देश-विदेश

  • | | | |

    Field Marshal Asim conveys US offer to Iran for Hormuz reopening

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: The United States has reportedly conveyed a proposal to Iran under which Washington would ease its economic pressure and blockade measures in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to attacks by Iran-linked groups. According to a report by Al Arabiya English, the proposal was conveyed to Iranian officials during Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s recent visit to Tehran. The report attributed the details to a senior source and said the message was delivered as Pakistan continued its diplomatic efforts to help end the conflict. The source said Munir held a meeting with Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The meeting was described as “clear and decisive”. During the discussions, Munir reportedly called on Iran to stop attacks carried out by groups linked to Tehran. The Pakistani military chief also conveyed the US position on the need to restore conditions that could allow broader diplomatic engagement. According to the report, Munir also urged Tehran to resume implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding reached between Iran and the United States in June. He reportedly told the Iranian side that both Washington and Tehran had played a role in disrupting the implementation of the understandings reached under the agreement. The reported US proposal comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation. The strategically important waterway is a major route for global energy shipments, and disruptions to maritime traffic have already contributed to higher oil prices and increased concerns about energy supplies. Washington’s reported offer links the reopening of the waterway with broader steps aimed at reducing military escalation. The proposal would also involve easing the economic restrictions and blockade measures imposed on Iran. Iran has repeatedly rejected demands that it reopen the strait without corresponding commitments from the United States. Tehran has maintained that sanctions and restrictions must be addressed as part of any sustainable settlement. The June understanding also became a key element in subsequent diplomatic efforts. However, disagreements over its implementation reportedly prevented the arrangement from developing into a lasting agreement. Iranian officials have accused Washington of failing to fulfil its commitments, while the United States has continued to pressure Tehran over regional security and maritime access. Munir’s visit to Tehran therefore comes against the backdrop of a difficult diplomatic environment. Pakistan has sought to use its relations with both Iran and the United States to encourage dialogue and push for a peaceful resolution to the wider regional crisis. The reported meeting with Rezaei could be significant because of his position within Iran’s national security structure and his links to the country’s senior leadership. The discussions also highlight Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in attempts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad has consistently called for a peaceful, sustainable and comprehensive settlement rather than prolonged military confrontation. The reported US offer has not, however, been publicly confirmed in full by Washington or Tehran. The details were attributed to a senior source by Al Arabiya English, and the next steps will depend on whether the two sides can agree on reciprocal measures. With the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and attacks by Iran-linked groups remaining major points of contention, the reported proposal could provide a framework for renewed negotiations if both sides are prepared to make reciprocal concessions.

  • |

    US, South Korea coordinate on North Korea

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States and South Korea have agreed to maintain close coordination on North Korea’s nuclear issue and work together to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. The agreement came during a phone call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Monday, according to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. The two officials stressed the importance of continued cooperation on North Korea’s nuclear program while maintaining a strong joint defence posture. However, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry did not specifically mention a renewed commitment to North Korea’s denuclearisation. US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio stressed the need for Washington and Seoul to remain closely coordinated on issues important to their alliance. During the call, Cho said Seoul would support efforts to turn US President Donald Trump’s recent message to North Korea into an opportunity to restart dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang and promote peace on the peninsula. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is seeking a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, potentially during his next Asia trip, which could include the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, in November. Rubio and Cho also agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and seek mutually beneficial progress on issues including tariffs, investment and security cooperation.

  • | | |

    US offers $10m reward for five Iranian commanders

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States has announced rewards of up to $10 million for information that helps identify or locate five senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program. The programme named IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters chief Ali Abdollahi, IRGC Aerospace Force UAV commander Sa’id Aghajani, IRGC Cyber-Electronic Command chief Hamidreza Zolasgharian and IRGC Intelligence Office commander Majid Khademi. Rewards for Justice said the five officials oversee different IRGC units involved in planning and carrying out operations that Washington describes as terrorism around the world. The programme also said informants who provide useful information could receive relocation assistance in addition to financial rewards. The announcement comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. The US has designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation since 2019 and has repeatedly accused the group and its affiliated units of supporting armed groups and threatening US personnel and facilities. China Rejects US Pressure on Iran Meanwhile, China has urged the United States not to interfere with its cooperation with Iran following Washington’s launch of “Operation Economic Outcast,” a new sanctions campaign aimed at isolating Tehran from the global financial system. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing’s cooperation with Iran complies with international law and should not face disruption. He warned that unilateral US sanctions could increase tensions, create wider economic risks and affect the global financial system. Lin also called for dialogue and negotiations to resolve the conflict, saying economic pressure and maximum-pressure policies cannot provide a lasting solution. He added that China would take necessary steps to protect its legitimate rights and interests. China remains one of Iran’s largest oil customers, while both countries maintain a comprehensive strategic partnership. Their bilateral trade exceeded $41 billion last year. Lin said China was closely following developments and again opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or approval from the UN Security Council.

