تازہ ترین

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    Central Command announces completion of two-hour retaliatory strike campaign against Iranian military targets

    The United States military has completed a concentrated two-hour campaign of heavy air strikes targeting dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps installations across Iran, according to an official statement released by US Central Command. The precision operations focused primarily on disabling strategic military assets, including high-level command centres, missile production and drone manufacturing facilities, coastal radar surveillance outposts, integrated air defence networks, and naval infrastructure. Military officials confirmed that the retaliatory operation was executed following an attempted surprise ballistic missile attack launched by Iranian forces against American military personnel stationed in the region. Central Command stated that US defensive systems successfully intercepted all incoming Iranian missiles, preventing casualties or facility damage. According to defence spokespersons, the targeted strikes were designed to degrade Iran’s offensive capabilities, neutralise recurring threats posed by regional proxy forces, and safeguard commercial shipping corridors and partner nations across the Arabian Gulf.

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    World Cup conspiracies weaponised as Javier Milei blames foreign leftists for online backlash

    Following Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the World Cup final, President Javier Milei has alleged that a coordinated, foreign-funded anti-Argentina campaign was launched to undermine his nation and its football team. The far-right libertarian president claimed during a radio interview that the US Democratic party, alongside the governments of Mexico and Brazil, financed widespread online hostility, fan racism accusations, and rumours of favorable treatment towards Lionel Messi’s squad. Milei specifically targeted Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, alleging that Brazil provided the largest share of funding for these attacks, a statement he reiterated while attending a campaign launch for far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro in São Paulo. The president’s claims come amidst online friction and high-profile international criticism, including an Instagram post by actor Samuel L. Jackson urging fans not to support Argentina due to historical racism in the country. Whilst digital communications researchers acknowledge a genuine surge of transnational hostility online, experts note there is no public evidence supporting Milei’s claims of an organised international funding plot. Instead, political analysts view the narrative as a calculated tactic to stoke culture wars and divert public attention away from domestic corruption scandals, rising unemployment, and the severe impact of his austerity measures, which have pushed the administration’s popularity to its lowest level since taking office.

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    No forced abayas, Senate panel tells banks

    A Senate committee has directed Islamic banks not to force female employees to wear abayas and instructed all banks to adopt a modest dress policy without making any specific attire compulsory. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, discussed complaints regarding dress code policies at banks, particularly those offering Islamic banking services. During the meeting, Senator Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur said some female employees had complained that they were being required to wear abayas while male staff were not subject to similar restrictions. Senator Sherry Rehman said no employee should be compelled to wear a particular dress. She said Pakistan already has a recognised national dress and a modest dress code should apply equally to everyone, regardless of gender. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad informed the committee that similar guidelines had been issued previously and communicated to all banks. The committee clarified that it supported a decent and professional dress code but opposed making any specific clothing mandatory. It directed all banks to submit their dress code policies and instructed the SBP to issue fresh guidelines to ensure employees are not subjected to unnecessary restrictions. The committee also reviewed complaints about charges imposed on ATM withdrawals, Visa card transactions and SMS banking alerts. Members expressed concern over customers being charged for SMS alerts even when they did not request the service. Senator Abdul Qadir claimed that banks were collecting significant amounts through SMS charges. The SBP governor explained that SMS charges were collected by telecom operators rather than banks. However, committee members questioned the level of charges imposed on customers. The panel directed that SMS notifications should only be provided to customers who choose to receive them and unnecessary alerts should be discontinued. The committee also sought details about dollar-denominated charges on ATM and Visa card transactions and asked the relevant authorities to review the matter. Separately, lawmakers discussed taxes collected through electricity bills. Some members argued that electricity consumers were paying a heavy tax burden, making household bills increasingly difficult to afford. Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial said most of the tax collected through electricity bills consisted of sales tax, which is applied under the country’s taxation system. He added that several exemptions were already available for electricity consumers.

