An Iranian court sentenced two French citizens to a combined 63 years in prison on espionage and national security charges, the country’s judiciary said Tuesday, likely further straining relations between Tehran and Paris.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China of “provocative” economic moves after Beijing tightened rare earth mineral export controls. He stated the US and allies will respond collectively to China’s “weaponization” of its dominance in these vital materials, asserting sovereignty and de-risking supply chains.

Intense fighting broke out once again on Tuesday night between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban along the border between the two countries in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, state media reported.