not to compromise on its defense capabilities.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at celebrations in Tehran for the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, said that a "wall of distrust" created by the West and excessive U.S. demands are impeding progress in nuclear talks with Washington.

"We believe that the region's problems can be resolved only by regional countries, not foreign states," he said, adding that Iran will never surrender to excessive demands and aggression.