  • |

    Israeli lawmaker smashes Palestinian memorial

    ByJustpaste.in

    Israeli far-right lawmaker Tzvi Succot smashed a memorial listing the names of Palestinians killed in Madama, a village south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, Israeli media reported Tuesday. Succot, a member of the Religious Zionism party, shared a photo on X showing him using a large hammer to destroy the memorial. He said he had repeatedly urged the Israeli army to remove what he called “terror memorials” across the area. Video footage circulating online also showed Succot damaging the monument while Israeli soldiers stood nearby. According to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Succot had sought permission more than a month earlier to visit Palestinian villages, and authorities approved his request several days before the visit. The lawmaker spent about 30 minutes in Madama and damaged the memorial during his visit. The Israeli army said it had not received prior notice that Succot planned to destroy the monument. Meanwhile, attacks by Israeli settlers across the occupied West Bank rose sharply during the first seven months of the year, according to the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission. The commission recorded 4,113 attacks from January through July, compared with 2,524 during the same period last year, marking a 63% increase. It linked the rise to the expansion of illegal settlement outposts, particularly pastoral settlements, along with the increased arming of settlers and their integration into security formations. The commission also pointed to Israeli military protection and a lack of accountability. The agency warned that weak international action had allowed settler attacks to grow from isolated incidents into a broader means of pressuring Palestinian communities and driving displacement.

  • | |

    Israel faces new challenges after Iran conflict

    ByJustpaste.in

    After years of pushing the United States to confront Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw Washington join Israel in military action against Tehran. However, after six months of inconclusive conflict, Israel could now face a more difficult strategic situation than before the war. Iran has survived the confrontation and appears increasingly confident. Analysts say Israel achieved significant military successes but failed to translate them into a lasting strategic advantage. A major factor behind the uncertainty has been US President Donald Trump’s shifting policy. Trump joined Israel in launching the conflict in late February but called for a ceasefire in April and backed renewed negotiations with Iran amid growing public opposition and rising oil prices. “This is a colossal failure of Israeli strategy regarding Iran,” said Danny Citrinowicz, a former senior Israeli intelligence analyst on Iran who now works at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. He acknowledged Israel’s operational gains but said the country had failed strategically. Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the conflict. Khamenei had suppressed domestic dissent and supported groups hostile to Israel, including Hamas, which carried out the October 7, 2023 attacks. However, his removal could create a new problem for Israel. Khamenei was also viewed as cautious about pursuing a nuclear weapon. Analysts warn that Iran could now reconsider that position if it believes its conventional military deterrents have weakened. Trump has recently threatened further economic pressure and occasionally ordered new strikes against Iran, while also supporting a possible agreement that could provide Tehran with sanctions relief. Netanyahu strongly opposed the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated under former US President Barack Obama. Citrinowicz said Israel now faces a difficult choice: accept a new nuclear agreement that could strengthen Iran economically, or continue military pressure and risk pushing Tehran toward developing a nuclear weapon. “Israel is trying to do both but it’s not going to work,” he said. Degrading Iran or seeking regime change A June survey by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Agam Institute found that 92% of Israelis believed Iran had either won or gained from the conflict. The findings could create additional political pressure on Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 elections. Netanyahu previously said he wanted to “create conditions for regime change,” although he stopped short of making the overthrow of Iran’s government an official war objective. Some analysts believe Netanyahu may instead be following an Israeli strategy used in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria: inflicting extensive damage on an adversary and maintaining the ability to launch future attacks when necessary. Israel has often referred to this approach as “mowing the grass.” A foreign diplomat based in Israel told AFP that Netanyahu may not view the conflict as a failure, arguing that the United States had been drawn directly into confrontation with Iran while Israel had, for now, stepped back. Iranian counterattacks killed 25 people in Israel and four in the occupied West Bank. In the later stages of the conflict, however, Tehran increasingly focused its attacks on Gulf Arab countries hosting US military bases. Alex Grinberg, a senior Iran-focused fellow at the Turan Research Centre, said the conflict had dealt a serious blow to Iran by destroying parts of its nuclear infrastructure, eliminating key personnel and worsening its economic situation. He argued that Israel had achieved its immediate objective of reducing Iran’s strategic ability to threaten Israel, but questioned whether Washington and Tehran could reach an agreement that would serve Israel’s long-term interests.

