Iran, U.S. have historic opportunity to strike unprecedented deal -- Iranian FM

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday Iran is determined to reach a "fair and equitable" deal with the United States as soon as possible, noting that the two countries "have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement."

Araghchi posted the remarks on X ahead of the third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, scheduled for Thursday in Geneva.

"Pillared on the understandings forged in the previous round, Iran will resume talks with the United States in Geneva with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal -- in the shortest possible time," Araghchi said.

Putin orders enhanced protection for defense officials

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday instructed Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) to enhance the security of officials from the country's Ministry of Defense and the military-industrial complex.

The reinforcement of protection also covers representatives of state and municipal authorities, and workers in the education and social sectors, particularly in Russia's historical and border regions, Putin said at an FSB board meeting.

Furthermore, the Russian president instructed counter-intelligence services to step up their work in the rear areas of the Special Military Operation zone.

Afghan official confirms border clash with Pakistan

Sediqullah Nusrat, deputy spokesman of the Afghanistan Ministry of Defense, confirmed to Xinhua that clashes had taken place between Afghan security forces and Pakistani troops in Nangarhar province on Tuesday.

According to Nusrat, the confrontation erupted when Pakistani forces opened fire on Afghan personnel who were conducting routine patrols in the area, adding that the situation has since returned to normal and calm has been fully restored.

Zabihullah Noorani, head of information and culture for Nangarhar province, also confirmed that Pakistani forces opened fire on Afghan forces, which was met with a response from the border forces of Afghanistan.

Death toll rises to 25 from heavy rains in southeast Brazil

The death toll from heavy rainfall in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais has risen to 25, with 45 people missing and hundreds displaced, local authorities said Tuesday.

The city of Juiz de Fora has been the hardest hit, with 18 fatalities, 41 individuals missing and 440 people homeless. February's cumulative rainfall reached 584 millimeters, doubling the historical average for the month and reaching a record high.

The downpours have triggered landslides, floods, and the collapse of homes in several neighborhoods.

4 killed in stabbing attack in U.S. state of Washington

Four people were killed in a stabbing attack Tuesday morning in Purdy, U.S. state of Washington, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office.

Police responded to reports that a man, allegedly in violation of a no-contact order, was outside a residence and began attacking people with a knife.

When deputies arrived, three victims were found dead at the scene. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital and later died.