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    Trump imposes up to 100% tariff on Chinese drones

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imported drones and certain drone components, escalating Washington’s efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese technology and strengthen America’s domestic unmanned aircraft industry. The White House said the new duties were introduced on national security grounds and would target specific unmanned aircraft systems considered particularly sensitive. The measures cover larger unmanned aerial systems weighing more than 25 kilograms at take-off. Drones equipped with technologies considered important to national security, including thermal imaging systems and drone docking stations, will also face the additional tariffs. Under the new policy, smaller drones will be subject to a 25pc tariff, while larger and more technologically sophisticated systems could face duties of up to 100pc. The structure means the final tariff will depend on a drone’s weight, size and capabilities. The decision comes as the United States seeks to reduce its reliance on Chinese-made drones and strengthen domestic supply chains for critical technologies. Chinese manufacturers have long held a significant position in the global and US drone market, particularly in consumer and commercial unmanned aircraft. The Trump administration argues that drones have become increasingly important to national security, surveillance and other sensitive operations. Officials therefore want to encourage greater production of drones and key components inside the United States. The tariffs could have an immediate impact on the prices of some imported drones, potentially making Chinese-made models significantly more expensive for American buyers. Businesses that rely on drones for commercial, industrial or specialised operations could also face higher costs. At the same time, Washington expects the policy to encourage US manufacturers to expand production and invest in domestic drone technology. The move marks another step in the broader US strategy of limiting dependence on China in strategically important technologies while promoting American manufacturing and supply-chain security.

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    Russia calls for immediate end to Yemen blockade

    ByJustpaste.in

    UNITED NATIONS: Russia has called for the immediate and complete lifting of the maritime and land blockade imposed on Yemen, urging an end to restrictions on the delivery of food, medicines and other essential supplies. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Russian representative Yulia Zhdanova blamed the United States and Israel for contributing to the growing tensions surrounding Yemen, according to Arab media reports. Zhdanova said restrictions affecting the movement of humanitarian supplies should be removed to prevent further suffering among Yemen’s population. She stressed that civilians should not bear the consequences of the wider regional conflict. The Russian diplomat also argued that the prolonged deadlock in Yemen’s peace process had created conditions in which the Houthis became increasingly drawn into the regional confrontation. Moscow urged the immediate resumption of peace negotiations, saying there was no lasting military solution to the conflict. Zhdanova said a political settlement could only be achieved through dialogue involving Yemen’s key political forces. She called for the legitimate interests of all major stakeholders, including the Houthis, to be taken into account during negotiations. Russia’s appeal comes as Yemen remains caught in a wider regional crisis, with concerns growing over humanitarian access and the disruption of essential supplies. Moscow said renewed diplomacy and an inclusive political process were necessary to move Yemen towards lasting peace and reduce the risk of further escalation.

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    US vows unprecedented economic pressure on Iran

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: The United States hUS vows unprecedented economic pressure on Iranas warned that it will introduce an unprecedented package of economic measures against Iran as Washington prepares to intensify pressure on Tehran amid stalled ceasefire negotiations and rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said further announcements were expected next week, describing the planned measures as unlike anything previously used against a country facing economic isolation. Bessent said the new strategy would combine tougher economic restrictions with continued efforts to prevent Iranian ports from receiving or sending goods. He indicated that Washington intended to use economic pressure alongside restrictions on maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, meanwhile, said the American military was capable of maintaining a naval presence in the region for an indefinite period to enforce the blockade. He said US naval vessels could be rotated in and out of the region to sustain the operation. The confrontation comes as attempts to revive a ceasefire agreement have faltered. Iran has sought to use its position around the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against Washington, while the United States has continued to tighten economic pressure on Tehran. The waterway has become a major flashpoint because of its importance to global energy supplies. Before the conflict began, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the strait. Shipping activity has since fallen sharply, raising concerns over supplies, prices and the wider global economy. Two vessels belonging to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were also attacked while transiting the strait, according to the United Arab Emirates’ state news agency. The UAE government blamed Iran for the incident. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Washington has control over the strategic waterway. Iran, however, has rejected that assertion and maintained that the strait will not fully reopen unless its demands are addressed. Tehran has called for the removal of economic sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The prolonged confrontation is also putting pressure on the global energy market. The International Energy Agency has revised its forecast for global oil supply, warning that production could fall by about 4.3 million barrels per day this year. Oil prices declined by more than 2% on Thursday as markets reacted to expectations of weaker demand and a rise in US crude inventories. However, renewed attacks in the region continued to fuel fears that the conflict could spread further. The economic consequences are becoming increasingly serious. Economists have warned that a prolonged war could weaken global growth and increase the risk of recession in some economies. Hegseth declined to say whether declaring a ceasefire earlier in the year had been a mistake. He said the administration remained focused on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and insisted that the United States was taking the steps it considered necessary to achieve that objective.

