British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he believes "passionately" that a new Brexit deal can be struck with Brussels as he prepares to hold his first face-to-face talks as prime minister with the European Commission president.

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Iran behind Saudi attacks: US officials

The scope and precision of drone attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities show they were launched from a west-northwest direction rather than from Yemen to the south, where Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, senior US administration officials say.

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Trump-Rouhani meet could still happen

The White House has not ruled out a potential meeting between President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani even after Washington accused Iran of being behind drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

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Syria's Assad grants amnesty for crimes

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree granting amnesty and reducing sentences for all crimes committed before September 14, state news agency Sana says.

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Violence as HK protesters defy police ban

Police have fired chemical-laced blue water and tear gas at protesters who lobbed Molotov cocktails outside the Hong Kong government office complex.

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Indonesia closes Borneo schools over haze

Schools in two cities in the Indonesian part of Borneo island will be closed for a week after smoke from forest fires caused air quality to hit "dangerous" levels, a local government official says.

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Royals send best wishes as Harry turns 35

Prince Harry is celebrating his birthday, his first as a father.

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Australian Associated Press