The US is asking the United Nations to remove the Venezuelan government's credentials and formally recognise self-proclaimed interim President Juan Guaido as the country's leader.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the deteriorating situation.
Nick Harper reports from New York:
US and Iran signal peace deal near despite differences over terms
The United States and Iran on Friday appeared to have sharply different understandings of the contents of an emerging pact to end their war, though both sides signalled that an agreement was close.
Trump says Iran war deal close as Strait of Hormuz tensions linger
Hopes grew on Friday for peace between Iran and the US after President Donald Trump said a deal could be signed as soon as this weekend, even as Tehran said it had not made a final decision on a pact.
Victims' families mark Air India crash anniversary with prayers and tributes
Families of the 260 people killed when an Air India Boeing 787 crashed in Ahmedabad a year ago gathered on Friday for prayers and a candlelight tribute to mark the anniversary of the disaster.
Ebola outbreak spreads to crowded displacement camp in Congo
Two Ebola-related deaths have been confirmed in a displacement camp in eastern Congo, the UN refugee agency said, with aid workers warning the risk of the disease spreading quickly in crowded refugee sites was high and worrying.
Fire breaks out at New Zealand's Wellington airport, disrupting flights
A blaze broke out at Wellington Airport in the capital of New Zealand on Friday, forcing evacuations from the main terminal and flight diversions.
Dubai Customs has intercepted 223 live animals hidden inside an abandoned suitcase at Dubai International Airport in a major wildlife trafficking case.
A reckless female driver has been summoned by Dubai Police for allowing a female co-passenger sit on the door of a moving convertible to take photos.
Delivery riders will have access to more than 12,000 a/c rest areas across the UAE during the midday break this summer.
