تازہ ترین

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    Iran envoy questions UK leadership shift, links it…

    ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moqadam, has raised questions over the political developments in the United Kingdom, suggesting that the leadership transition in London coincided with a major shift in British policy towards Iran. Speaking on recent geopolitical developments, the ambassador claimed that former British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer came under intense political pressure after allegedly refusing to support the United States and Israel during the Iran conflict. According to Amiri Moqadam, Starmer was subsequently accused of incompetence and forced to step down. The Iranian envoy further alleged that Britain’s new prime minister moved swiftly after assuming office by granting military base access to the United States and recalling British diplomats from Iran, describing the rapid policy changes as noteworthy. Amiri Moqadam questioned whether the timing of Starmer’s departure and the immediate foreign policy decisions taken by the incoming government were merely coincidental, implying that the sequence of events deserved closer scrutiny. The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic friction involving Iran and Western powers, as Tehran continues to criticise what it describes as coordinated political and military pressure from the United States and its allies.

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    US accused of hitting LPG tanker as Bahrain, Kuwai…

    New, unverified claims from Iranian media and an American newspaper have added another layer of uncertainty to the escalating tensions in the Gulf, with allegations that the United States mistakenly struck an LPG tanker in the Gulf of Oman while Bahrain and Kuwait secretly carried out airstrikes inside Iran. According to Iran’s state-affiliated media, a US missile attack targeted an LPG tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it was allegedly mistaken for a vessel transporting Iranian gas. The reports claimed that two crew members were killed in the strike and that the ship’s engine room was destroyed, leaving the tanker disabled at sea. No official statement has been issued by Washington regarding the reported incident, and the claims have not been independently verified. In a separate development, The Wall Street Journal reported that Bahrain and Kuwait conducted covert air operations against military targets inside Iran earlier this month. The report alleged that the strikes targeted drone facilities and missile stockpiles as part of a broader regional effort to weaken Iran’s military capabilities. The newspaper further claimed that the United Arab Emirates assisted the operations by providing intelligence on Iranian targets and offering air defence support during the missions. Despite the significance of the allegations, neither Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE nor the United States has publicly confirmed or denied the reported operations. Independent verification of the claims also remains unavailable. The reports emerge at a time of heightened regional instability, with the Gulf witnessing increased military activity and growing concerns over the security of international shipping routes. Analysts say any confirmed expansion of military involvement by Gulf states could further complicate the already volatile security situation in the Middle East. Until official confirmations are issued, the reported US strike on the tanker and the alleged covert air raids inside Iran should be treated as unverified claims originating from media reports rather than established facts.

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    Spain hero Marc Cucurella’s hairstyle has an emotional secret

    Spain’s FIFA World Cup-winning defender Marc Cucurella has become known around the world for his distinctive long, curly hair. But behind the trademark look lies a deeply personal story of love, fatherhood and unwavering support for his family. Following Spain’s World Cup triumph over Argentina, renewed attention has focused on the emotional reason Cucurella has chosen to keep his hair long. According to media reports, the Spanish international deliberately leaves his curls untied during matches so that his eldest son, Mateo, who has autism, can easily recognize him on the pitch. For Cucurella, his hairstyle is far more than a fashion statement. It is a symbol of his bond with his son and a reminder of the responsibilities and love that come with being a father. The touching story has resonated with football fans around the world, offering a glimpse into the personal challenges the defender has faced away from the spotlight. Reports say Cucurella and his partner, Claudia Rodríguez, went through an emotionally difficult period after Mateo was diagnosed with autism. In an Amazon Prime documentary, Rodríguez recalled how the couple struggled when they realized their son was developing differently from other children. She revealed that the experience was emotionally overwhelming. There were days when Cucurella would take Mateo to school and return home in tears, all while the family was preparing to welcome their second child, Rio. Cucurella has also spoken openly about how difficult it was to come to terms with his son’s diagnosis. However, he said the experience strengthened his commitment to supporting his family through every challenge. As Spain celebrates its World Cup success, Cucurella’s story has become an inspiring reminder that behind every sporting hero is a personal journey filled with sacrifice, resilience and unconditional love. For many fans, his iconic hairstyle now represents something far greater than football—it reflects the enduring power of family.

