"Encouraging progress." That's the feeling from mediators after the first round of talks between Iran and the US concluded in Switzerland. Those direct discussions were held to implement the memorandum of understanding. Their focus will now turn to using that agreement to negotiate a lasting peace deal within the next two months. Despite the positive atmosphere, there are hurdles to reaching a final agreement on that timeline. So, what would it take to overcome those challenges? And what concessions are the sides prepared to make to strike a deal?

Fury from Israeli ministers over the agreement US President Donald Trump has signed with Iran. And a sharp rebuke in response from his vice president JD Vance. So, what are the implications for Israel and its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu?

Agreement between Washington and Tehran has all but ended the Iran war, with both claiming victory despite the huge cost. Among that has been Iranian damage to relationships with its Gulf neighbours which it attacked. So, what has Iran won and lost in this conflict?

Chinese president is in North Korea. Pyongyang is largely isolated on the world stage and under UN sanctions. China remains its main supporter. It's been sidelined due to its nuclear activities. But Pyongyang has made it clear it wants to be recognised as a nuclear state - and insists its programme is a "line of no retreat". Xi Jinping's visit comes after he held a summit with Donald Trump, who wants North Korea to denuclearise. He also met Vladimir Putin, who has been developing a closer relationship with Kim Jong Un. So, how could his visit shape geopolitics in the region?

Lebanon under Israeli attack while diplomatic efforts continue to end the war in Iran. And with Israel escalating attacks on Hezbollah, Tehran wants any peace deal to cover both conflicts. So, why is Iran making Lebanon a central issue in its own war?

Ukraine's bid to join the European Union (EU) has received a boost this week. Accession negotiations have finally kicked off. Ukraine is hoping that will provide it with some security guarantees, as the war with Russia drags on. Moscow has long objected to Kyiv strengthening its ties with the West. And now, Ukraine will have to fulfil the EU's requirements before it can be accepted as a member. That will include reforms on a host of issues, including tackling corruption. But what are the risks of integrating a country at war into the bloc? And how will Russia respond?

A possible US-Iran deal is taking shape. But Israeli officials are reportedly worried. What are their concerns? Could it derail negotiations to end the war in Iran, which has caused an unprecedented global energy crisis?

The war on Iran has caused the worst energy crisis in history, according to the International Energy Agency. It's been politically unpopular in the US too, ahead of crucial mid-term elections in November.

Israeli national security minister's mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists. It sparks international outrage. But will governments act against Israel? The boats were part of the latest attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Most efforts have failed. What difference do flotillas make to Palestinians living under Israeli blockade?

Over the years, China and Russia have described their relationship as a friendship without limits. Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing this week further emphasises the strength of those ties. He and President Xi Jinping hailed their partnership as 'a force of calm among chaos'. They also warned against a return to the 'law of the jungle'. An apparent reference to Donald Trump's actions and policies, which include the war against Iran and sweeping global tariffs. Will the two leaders succeed in their push for a multipolar world, one in which the U.S. does not dominate?