  • |

    US prepares to restore diplomatic staff at middle East embassies following Iran war

    ByJustpaste.in

      WASHINGTON: The United States has begun preparations to return diplomatic personnel to several embassies across the Middle East that were previously evacuated amid concerns over the conflict with Iran. According to a report, an internal document from the US State Department indicates that the process of bringing American diplomats back to the region and scaling down emergency security measures could begin as early as this week. The development is being viewed as a possible indication that the administration of US President Donald Trump does not currently expect a full-scale war with Iran to resume. The planned return of diplomatic personnel suggests Washington may be assessing the security situation as sufficiently stable to gradually restore normal diplomatic operations. The internal document reportedly outlines plans to increase staffing levels at several US diplomatic missions across the region. These include American embassies in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait. The planned changes would mark a gradual shift from the emergency measures implemented by the US government after the conflict began. American diplomatic missions had faced heightened security concerns as tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States escalated. Following the outbreak of the war in February, the US State Department ordered the evacuation of personnel from several diplomatic missions in the Middle East. The measures were introduced as a precaution amid concerns that the conflict could expand and expose American diplomats and other personnel to increased risks. The decision to begin reversing some of those measures indicates that Washington may now have greater confidence in the security environment. However, the reported plans do not necessarily mean that all emergency precautions will immediately be removed or that diplomatic operations will return to their previous levels overnight. Instead, the process is expected to take place gradually, with staffing levels and security arrangements adjusted according to conditions in individual countries. The Middle East remains a strategically important region for the United States, with Washington maintaining diplomatic missions across countries that play significant roles in regional politics, energy supplies and security affairs. US embassies also provide important channels for communication with governments and local authorities. The possible return of diplomats comes at a time when Washington continues to closely monitor developments involving Iran and its regional relationships. Any renewed escalation could potentially affect American diplomatic personnel and military interests in the region. The State Department’s reported internal plans therefore suggest an attempt to balance diplomatic needs with security considerations. Returning personnel would allow American missions to resume broader diplomatic activities while maintaining measures designed to protect staff. The report did not indicate that the United States considers the broader security situation completely resolved. Rather, the planned reduction in emergency measures appears to reflect a reassessment of the immediate threat following the conflict. The move could also have wider diplomatic implications. Restoring normal staffing levels at embassies may enable Washington to strengthen engagement with regional governments and improve coordination on political and security matters. For now, the process is expected to depend on developments on the ground. Any significant escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran could lead Washington to reconsider the planned deployment of diplomats and reinstate stricter security measures. The reported preparations nevertheless represent a notable shift from the evacuation measures introduced after the outbreak of the conflict in February.

  • |

    Indian police use water cannons to disperse Bihar exam protesters

    ByJustpaste.in

    PATNA: Indian police used water cannons and detained several protesters in Bihar on Tuesday as students demonstrated against alleged irregularities in a civil services recruitment examination. The protesters were demanding cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination over allegations that question papers had been leaked and that other irregularities had affected the recruitment process. The protesters attempted to march towards the governor’s residence in the state capital, Patna. Police blocked their route and used water cannons after demonstrators pushed through barricades. Several protesters were also taken into police custody and transported away from the demonstration site. The BPSC examination is one of Bihar’s most competitive recruitment tests. It is conducted to select officials for various positions in the state administration. The latest demonstrations are linked to an examination held in December 2024. More than 300,000 candidates reportedly competed for around 2,000 positions. The recruitment process was completed in June after multiple stages, including examinations and interviews. Authorities have previously rejected claims of a widespread question paper leak. However, a re-examination was ordered at one examination centre following complaints at the time. Police later said the protest had become peaceful. Senior police officer K.S. Anupam said most of the protesters’ demands had been addressed by the government. Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari also said the government had responded to the students’ concerns. He maintained that discussions with the protesters remained possible and that the government’s doors were open for further dialogue. The dispute comes amid growing student protests in India over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. Similar demonstrations have taken place in other Indian states, with concerns ranging from alleged paper leaks to recruitment procedures and examination management. In neighbouring Jharkhand, protests over similar allegations previously resulted in the cancellation of civil service examinations. The latest unrest has also added to pressure on authorities to strengthen safeguards around competitive examinations, which attract hundreds of thousands of applicants seeking government jobs.

