Iranian, Omani FMs meet ahead of Iran-U.S. Geneva talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi here on Monday ahead of the upcoming Iran-U.S. talks to be held in Geneva, according to a statement released by Oman's Foreign Ministry on social media.

The statement said the two sides discussed preparations for the next round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States, and both affirmed "the need to advance understanding toward a mutually satisfactory agreement."

Al Busaidi reiterated Oman's firm support for dialogue and mediation, and thanked the parties for their trust in Omani efforts, the statement added.

Russia expands delegation to Ukraine talks in Geneva

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia's delegation to talks on Ukraine in Geneva will be expanded, and a wide range of key issues, including territorial matters, are expected to be discussed.

"The delegation will be expanded this time. In addition to Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and other officials will take part," Peskov noted.

He added that Medinsky remains head of the Russian negotiating delegation. "This time we will discuss a broader spectrum of issues, covering key matters related to territories and other relevant issues linked to demands we have put forward," he said.

Accused Bondi terror attack perpetrator makes 1st court appearance

Accused Bondi Beach terror attack perpetrator Naveed Akram made his first appearance in a Sydney court on Monday after being charged with 59 offenses over the fatal mass shooting.

Akram appeared on Monday morning via videolink from a supermax prison where he has been held since being discharged from the hospital in the wake of the attack on Dec. 14, 2025.

The 24-year-old was charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, in relation to the attack.

Authorities allege that Akram and his father Sajid, who was shot dead by police at the scene of the attack, opened fire on a Jewish celebration at the iconic eastern Sydney beach using rifles and shotguns, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more.

2 killed, 12 injured in blast in NW Pakistan

At least two people, including a child, were killed and 12 others injured in a blast in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday, authorities said.

The explosion took place in front of the main gate of Miryan Police Station in Bannu district at around 10 a.m. local time, a local police official told Xinhua.

Security forces and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals, with several of them in critical condition, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said.

Police said they are investigating the nature of the blast.

Hamas accuses Israel of violating Rafah crossing operational mechanisms

Hamas on Monday accused Israel of committing a "blatant violation" of the agreed mechanisms for operating the Rafah crossing, which were stipulated in the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

In a press statement, the movement said that despite the reopening of the crossing in both directions, Israel has violated its operational framework and carried out systematic abuses against Palestinians returning to Gaza, including physical and psychological mistreatment and harsh interrogation.

According to Hamas, Israel has failed to adhere to daily quotas for those exiting or entering Gaza, endangering thousands of patients and wounded individuals with medical referrals abroad.

Hezbollah member killed in Israeli airstrike on S. Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Monday killed a Hezbollah member, in what the Israeli military described as a response to violations of a fragile ceasefire by the group.

The strike targeted a car in the village of Talloussah in the Marjeyoun district, according to Lebanon's official National News Agency.

Lebanese security sources told Xinhua that the victim was Ahmad Termos, a Hezbollah member.

The Israeli military also confirmed it struck a Hezbollah operative in the area.

UN chief condemns Israeli decision to resume land registration procedures in West Bank

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday condemned the Israeli government's decision to resume land registration procedures in Area C of the occupied West Bank, following a cabinet decision in May 2025, his spokesperson said in a statement.

The decision on Sunday "could lead to the dispossession of Palestinians of their property and risks expanding Israeli control over land in the area," said a statement issued by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Such measures, including Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, "are not only destabilizing but, as recalled by the International Court of Justice, unlawful," it added.

Death toll from Cyclone Gezani rises to 59 in Madagascar

The death toll from Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar has risen to 59, with 804 people injured, according to an update released Monday by the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC).

The BNGRC said more than 420,000 people were affected across 25 districts in five regions in eastern and central Madagascar. The cyclone also damaged more than 49,000 houses and destroyed over 25,000 houses.

Authorities are continuing to assess damage and carry out relief operations in the affected areas, while assistance to impacted populations is underway.