The US and Iran have agreed to “stand down” following an exchange of strikes over the past few days, media reports cite a US official as saying.

It comes after several attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with both nations accusing each other of violating their ceasefire.

The US official told the BBC’s US partner CBS News on Sunday that vessels would be able to move through the Gulf waterway “freely”, and that talks on a deal to permanently end the war would continue.

On Monday, Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi denied that there were plans for technical talks this week. But US President Donald Trump said a meeting would be held in Qatar’s capital at Iran’s request.

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Police officers have been deployed across South Africa because of fears that anti-immigration protests could turn violent as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged those planning to take part to do so without “intimidation, threats or ultimatums”.

The planned protests mark an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country.

Many have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police said 25,000 have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.

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Keir Starmer has unveiled the long awaited defence investment plan which promises an extra £15 billion to help equip the armed …

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US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law ‌Jared Kushner are in Doha to discuss the US-Iran negotiations with mediators, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman says.

But they will not meet Iranian officials there.

In this episode of The Iran War Today, we take a look at rising tensions and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, with reports and analysis from our correspondents across the region and beyond.

With reporting from Bernd Debusmann, Kasra Naji, Carrie Davis, Lina Sinjab, and analysis from Jeremy Bowen.

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Sir Keir Starmer has spoken for the first time about what he called his “intensely personal decision”, alongside his wife and children, to accept that his political career was over.

The British prime minister had faced a series of resignations from his cabinet and calls from remaining ministers and backbench Labour MPs for him to step aside.

In his first interview since announcing his resignation, Sir Keir also warned Andy Burnham, his likely successor as Prime Minister, that he will have to spend just as much time dealing with global turmoil, during his time in number 10.

Sir Keir has faced criticism during his two year’s as prime minister, for the amount of time he has devoted to foreign affairs and spent on the world stage.

Jane Hill present BBC News at Ten reporting by Henry Zeffman.

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