Global news highlights from AP

August 4, 2026

US President Donald Trump and leaders in Iran appear to be split over whether peace talks are starting.

Trump announced that new talks were set to begin Monday. But Iranian state media says Tehran is not currently negotiating with Washington.

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Two Republican senators who threatened to block acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's bid to lead the Justice Department now say they will support the nomination.

The change came after Blanche formally rescinded Trump's $1.8 billion so-called "Anti-Weaponization Fund."

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Light winds and lower temperatures are likely to help firefighters combat wildfires in eastern Washington state.

The wildfires have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands to evacuate in the region around Spokane.

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Japan's prime minister traveled to the country's hard-hit quake region for the first time following last week's deadly 7.1 magnitude quake.

The quake killed more than 30 people and now blistering heat and a shortage of water are making the recovery more difficult.