A leaked UN report expresses concern Iran may currently be trying to develop a nuclear payload for a missile.

• 18 February 2010

The Dalai Lama is now in Washington despite stark criticism from the Chinese government. To avoid upsetting China, President Barack Obama has decided to keep the meeting low-key.

• 18 February 2010

A court in Ukraine has suspended the results of presidential elections after a complaint of electoral fraud. A decision on the validity of the poll is expected within days, ahead of a planned inauguration ceremony.

• 17 February 2010

The US sends one of its top diplomats to Syria in its latest move to improve ties with Damascus after years of tension.

• 17 February 2010

The European Union has hit out at a recent decision by Libya to stop giving visas to citizens from the border-free Schengen area. The move by Tripoli was believed to have been caused by a spat with Switzerland.

• 16 February 2010

New sanctions on Iran would not be a quick enough solution to the nuclear issue, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says.

• 16 February 2010

Police in Dubai investigating the killing of a Hamas militant say the suspects are 11 people with European passports.

• 15 February 2010

The US secretary of state is to press Saudi Arabia to help persuade China to support a tougher stand against Iran.

• 15 February 2010