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    Saudi-led coalition hits Houthi military sites nea…

    The Saudi-led military coalition announced on Saturday that it had carried out precision strikes against Houthi military positions in Yemen’s Al Hudaydah governorate, saying the operation was aimed at neutralizing threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. In a statement, the coalition said the strikes targeted military sites linked to the Houthi movement and stressed that Al Hudaydah Port was not targeted during the operation. It added that all Yemeni ports remain open to maritime traffic and international shipping. According to the coalition, the destroyed targets were associated with activities that posed a threat to commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to safeguard regional security and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade. The coalition warned that it would continue to respond if Houthi forces carried out further hostile actions against shipping or Saudi interests. It also reiterated its commitment to protecting merchant vessels and the Kingdom’s strategic interests, saying military operations would continue whenever necessary to counter security threats. The latest strikes come amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, where attacks on commercial shipping have raised concerns among international maritime operators and governments. The Red Sea remains a vital corridor for global energy supplies and cargo traffic, making any disruption a matter of international concern. There was no immediate response from the Houthi movement regarding the coalition’s claims or the reported strikes. The situation in Yemen continues to be closely monitored, with regional and international observers warning that any escalation around key shipping lanes could have wider implications for global trade and security. Despite the latest military action, the coalition maintained that navigation through Yemeni ports and the Red Sea remains unaffected and commercial vessels can continue operating normally.

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    PHF eyes european coach for Pakistan women’s hockey team

    The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is preparing to appoint a foreign coach for the national women’s hockey team in a move aimed at strengthening player development and improving the team’s international competitiveness. According to sources familiar with the matter, the PHF is currently in discussions with a European coach to take charge of the women’s national side. The negotiations are progressing, and officials are hopeful that an agreement will be finalized by the end of this month. The proposed appointment is part of the federation’s broader strategy to modernize women’s hockey and provide players with greater exposure to international coaching methods and high-performance training. Sources said the incoming coach would also oversee a series of training tours across Europe. These tours are expected to give Pakistan’s women hockey players the opportunity to compete against stronger opposition, gain valuable match experience and adapt to international standards of play. In addition to coaching the national squad, the foreign coach is likely to play a key role in organizing practice matches and training camps during overseas visits. These fixtures are expected to help the team improve its tactical awareness, fitness levels and overall performance ahead of future international competitions. The move reflects the PHF’s growing focus on rebuilding women’s hockey, which has struggled to maintain a consistent presence on the international stage in recent years. Officials believe that exposure to European coaching techniques and competitive environments could accelerate the team’s progress. While the federation has yet to make an official announcement regarding the coach’s identity, insiders say discussions are in the final stages and optimism is high that the appointment will soon be confirmed. If finalized, the hiring of a European coach would mark an important step in Pakistan’s efforts to revive women’s hockey and create a stronger pathway for future success at regional and global tournaments.

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    Pakistan’s Fatima Zahra reaches Commonwealth boxing quarter-finals

