Trump says US will maintain control of Strait of Hormuz 

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Tipu Usman, on Tuesday presented the working copies of his Letter of Appointment to Scott Furssedonn-Wood, Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, during a meeting at Lancaster House. During the meeting, the High Commissioner conveyed the best wishes of Pakistan’s leadership and people to the leadership and people of the United Kingdom. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with his UK counterparts to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries. The presentation of the working copies marks an important diplomatic step before the formal presentation of credentials to His Majesty King Charles III, enabling the High Commissioner to commence his official diplomatic responsibilities in the United Kingdom. Pakistan and the United Kingdom share longstanding ties across trade, investment, security, education and people-to-people links, with both sides expressing their commitment to further enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

At least 20 people have been killed after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, triggering widespread panic, building damage and a series of strong aftershocks. The earthquake struck shortly before 5am local time at a depth of about 15 kilometres, according to Indonesia’s meteorological and geophysics authorities. The relatively shallow depth increased the potential for severe damage across affected areas. Indonesia’s disaster management authorities said several people were injured, with the figures still considered preliminary as rescue teams continue searching damaged buildings and assessing casualties. The strongest aftershocks included a 6.1-magnitude tremor, forcing residents to remain outdoors because of fears that weakened structures could collapse. Dramatic scenes were reported at the port of Maumere, where sections of a terminal building broke apart during the earthquake. A gangway leading to a ferry also collapsed, sending some passengers into the sea as people attempted to escape. East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said some victims were killed while sleeping after rubble from collapsing structures fell on them. Residents described the earthquake as extremely frightening. People rushed out of their homes and moved towards safer areas, with many heading to higher ground after authorities issued a tsunami warning. The tsunami alert was later lifted about three hours after the earthquake when no significant rise in sea levels was detected. Authorities said around 2,000 people evacuated or moved to safer locations on their own during the warning. Officials reported fatalities in several provinces, including Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai. At least two people were seriously injured while 11 others suffered minor injuries. The earthquake also caused extensive structural damage. Initial assessments indicated that dozens of houses had been severely damaged along with healthcare facilities, places of worship, government buildings, an educational institution and a warehouse. Manggarai was identified as one of the worst-affected areas. Rescue and assessment teams are continuing to work in the region, although difficult mountainous terrain could make operations challenging. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid coastal areas and stay away from buildings that have been damaged or weakened by the earthquake and aftershocks.

TEHRAN: Iran has vowed to strengthen its economy and find ways to withstand what it calls unjustified US sanctions, as Washington prepares to announce a new package of economic measures against Tehran. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian and Iraqi business representatives in Baghdad on Friday. Ghalibaf said economic strength and national security were closely connected. He accused the United States and Israel of using economic and political pressure after failing to achieve their objectives through direct military confrontation. He called for stronger economic cooperation between Iran and Iraq. He also suggested that the two neighbours increase trade using their national currencies to reduce dependence on the US dollar. Ghalibaf said Iran and Iraq should focus on economic development and shared prosperity despite pressure from Western countries. The comments came a day after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans for what he described as the toughest sanctions ever imposed on Iran. Bessent said further details of the measures would be released on Monday. He suggested that maximum economic pressure could reduce the need for another major military operation against Iran. US President Donald Trump has also warned countries and businesses against providing financial or economic support to Tehran. Trump described the planned campaign as an unprecedented effort of economic warfare and isolation. He warned that countries allowing financial institutions, companies, airports or government bodies to provide assistance to Iran could face severe economic consequences. Iran has strongly rejected the US pressure. Its Foreign Ministry described the latest sanctions as economic terrorism and said they would not weaken Iran’s determination to protect its independence and sovereignty. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also accused Washington of trying to divert attention from economic problems inside the United States. China rejects sanctions strategy China has opposed Washington’s approach and said sanctions and economic pressure would not solve the conflict. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian called on all sides to adopt responsible measures and seek a political and diplomatic solution. China has significant economic ties with Iran and remains a major buyer of Iranian oil. Data from energy analytics firm Kpler indicated that China accounted for more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil purchases in 2025. The issue could further complicate US-China relations. Washington has warned against economic cooperation with Tehran, while China has repeatedly criticised unilateral sanctions. Bessent said the United States was seeking cooperation from its allies and other countries. He argued that China had a strong interest in maintaining stability in the Gulf because a significant portion of its energy supplies comes from the region. The latest sanctions threat comes as the wider Middle East conflict continues to disrupt energy markets and regional trade. Oil prices rose after Trump announced plans for stronger economic measures against Iran. The conflict has affected oil supplies and raised concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway handles a significant share of global oil trade and has become a major point of tension during the conflict. The United States and Iran have announced ceasefire agreements on two occasions in recent months, but both arrangements have broken down. Iran now faces growing economic pressure from Washington while attempting to maintain trade and regional partnerships.