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    Emergency food distribution begins in Uganda as severe drought leaves 19 dead from hunger

    The Ugandan government has initiated a large-scale emergency relief operation across the eastern Karamoja region following at least nineteen hunger-related deaths caused by prolonged drought and devastating crop failures. With approximately 1.5 million residents confronting acute food shortages and rising rates of malnutrition, parliament approved a emergency funding allocation of forty-five billion Ugandan shillings to procure and distribute over nine thousand tonnes of food aid over the coming two months. Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Sam Engola personally launched the distribution efforts in Kaabong district, assuring local communities that the state would oversee the delivery to ensure no starving household is left behind. The current environmental crisis marks the most severe dry spell to strike Karamoja in recent years, with the crucial rains failing completely since the start of the planting season in April. Health facilities across the region report a surge in children suffering from severe malnutrition, forcing desperate residents to seek low-paying, grueling work in informal gold-mining operations simply to purchase basic staples like maize and beans. The disaster comes amidst significant international aid reductions, particularly following severe budget cuts from donors such as USAID, which forced organisations like the World Food Programme to scale back assistance to over one million refugees in the country. In response, Ugandan officials and civil rights advocates emphasise that while emergency food distribution provides immediate life-saving relief, the government must prioritise long-term climate resilience, drought-resistant crops, and proper water infrastructure to permanently prevent recurring starvation in the region.

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    Seven killed in Argentina helicopter crash

    Seven emergency personnel were killed after a firefighting helicopter crashed in Argentina’s western San Juan province while responding to a forest fire, authorities said. The Bell 412 helicopter had been deployed for wildfire response operations and was travelling to neighbouring La Rioja province to assist in controlling a major forest fire when the accident occurred. Officials said the aircraft lost contact with its base shortly after take-off on Wednesday morning, prompting an emergency response. San Juan Governor Marcelo Orrego confirmed that all seven people on board lost their lives in the crash. The victims included members of the civil protection department, firefighters and senior police officials who were involved in emergency response operations. The governor expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of those who died while serving in the line of duty. Emergency teams were dispatched to the crash site, while authorities secured the area and began recovery operations. Officials have launched an investigation to determine what caused the helicopter to crash. No official findings have yet been released. The Bell 412 helicopter was part of the province’s aerial firefighting fleet and was regularly used to support operations against wildfires in the region. The incident has shocked emergency services across Argentina, with tributes pouring in for the personnel who lost their lives during the mission.

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    Argentina under FIFA scrutiny for World Cup 2026 misconduct

    FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following a series of incidents that allegedly took place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including player misconduct, political displays, crowd behavior, and security-related concerns. According to reports, several Argentine players and officials are under investigation for their conduct during the tournament, while the Argentine Football Association is also facing scrutiny over alleged breaches of FIFA regulations. One of the key incidents under review occurred during the World Cup final, where Argentine players were involved in an on-field altercation with Spain’s players after the match. The confrontation has led FIFA to investigate the actions of multiple individuals associated with the Argentine team. Midfielder Leandro Paredes is reportedly facing three separate disciplinary cases over his alleged involvement in the post-match clash. Defender Nahuel Molina is the subject of two disciplinary cases, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also under investigation in connection with the same incident. In addition, Thiago Almada is expected to face disciplinary action over allegations of inappropriate conduct during the tournament. Apart from the final, FIFA is also examining incidents that occurred after Argentina’s semifinal victory over England. The Argentine Football Association is being investigated over the display of a political banner related to the Falkland Islands by members of the team on the field after the match. FIFA regulations generally prohibit political messages or demonstrations during official competitions, making the incident a significant part of the disciplinary review. The governing body is also looking into several other alleged violations involving Argentina throughout the tournament. These include discriminatory chants by supporters inside stadiums, delays to kick-off times, failures to comply with security protocols, and multiple incidents in which spectators allegedly threw objects onto the field during matches. FIFA’s disciplinary process will assess whether these incidents breached the organization’s disciplinary code and competition regulations. The governing body has informed all individuals and organizations involved that they will be given an opportunity to submit their responses and present their respective positions before any sanctions are imposed. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will review all available evidence, including official match reports, video footage, witness statements, and the submissions provided by the parties involved. Once the review process is complete, the committee will announce its decision in accordance with FIFA’s disciplinary procedures. At this stage, no final ruling or punishment has been issued. Any potential sanctions against the players, coaching staff, or the Argentine Football Association will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation and the committee’s final verdict. The disciplinary proceedings highlight FIFA’s continued efforts to enforce its competition rules and ensure that players, officials, teams, and supporters adhere to the standards of conduct expected during the world’s biggest football tournament.

