Outgoing General David Petraeus has handed over control of US military operations in Iraq at a ceremony in Baghdad. Petraeus is widely credited for security gains in Iraq after implementing a surge strategy backed by 30,000 extra US troops.

Five former US Secretaries of State say the next American administration should hold direct and unconditional talks with Tehran.

Israeli President Shimon Peres has suggested targeting Iran’s main source of income as a means of lowering the country’s defensive force.