Progress in Iran-US Talks, Starmer’s Resignation, and Colombia’s Right-Wing Victory

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said there had been “progress” after the first day of high-level talks between Washington and Tehran in Switzerland, despite a tense opening marked by Donald Trump’s threats to restart attacks. Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar issued a joint statement saying the US and Iran had agreed on a roadmap towards a final deal within 60 days. The US Treasury is preparing to issue a 60-day waiver lifting sanctions on oil, petrochemicals, and derivatives. Meanwhile, Trump threatened Iran on social media over a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he will stand down after intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers. Starmer will remain in post until a leadership contest is completed. His downfall was triggered by key political misjudgments, including appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite failed security vetting, and policy reversals that led to perceptions of weakness, reinforced by heavy losses in May elections.

In Colombia, far-right millionaire lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, a Trump admirer, won the presidential runoff, defeating leftist senator Iván Cepeda. The victory marks a sharp swing to the right after four years of President Gustavo Petro’s term. The result is seen as further evidence of a wave of far-right candidates winning presidential elections across Latin America.