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    Megan Moroney breaks down in tears, cancels Denver concert

    American country singer Megan Moroney was forced to end her concert early after becoming unwell during a live performance in Denver, leaving fans concerned as she walked off the stage in tears. The 28-year-old singer had been performing on Tuesday night when she suddenly began feeling ill. Despite attempting to continue with the show, Moroney was unable to complete her set and exited the stage after performing only two songs. Concert organizers later announced that the remainder of the performance had been canceled due to the singer’s health condition. Addressing fans after the incident, Moroney described the decision as one of the most difficult moments of her career. She explained that she had hoped to recover in time for the performance and believed she would be able to make it through the concert. “This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” she said. “I was much sicker than I realized. I honestly thought I’d feel better by showtime, but after two songs, I knew I couldn’t continue.” She expressed disappointment over having to leave the stage early, saying she never wants to let her fans down but had no choice because of her physical condition. Following her departure, organizers informed the audience that the show would not continue. In an official statement, the event management said Moroney was unable to carry on with the performance because of illness and that ending the concert was necessary for her well-being. The announcement was met with understanding from many fans, who applauded the singer for prioritizing her health despite the disappointment of the canceled event. Social media quickly filled with messages wishing Moroney a speedy recovery, with supporters encouraging her to take the time she needs before returning to the stage. Many concertgoers who attended the Denver show shared videos and photos from the brief performance, describing the emotional atmosphere inside the venue as the singer struggled to continue. Several fans said they noticed something was wrong before the official announcement was made, while others praised Moroney for attempting to perform despite feeling unwell. Although the concert ended much earlier than planned, attendees largely responded with sympathy, acknowledging that artists also face unexpected health challenges. Some fans said they hoped the performance could eventually be rescheduled once Moroney has fully recovered. At the time of the announcement, no further details about the nature of Moroney’s illness were disclosed. It also remains unclear whether her upcoming performances will be affected. Moroney has built a strong following in recent years through her country music releases and energetic live shows. Her emotional message following the canceled concert highlighted her commitment to her audience while emphasizing that continuing the performance was simply not possible due to her condition. Fans are now awaiting further updates on her recovery and any changes to her touring schedule.

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    Kawhi Leonard trade delayed as NBA investigation continues

    The NBA’s investigation involving Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers remains ongoing, with the league’s review now stretching into its 11th month and potentially continuing into 2027 if no agreement is reached on the findings or any disciplinary action. The investigation centers on allegations that the Clippers may have violated the NBA’s salary cap regulations. League officials launched the probe in September 2025, and it has since become one of the longest-running investigations involving a high-profile player and franchise in recent years. The unresolved case has also affected player movement across the league. A proposed trade that would send Leonard from the Clippers to the Toronto Raptors has been placed on hold until the NBA completes its investigation. While both organizations are still believed to support the deal, league rules prevent the transaction from being finalized while the inquiry remains active. The extended timeline has created uncertainty for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Leonard’s future remains undecided, with the outcome of the investigation expected to play a significant role in determining when, or if, the trade can move forward. Another potential complication involves the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which could challenge any disciplinary action through arbitration if it believes the NBA lacks sufficient evidence to justify sanctions. Such a move could further prolong the process, adding another layer of legal review before the matter reaches a conclusion. Kawhi Leonard has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that he has not violated league rules. The Los Angeles Clippers have also strongly rejected claims that they breached the NBA’s salary cap regulations. In a statement, the franchise said it has fully cooperated with the league throughout the investigation. According to the team, it has participated in numerous interviews, provided extensive documentation, and granted investigators access to staff members in an effort to assist with the review. The Clippers also addressed allegations involving businessman Joe Sanberg and the financial company Aspiration, both of which have been linked to the investigation. The organization denied claims that it directed money to Leonard through Aspiration or any related arrangement. Instead, the franchise argued that it was itself harmed by an alleged fraudulent scheme connected to Sanberg. The team stated that, like several investors, financial institutions, and business partners, it was a victim of fraud rather than a participant in any improper financial activity. According to the Clippers, Sanberg has already been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison, and the organization insists that those events are separate from any suggestion that it attempted to circumvent NBA financial rules. The NBA has not announced when the investigation will conclude or whether any disciplinary measures will ultimately be imposed. Until a final decision is reached, Leonard’s proposed move to Toronto will remain on hold, leaving both franchises awaiting clarity on one of the league’s most closely watched investigations.

