1The United States now has fifteen warships in or near the Persian Gulf, creating rising tensions in the region. How are the Iranians likely to respond, and what are their options?

2Amir Hossain Amir-Parviz, a leading opponent of the Iranian Government has survived an assassination attempt in London. A group calling itself The Guardians of the Islamic Revolution has claimed responsibility for the car bomb that injured him.

3France and Iran have held secret talks on how to get each other's embassy staff home after yesterday's break in diplomatic relations, but the atmosphere between the two countries has not approved.

4Landslides and floods have killed at least eleven people in northern Italy. Twelve more people are still missing.

5Election 1987 The National Party released its employment policy today. It plans to revamp the unemployment benefit, and focus on training and job search programmes.

6Election 1987 The New Zealand Party has opened its election campaign with the announcement that it will contest 32 seats.