    Pakistan’s boxing campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games received a major boost after Fatima Zahra delivered an impressive knockout victory to book her place in the women’s 60kg quarter-finals in Scotland. The Pakistani boxer produced a commanding performance against Lesotho’s Real Ebuoha, overwhelming her opponent from the opening exchanges. Fatima displayed sharp technique, powerful punches and complete control throughout the contest, leaving little room for a comeback. Her dominance was so decisive that the referee stopped the bout before the scheduled finish, awarding the contest to the Pakistani boxer by technical knockout. The victory secured Fatima’s place in the quarter-finals and kept Pakistan’s hopes alive for a medal in women’s boxing. The convincing win has been welcomed by Pakistan’s sporting community, with many praising the young boxer’s confidence and composure on one of the biggest stages in Commonwealth sport. Fatima now faces a far tougher challenge in the quarter-finals, where she is scheduled to take on Jordan Wilson of New Zealand. The upcoming bout is expected to be one of the key contests in the 60kg division, with both athletes aiming to move closer to a place on the podium. The Commonwealth Games have brought together top athletes from across the Commonwealth, making every victory increasingly significant as the competition progresses. For Pakistan, Fatima’s success represents another encouraging moment for women’s boxing, a sport that has steadily gained momentum in recent years. Sports analysts believe her aggressive style, quick movement and ability to control the pace of a fight could make her a serious contender if she maintains her current form. However, they also note that the knockout stages will present stronger and more experienced opponents. Pakistan will now look to Fatima Zahra to continue her impressive run as she prepares for the crucial quarter-final clash against New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson. A victory would guarantee her a place in the semi-finals and move her one step closer to securing a historic Commonwealth Games medal for Pakistan in women’s boxing. Her commanding performance has already become one of Pakistan’s standout moments at the Games, raising hopes that the country’s boxing contingent can make a lasting impact in Scotland.

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    Trump says Iran serious about talks but not ready …

    US President Donald Trump has said Iran is showing greater seriousness toward negotiations than before, but cautioned that Tehran is still not prepared to reach a final agreement with Washington. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said communication between the United States and Iran remains ongoing, although the prospects for an immediate breakthrough are still uncertain. According to media reports, the US president noted that Iran’s approach has changed compared with earlier stages of the diplomatic process, describing the country’s current attitude toward negotiations as more constructive. “Iran appears to be taking the talks more seriously than before,” Trump said, while emphasizing that a final deal is not yet within reach. He added that although discussions are continuing, significant progress is still needed before both sides can arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement. Trump said his administration remains committed to pursuing diplomatic efforts and is closely monitoring developments. He stressed that the coming days and weeks would be important in determining whether the ongoing contacts can lead to meaningful progress. The latest remarks come amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran, with diplomatic channels remaining active despite months of regional instability and military confrontations. While both sides have maintained communication, key differences over major issues have continued to prevent a comprehensive agreement. Neither US officials nor Iranian authorities have announced any new breakthrough in the negotiations following Trump’s comments. Analysts say Trump’s latest assessment may signal cautious optimism, but they also note that complex disputes remain unresolved. They believe any potential agreement would require extensive negotiations and compromises from both sides before a deal could be finalized. For now, Trump’s message suggests that while diplomacy remains alive, expectations for an immediate agreement should remain measured. Observers will be watching closely for any signs of further progress as discussions continue, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for regional stability and US-Iran relations.

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    Pakistan, Kazakhstan vow to boost trade and invest…

    Pakistan and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade, investment and regional connectivity, as senior leaders from both countries held high-level talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, where the two sides reviewed the steady progress in bilateral relations following the recent visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan. During the meeting, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in diplomatic and economic cooperation. They reiterated their commitment to implementing the understandings reached during President Tokayev’s visit, including the execution of 37 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, transport, regional connectivity, energy, people-to-people exchanges and collaboration in multilateral forums. The two ministers agreed that stronger economic ties and improved transport links would create new opportunities for businesses and investors while contributing to broader regional integration. Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister also praised Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace, dialogue and diplomacy in the region. He reaffirmed his country’s desire to further strengthen cooperation with Islamabad and expand engagement in areas of mutual interest. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, emphasizing their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability and sustainable prosperity through closer cooperation. In another positive diplomatic development, Kosherbayev extended an invitation to Ishaq Dar to visit Kazakhstan, reflecting both countries’ intention to maintain regular high-level engagement. Pakistan and Kazakhstan have significantly accelerated their diplomatic and economic partnership in recent years, with both governments seeking to unlock new avenues for trade and investment. President Tokayev’s recent visit to Pakistan is widely viewed as a turning point in bilateral relations, laying the foundation for long-term collaboration in strategic sectors. The latest meeting underscores the growing partnership between the two countries as they work to transform political goodwill into tangible economic cooperation, strengthen regional connectivity and create new opportunities for sustainable growth across Central and South Asia.

