Al Jazeera

A backlash against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in local and regional elections in England, Scotland and Wales, despite a huge majority in parliament. He's rejecting calls to quit - but faces new challenges from both the left and right. So, why are these elections so important?

The World Health Organization says public health risks from hantavirus are low. Arrangements are being made to repatriate passengers from a cruise ship, after three people who'd been on board, died. How's the experience from the Covid-19 pandemic being used?

China is emerging as a major player in global diplomacy - including in the Middle East. In 2023, it helped re-establish diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran. While it is not officially mediating efforts to end the ongoing war - both the US and Iran are looking to China to help de-escalate. So, can it propel the two sides towards that goal? And if China makes a direct push to stop the fighting - how will its economic clout affect the course of negotiations?

Tension escalates rapidly across the Gulf - despite last month's ceasefire. An oil facility hit in the United Arab Emirates, Iranian boats attacked, while the US tries to force open a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz. So, what does this mean for hopes of an end to the Iran war?

Pakistan opens land trade routes to Iran, allowing the transit of goods. It's a much-needed reprieve for both economies. But does it undercut Washington's pressure campaign on Tehran? And how will it impact the Islamabad-mediated talks to end the war?

Divisions widen within NATO. US President Donald Trump is furious after a refusal by European member states to join the Iran war. Reports say he's considering measures against the UK and Spain. So, how serious is the rift for the future of the military alliance?

A loan drama tied to geopolitics. Kyiv is getting a much-delayed lifeline from Brussels, as it fights Moscow's invasion with nearly empty coffers. That's after Ukraine repaired a pipeline carrying Russian crude to Hungary, Slovakia. The oil revenues will bolster Moscow's war chest. So, is this complex EU deal going to intensify the conflict? And, considering the mistrust between the parties, will the agreement even last?

More than a million Europeans have signed a petition asking the EU to suspend a trade deal with Israel for its atrocities in Gaza. Three states — Spain, Ireland and Slovenia — tabled a proposal backing the call. But Germany and Italy blocked the move. So, can a divided EU become a strong force opposing Israeli actions in the Middle East?

Israel's alliance with the European Union is under mounting political pressure. Behind the shift are demands to suspend the main agreement underpinning their close relations. But their ties survived Israel's genocide in Gaza - so why the difficulties now?

China tells its ally Iran the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened. International leaders have been visiting Beijing almost daily - underlining its importance in the crisis. So what's the impact of the Iran war on China - and what role is it playing?