A moderate earthquake struck northeastern Iran on July 30, injuring about 200 people, according to state-run media.

The Arab League said on July 29 that it would back face-to-face peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel when the Palestinians believe the time is right.  

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has called in the FBI to help with the inquiry into the leaking of more than 90,000 classified military records.  

At least 90 people have been killed since July 28 due to floods caused by monsoon rains in northwest Pakistan, said a provincial minister.  

Attackers killed at least 12 people and wounded 31 in a series of shootings and explosions across Iraq on July 30, security and hospital sources said.

Up to 140 people are feared dead after a boat carrying passengers and goods capsized on a river in the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 29, officials say.

Cuba’s revolutionary leader, former President Fidel Castro, will publish the first volume of his memoirs in early August.

China's flood control authorities said on July 28 that floods this year had left 928 people dead and 477 missing all over China as of 9 am July 28.

Iran and the United States sent positive signals on July 28 about the possibility of fresh talks on the Iranian nuclear programme.

At least 12 people have been killed and dozens injured in an explosion at a factory in Nanjing, Chinese media say.