US Vice President JD Vance says progress is being made in talks with Iran to end the war as President Donald Trump begins his state visit to China.

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United States Vice President JD Vance has said he believes progress is being made in negotiations with Iran, despite President Donald Trump rejecting Tehran’s latest proposal as unacceptable. The comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a collapse in the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

Meanwhile, Brigadier-General Mohammad Akrami Nia says Iran’s military remains at “the highest level of readiness”, warning that “there is no room for retreat” as tensions with the US persist. Iranian officials have continued to signal they are prepared to respond to any escalation.

Separately, Israel says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a “secret” visit to the United Arab Emirates during the war on Iran, where he met the UAE president, according to the Israeli prime minister’s office. The UAE has denied that the trip happened.

Here is what we know:

Iran gives World Cup send-off to national team: Crowds gathered in Tehran’s Enghelab Square to celebrate Iran’s national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, waving flags as players appeared on stage in red and black tracksuits. Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said the squad would represent “the people, the country’s fighters, the leader and the country”, while some fans carried placards honouring former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the war.

UAE denies Netanyahu visit claims: The UAE has rejected statements from Netanyahu’s office. In a statement carried by state news agency WAM, the UAE said reports of a Netanyahu visit or the presence of an Israeli military delegation were “baseless”, stressing that its ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords are public and “not based on secrecy or clandestine arrangements”.