  • | | |

    Trump administration plans to revoke visas of fore…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Trump administration plans to revoke certain non-immigrant visas held by foreign nationals who have applied for asylum or are currently seeking asylum in the United States. The State Department said Monday that it is working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify people who entered the country as temporary visitors but later filed asylum applications. Officials said the goal is to revoke their visitor visas. The department did not provide an estimate of how many visas could be affected. However, the Associated Press reported that the number could reach 200,000, based on State Department documents and information from two U.S. officials. If carried out at that scale it could become the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history. The reported policy would affect B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to people who have sought asylum. B1 visas are generally used for business travel while B2 visas cover tourism and other temporary visits. Visa cancellation would not automatically mean immediate deportation. According to the AP report many people with pending asylum cases could remain in the United States while their cases are processed but they would no longer hold their previous business or tourism visitor status. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Monday that the U.S. immigration system has been overwhelmed by what he described as frivolous asylum claims. The State Department previously announced that more than 175,000 visas had been revoked under the Trump administration. The planned visa action is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement campaign which includes visa and green-card cancellations and an expanded deportation effort. The administration says these measures are intended to strengthen national security and enforce U.S. immigration laws. Civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups have criticized the broader crackdown arguing that some government actions threaten due process and free-speech protections. They have also raised concerns about racial profiling and the treatment of minority communities. Trump campaigned in 2024 on promises to reduce illegal immigration. Since returning to office, his administration has also introduced measures affecting legal immigration, including higher costs for some employment-based visa programs. Several immigration policies have faced legal challenges in U.S. courts.

  • | | |

    Bangladesh moves toward talks with China to buy J-…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bangladesh is preparing to begin formal discussions with China over a possible purchase of J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters according to a government adviser. Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Tuesday that a government committee is working on a draft agreement that could pave the way for negotiations with Beijing. The potential deal would represent one of Bangladesh’s largest defence purchases in recent years and could further strengthen the country’s military relationship with China. Beijing is already Bangladesh’s biggest supplier of defence equipment. The J-10CE fighter jet has received increased international attention since fighting between India and Pakistan in May 2025. Pakistan said its J-10CE aircraft were involved in shooting down Indian fighter jets during the clashes. India has disputed those claims. Ur Rahman said Bangladesh had observed reports about the aircraft’s performance during the conflict as it considers options to modernise its air force. Bangladesh is reportedly considering purchasing as many as 24 J-10CE fighter jets although officials have not confirmed the final number. Pakistan is currently the only confirmed foreign operator of the export version of the Chinese aircraft. The adviser did not reveal how many jets Bangladesh could ultimately purchase the expected cost of the agreement or when deliveries might begin. Those details, he said, would be decided during negotiations. The possible fighter-jet purchase comes as Bangladesh seeks to upgrade its military capabilities. The country has maintained close defence ties with China for years with Beijing supplying a wide range of military equipment. Over the past two decades, China has provided Bangladesh with warships, fighter aircraft, tanks and missile systems, making it Dhaka’s largest source of military hardware. If Bangladesh proceeds with the J-10CE acquisition, the move could further deepen defence cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing while giving Bangladesh a modern multirole fighter capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

  • | | |

    Iran and Oman discuss temporary shipping corridor …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iran and Oman are discussing a proposal to establish a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. The proposal was discussed during a meeting in Tehran between Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A joint statement described their talks as constructive and said both sides discussed developments surrounding the strategic waterway. The discussions come as tensions remain high between Iran and the United States. US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that mines had been removed or destroyed in international waters around the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that any vessel found placing new mines would face immediate military action. Trump also said the United States was closely monitoring the waterway and maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward further mine placement. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global energy route with roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas flows passing through it before the conflict. Shipping activity has fallen sharply during the current crisis, with only two commodity vessels reportedly using the waterway on Monday. Iran has also communicated its position on the strait through Pakistan. Iranian officials reportedly want provisions of an earlier Islamabad memorandum to be implemented including arrangements requiring safe passage for commercial shipping and consultation with Oman over the waterway’s future management. Meanwhile, Washington has expanded economic pressure on Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced additional sanctions targeting Iranian individuals entities and vessels warning that countries continuing to support Iran’s economy could face consequences. China has criticized the new US measures saying unilateral sanctions could disrupt global economic and financial stability. Beijing is a major buyer of Iranian oil and has urged Washington and Tehran to return to negotiations. The United States has also warned that military action against Iran remains possible. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington would use military force if necessary and did not rule out further strikes around Iran or the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, meanwhile, has promised to respond to the expanded sanctions and warned that threats to its infrastructure could trigger attacks against US interests and regional energy routes. The diplomatic discussions involving Iran, Oman and Pakistan could therefore become important for restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, continued military threats, sanctions and tensions between Tehran and Washington remain major obstacles to a lasting agreement.