Iran’s foreign minister says he will have talks with US envoy

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s foreign minister says he’ll meet with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman for the first negotiations under the Trump administration seeking to halt Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. Abbas Araghchi spoke to Iranian state television Tuesday from Algeria. He maintained the talks would be indirect, likely with Omani mediators shuttling between the parties. U.S. President Donald Trump, in announcing the negotiations, described them as direct talks. Years of indirect talks under the Biden administration failed to reach any success. Tehran now enriches uranium up to 60% purity. That’s a technical step away from weapons-grade levels.

At least 58 dead in a roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Authorities in the Dominican Republic say that least 58people have died and 160 others were injured after a roof collapsed at an iconic nightclub in Santo Domingo. Crews were searching for potential survivors Tuesday in the rubble at Jet Set, said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations. He said many people may still be alive under the rubble. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi, was among the victims. Among the injured is merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof collapsed. President Luis Abinader wrote on X that all rescue agencies are “working tirelessly” to help those affected.

South Korea’s military fires warning shots after North Korean soldiers cross the border

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea says its military has fired warning shots after North Korean soldiers crossed the border. South Korea’s military said about 10 North Korean soldiers returned to the North’s territory after South Korea fired made warning broadcasts and fired warning shots on Tuesday. It says South Korea is closely monitoring North Korean activities. North Korea is continuing weapons tests and ignoring U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated outreach. Since his Jan. 20 inauguration, Trump has said he would reach out to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again to revive diplomacy. North Korea has not responded to Trump’s remarks and says U.S. hostilities against it have deepened since Trump’s inauguration.

Congo repatriates 3 Americans who had faced death sentences over a failed coup plot

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congo says three Americans convicted for participating in a botched coup attempt last year have been repatriated to the United States. Congo days ago commuted their death sentences to life imprisonment. Congo says they will serve their sentences in the U.S. The State Department says it is aware of their transfer into U.S. custody. The Americans include the son of an opposition figure who led the coup attempt. The fate of others convicted including dozens of Congolese, a Briton, a Belgian and a Canadian is not clear. Congolese authorities have been seeking a minerals deal with the U.S. in exchange for security support.