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    Jordan says it intercepted 5 missiles launched fro…

    AMMAN: Jordan’s Armed Forces announced on Thursday that its air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed five missiles launched from Iran before they could reach their intended targets within Jordanian airspace. In an official statement, the military said its air defence units detected the incoming missiles during the early hours of Thursday and neutralised them in line with the country’s pre-planned defensive strategy. Authorities confirmed that all five missiles were destroyed mid-air, preventing any casualties or damage to property. A military spokesperson said the armed forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to safeguard Jordan’s airspace, protect civilians and respond effectively to any threat to the country’s national security. Jordanian officials did not disclose further technical details about the missiles or identify their intended targets. The reported interception comes amid rising tensions across the Middle East, where strained relations between Iran and the United States have heightened regional security concerns. Countries across the region have continued to strengthen their defence readiness in response to the evolving situation. Defence analysts have warned that any further exchange of missile attacks or military retaliation could have wider implications for stability and security throughout the Middle East.

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    Oil prices slip despite Gulf tensions as markets f…

    LONDON: Global oil prices edged lower on Thursday as investors shifted their attention from escalating military tensions in the Gulf to the resilience of energy supplies flowing through the region’s critical shipping routes. Brent crude futures fell 96 cents, or 1.06%, to $89.78 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 64 cents, or 0.76%, to $83.82 per barrel. The retreat came just a day after both benchmarks posted sharp gains, reflecting the market’s growing tendency to react briefly to geopolitical developments before refocusing on supply fundamentals. Oil markets had surged on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump warned Iran of a forceful response following an alleged Iranian missile strike on a US military base in Jordan. The rally was further fuelled by fresh US military operations against Iranian targets and joint US-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq, heightening fears of wider regional instability. Despite the renewed military activity, analysts said traders are increasingly assessing whether the conflict will significantly disrupt global oil exports. Market participants remain closely focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that traditionally carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments. According to energy consultancy Rystad Energy, around 13 million barrels of Gulf oil per day are still reaching international markets despite severe disruptions and restrictions in the region. Analysts noted that alternative shipping routes and logistical adjustments have helped prevent a complete supply shock. Lin Ye, Vice President of Commodity Markets at Rystad Energy, said geopolitical headlines continue to trigger rapid price spikes, but such rallies often fade as investors evaluate actual supply conditions and ongoing diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, shipping challenges persist after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement’s naval blockade in the Red Sea. Even so, some cargoes, particularly those linked to Chinese buyers, continue to move through alternative channels. IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said the longer alternative export routes remain operational, the weaker Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz becomes. He added that markets are increasingly adapting to prolonged disruptions, reducing the lasting impact of geopolitical shocks on crude prices. Although volatility remains elevated, traders are now placing greater emphasis on uninterrupted oil flows rather than military rhetoric, suggesting that supply resilience could continue to shape global energy markets in the weeks ahead.