News brief: Big stories of the day

'Why this storm just before general elections?' MJ Akbar issues statement, moves for legal action

Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated." According to reports, the minister is set to take legal action against accusations made against him.

US is loser by abandoning Iran nuclear deal: Iranian President Rouhani

Iran's president boasted Sunday that the United States has lost against the Islamic republic's "righteousness and wisdom" by walking out of the landmark nuclear deal.

Saudi dismisses threat of sanctions over Khashoggi, warns of retaliation

Saudi Arabia on Sunday dismissed threats of sanctions over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi adding that it will retaliate if any such action is taken against the oil-rich country.

'Zombie' storm Leslie smashes into Portugal, Spain

Storms packing nearly 180 kilometre-per-hour winds hit Portugal early Sunday leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power before carrying heavy rain on into Spain, authorities said.

Maldives judges hear strongman's election challenge

Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil.