Adding a new layer of complication to the impending talks is now a rapidly escalating war in the Middle East. More than a week after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, the war has shown no signs of abating. Trump said on Friday that there would be no deal with Iran except “unconditional surrender,” without elaborating on specific demands. He said the two nations’ leaders have set an example in helping the bilateral relationship achieve overall stability despite turbulence. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a bilateral meeting during his visit to China, in Beijing on January 29, 2026.

Source: CNN March 08, 2026 15:10 UTC