Afghanistan’s president has appealed for Pakistan’s help in negotiating a peace deal with Taliban militants before a summit today that will also include Iran’s leader.

Iran has begun loading domestically made nuclear fuel rods into its research reactor in a defiant response to toughening Western sanctions over its controversial nuclear programme.

Iranians love Danish pastries, but now when they look for the flaky dessert at the bakery they have to ask for “Roses of the Prophet Mohammad.”

Iran has given the International Atomic Energy Agency sensitive documents that appear linked to nuclear warhead designs – the latest attempt by Tehran to stave off being reported to the UN Security Council, diplomats divulged today.