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    US appeals Court again blocks Trump’s $100,0…

    The Trump administration has suffered another legal setback after a US federal appeals court refused to reinstate a controversial $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, dealing a fresh blow to the administration’s immigration policy. A three-judge panel of the First US Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston ruled that the administration had failed to demonstrate a strong likelihood of success in its appeal or prove that it had acted within its legal authority when imposing the massive fee increase. The decision comes in a lawsuit filed by attorneys general from 20 Democratic-led states, who challenged the legality of the policy soon after it was introduced. The appeals court’s ruling leaves in place an earlier decision issued on June 8, when a lower court declared the $100,000 H-1B visa fee unlawful. That court concluded that Congress had never granted the executive branch the authority to impose a charge of that magnitude, describing it as a tax that exceeded the administration’s legal powers. President Donald Trump introduced the fee increase through an executive order issued last year, arguing that the H-1B visa program had been widely used by companies to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign professionals. The administration maintained that the significantly higher fee would discourage misuse of the program and encourage employers to prioritize hiring US workers. Critics, however, argued that the measure would severely disrupt industries that rely on highly skilled international talent, particularly the technology, healthcare and engineering sectors. Under current immigration rules, the United States issues 65,000 H-1B visas annually, along with an additional 20,000 visas for applicants holding advanced academic degrees from US institutions. The visas are generally granted for periods ranging from three to six years. Before Trump’s proposed increase, employers typically paid between $2,000 and $5,000 in government filing fees for an H-1B visa, depending on the size of the company and other applicable charges. The proposed $100,000 fee would not have applied to foreign nationals already in the United States on student visas who later transitioned to H-1B status. The latest court ruling represents another significant legal obstacle for the Trump administration’s immigration agenda and ensures that the dramatic fee increase will remain suspended while the broader legal battle continues.

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    France wildfires force 150,000 to evacuate amid he…

    A relentless heatwave has triggered massive wildfires across southwestern France, forcing around 150,000 people to evacuate as flames swept through forests and threatened homes in one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. French authorities ordered the complete evacuation of Cap Ferret, a renowned coastal resort, after fast-moving fires engulfed nearly 47,000 acres of forest. Officials said more than 100 homes had been damaged as firefighters continued battling the blaze under extreme weather conditions. The rapidly spreading fire has prompted an extensive emergency response, with President Emmanuel Macron directing the French military to assist firefighting teams in containing the flames and protecting nearby communities. The crisis has also spread beyond France. In neighboring Spain, authorities declared the country’s first-ever national emergency over a wildfire near Madrid, highlighting the growing impact of the ongoing heatwave across southern Europe. According to media reports, the Spanish wildfire has destroyed more than 43 homes, while approximately 19,000 residents living in mountainous areas west of Madrid were ordered to evacuate. More than 2,000 emergency personnel, supported by 10 firefighting aircraft, have been deployed to contain the flames. Officials warned that soaring temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds have created ideal conditions for wildfires, making firefighting operations increasingly difficult. The latest disaster comes only weeks after France experienced one of its deadliest heatwaves in recent years. According to the country’s national public health agency, 21,674 deaths were recorded between June 17 and July 2, compared with an expected 15,910 deaths under normal conditions. The agency said the period saw 5,764 excess deaths—an increase of 36% above normal mortality levels—underscoring the severe health impact of prolonged extreme heat. Climate experts have repeatedly warned that rising global temperatures are increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and wildfires across Europe. As emergency crews continue to battle the blazes in France and Spain, authorities remain on high alert, warning residents that worsening weather conditions could fuel further fires in the coming days.