North Korea’s economy expanded by more than three percent in 2025 for the third consecutive year, according to new estimates released by South Korea’s central bank. The report suggests that stronger economic and military cooperation with Russia played a major role in boosting growth despite North Korea’s continued international isolation. The Bank of Korea, which has published annual estimates of North Korea’s economy since 1991 because Pyongyang does not release official economic data, estimated that the country’s real gross domestic product grew by 3.5 percent last year. The report valued North Korea’s economy at approximately 38.26 trillion won, or about 26.6 billion dollars. According to Bank of Korea officials, expanded cooperation with Russia was one of the main reasons for the improvement. Analysts have said North Korea has strengthened ties with Moscow by supplying troops and military equipment for Russia’s war in Ukraine. In return, Pyongyang is believed to have received financial assistance, food supplies, energy resources and military technology. A Bank of Korea official said increased weapons exports to Russia supported growth in North Korea’s manufacturing sector. The official also noted that a rise in Russian tourists and improved transport links between the two countries contributed to stronger performance in construction and service industries. The report estimated that North Korea’s exports increased by 30 percent during 2025, reaching around 470 million dollars. Among the leading export products were prepared feathers and wigs, along with toys and sporting goods. Although the report did not identify all exported items, officials said stronger overseas sales contributed significantly to economic growth. The latest figures were released as reports continued to highlight growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Ukraine’s military intelligence, quoted by the Kyiv Independent, claimed that more than 7,000 North Korean troops were killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces during military operations in Russia’s Kursk region between 2024 and 2025. Neither Russia nor North Korea has independently confirmed those figures. Separately, the Ukrainian human rights organisation Truth Hounds said Russia and North Korea are close to completing their first road bridge connecting the two countries. The group said such a link could strengthen military and economic cooperation by allowing easier movement of personnel, equipment and supplies across the border. The Bank of Korea also reported a significant increase in North Korea’s gross national income, which measures the total income earned by a country’s residents. The estimate showed GNI rising by 9.4 percent to 48.5 trillion won, or approximately 33.8 billion dollars. Officials said the increase was supported by higher foreign currency earnings, including income linked to North Korean personnel sent to Russia. Despite the recent growth, North Korea’s economy remains extremely small compared with its southern neighbour. According to the Bank of Korea, North Korea’s gross national income is still less than two percent of South Korea’s economy, highlighting the large economic gap that continues to separate the two countries. The latest estimates suggest that while North Korea remains under international sanctions and largely isolated from global markets, its expanding partnership with Russia is providing new sources of economic activity that have helped sustain growth for a third straight year.

Spain and Morocco have strengthened security along the border of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after an unprecedented surge saw around 49,000 migrants cross by land and sea within a single day, triggering a humanitarian and political crisis. Authorities from both countries reinforced border fences and increased security deployments on Friday, effectively halting further mass crossings. Moroccan security forces used water cannons to disperse crowds attempting to reach the enclave, while damaged vehicles and signs of violent clashes were visible near the border. Spanish officials confirmed that at least 19 bodies were recovered from the waters during the chaotic crossings, raising concerns over the growing human cost of irregular migration. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was expected to visit Ceuta alongside Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to assess the situation and oversee the government’s response. Ceuta, a Spanish territory on Morocco’s northern coast, represents one of the European Union’s only land borders with Africa. While the enclave has experienced migration waves in the past, officials described the latest influx as the largest recorded in recent years. Spain’s government said migrants who entered the enclave illegally would be returned in accordance with Spanish law while respecting recent court rulings and international human rights obligations. Officials believe the sudden increase in crossings may have been influenced by a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that placed new limits on the immediate return of migrants intercepted while attempting to reach Ceuta and the nearby enclave of Melilla. On the Moroccan side, thousands of migrants gathered near the border town of Fnideq despite heavy security. Many searched for alternative routes after official crossing points were sealed, while others attempted to reach Ceuta by swimming along the coastline. The crowds included men, women, and children from Morocco as well as several Sub-Saharan African countries. The crisis has sparked political tensions across Europe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that Italy could consider extraordinary measures, including suspending participation in the Schengen border-free travel system with Spain, if migration pressures continue to escalate. Italy also criticized Spain’s immigration policies, arguing that recent measures to regularize the status of hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants could encourage further irregular migration. Spain rejected the criticism, insisting that migration requires a coordinated European response based on solidarity rather than political rhetoric. Spanish officials stressed that migrants contribute to the country’s economy while reaffirming their commitment to tackling illegal border crossings.

Michigan has reported a sharp increase in cases of cyclosporiasis as health authorities continue to monitor one of the largest outbreaks of the intestinal illness in recent years. According to the latest update from the state’s health department, the total number of reported cases has climbed to 9,253, an increase of 1,077 infections since the previous report issued on Friday. The outbreak has led to 160 hospitalizations across the state. However, officials said no deaths have been recorded so far. Public health authorities are continuing to track new infections while working with federal agencies to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent additional cases. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. People usually become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with human waste. Raw fruits and vegetables are among the most common sources of infection because they are often eaten without cooking, allowing the parasite to survive if proper food safety measures are not followed. The outbreak in Michigan is part of a wider public health concern affecting several states across the United States. Federal data show that 4,173 laboratory confirmed domestic cases have been recorded nationwide. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reviewing more than 7,400 suspected cases that have not yet been confirmed through laboratory testing. Many of these reports have come from Michigan and neighboring Ohio. The US Food and Drug Administration and the CDC have expanded their joint investigation after identifying additional infections in four more states. Health officials are focusing on a possible link between the outbreak and shredded iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico. The investigation now includes cases reported in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Authorities are examining distribution records and supply chains to determine how contaminated produce may have reached consumers in different parts of the country. According to the FDA, epidemiological data collected by the CDC indicate that 1,947 people infected with the Cyclospora parasite had eaten food from Taco Bell restaurants before becoming ill. Investigators believe many of those infections may be connected to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell locations. However, officials say the investigation is still ongoing and a final conclusion has not yet been reached. Health experts have reported cases of cyclosporiasis in at least 41 states this year, although not all infections are believed to be related to the current outbreak. Investigators are continuing to determine which cases are connected to the suspected contaminated lettuce and which may have originated from other sources. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis often include prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. While most people recover with appropriate treatment, the illness can be more serious for older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Health authorities continue to advise consumers to follow food safety practices and remain alert for symptoms as the investigation into the outbreak continues.