New Zealand scientists will take over research operations in Antarctica as the United States withdraws its teams during the government shut-down.

The United States is cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Egypt in response to the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi and the crackdown by the military-backed government on his supporters.

Antarctica New Zealand is confident the US shutdown won't affect its vital air link between NZ and Antarctica when operations are reduced.

Kiwis at Scott Base are offering support to neighbouring McMurdo base as it runs out of money because of the US government shutdown.

The United States will begin recalling its spies from overseas missions because of the government shutdown, the CIA says.

House Speaker John Boehner says President Barack Obama is demanding the GOP surrender the budget and debt limit fight unconditionally, but Republicans won't do it.

The US federal government shutdown is reaching all the way down to the South Pole.

Britain and Iran are to take a first step towards re-opening their respective embassies, Foreign Secretary William Hague says, adding that Tehran's new leadership is presenting itself "in a much more positive way than in the recent past."