Talking points

As the world reacts to North Korea's latest nuclear test, talks resume in Tehran aimed at averting a nuclear-armed Iran. Iran is being pressured by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's atomic watchdog, to grant broader access to its facilities, scientists and documents to resolve outstanding concerns over its past atomic activities. Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful, but many in the West fear otherwise.

US Airways Group and AMR are expected to formally announce an US$11 billion merger that would create the world's largest airline, although reports yesterday indicated that the talks could be delayed. The merger with US Airways would create the world's top airline by passenger traffic and help the two carriers better compete with rivals like United Continental Holdings and Delta Air Lines.