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    Senior journalists unite under new leadership to p…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LONDON: Senior Pakistani journalists based in the United Kingdom have elected a new leadership for Pakistan Press Club UK International (PPCUK International), pledging to strengthen professional journalism, project Pakistan’s positive image abroad and work closely with the British Pakistani diaspora. Senior journalist Azhar Javaid, has been elected as Chairman of the organisation, which represents Pakistani journalists working for leading television channels, newspapers and digital media platforms across the UK. The newly elected office bearers include Haseeb Arsalan (Vice Chairman), Shaukat Dar (President), Irfan ul Haq (Senior Vice President), Nasim Siddiqi (Vice President), Safina Khan (General Secretary), Syed Sibtain Ali (Information Secretary), Amna Chaudhry (Joint Secretary), Zulfiqar Ali (Additional Secretary) and Pervez Iqbal (Finance Secretary). Senior official and Press Minister at the Pakistan High Commission in London, Ali Nawaz Malik, congratulated the newly elected office bearers and praised UK-based Pakistani journalists for promoting Pakistan’s soft image internationally. He said Pakistani journalists serving in Britain were ambassadors of Pakistan and had made valuable contributions by highlighting the country’s achievements and keeping the diaspora informed. Ali Nawaz Malik assured the Pakistan High Commission’s full cooperation in facilitating journalists in the discharge of their professional responsibilities. He said the mission looked forward to working closely with the new leadership of PPCUK International. Chairman Azhar Javaid said the organisation would uphold the highest standards of journalism, promote professional ethics and strengthen unity among Pakistani journalists in Britain. He said the club would continue to serve as a credible platform for journalists while highlighting Pakistan’s achievements and promoting the country’s soft image internationally through responsible and balanced reporting. Vice Chairman Haseeb Arsalan said Pakistan needed a stronger and more positive international image at a crucial time. “At this moment, Pakistan needs a stronger positive image across the world. Our organisation will work closely with the Pakistani diaspora overseas to promote the country’s achievements and present a balanced and constructive narrative about Pakistan.” President Shaukat Dar welcomed the unity shown by the media community, saying it was encouraging to see senior and working journalists from different organisations coming together on one platform. “The strength of this organisation lies in the fact that experienced and working journalists are united under one umbrella for the collective benefit of the profession and the community.” General Secretary Safina Khan said the newly elected team was committed to serving both Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Britain. “We will work for Pakistan and act as a bridge between Pakistan, the Pakistani diaspora and media institutions, while promoting professional journalism and positive engagement.” Founded more than a decade ago, Pakistan Press Club UK International represents Pakistani journalists across the United Kingdom and provides a platform for professional collaboration, networking and advocacy on issues affecting the media fraternity.

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    US unable to verify Israeli claims of Iranian plot…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States has been unable to independently confirm several warnings from Israel alleging that Iran was planning to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to current and former US officials familiar with the intelligence. The warnings were reportedly shared with US intelligence agencies over the past year and, in some cases, communicated directly by Israeli officials to senior members of the White House. The alleged plots included plans to target Trump with a sniper or recruit an attacker to use a knife during a major public gathering. According to the officials, the warnings began emerging before the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June 2025 and became more frequent ahead of the US military campaign against Iran in February. One of the most detailed warnings reportedly came before the NATO summit in Ankara in July. Israeli officials informed the White House that Iran might attempt to target Trump while he was travelling aboard Air Force One, potentially using a shoulder-launched missile. However, US intelligence agencies were unable to independently corroborate several of the specific threats. A Turkish official also said that Turkey’s intelligence services found no evidence supporting the Israeli warning concerning a possible attack on Trump during his visit. Despite the lack of confirmation, US authorities took additional security precautions. Among the measures was an unusual deception operation during Trump’s Turkey trip, in which he was reportedly transferred from Air Force One to another aircraft for his return journey. The episode highlights the growing importance of Israeli intelligence in the Trump administration’s assessment of threats from Iran, while also revealing differences between American, Israeli and Turkish intelligence assessments. US intelligence agencies have long assessed that Iran has an interest in retaliating against Trump over the 2020 killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. However, officials said the CIA has not been able to verify some of the specific assassination claims attributed to Iranian operatives. During the recent US military operations against Iran, some American intelligence assessments reportedly assigned low confidence to Israeli intelligence concerning Iranian threats, including alleged plans to assassinate Trump. The Israeli Embassy rejected the suggestion that Israel was using intelligence sharing to influence US policy toward Iran, arguing that intelligence exchanges were part of the countries’ security relationship. The White House and CIA declined to comment on the reports, while the US Secret Service said it continuously evaluates intelligence and other information to protect the president. The revelations come amid broader concerns over coordination within the US intelligence community. Former officials said cooperation between the CIA and the National Intelligence Council had declined, while staff reductions at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence had also contributed to fewer recent assessments concerning Iran. The conflicting intelligence assessments underline the challenges facing Washington as it balances threats from Tehran with intelligence supplied by its closest regional ally, Israel.

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    Saudi-US talks focus on easing regional tensions, …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper have held talks on regional security and efforts to ease tensions, as the conflict involving Iran continues to threaten stability and global energy supplies. According to Saudi state media, the two officials discussed defence cooperation between Riyadh and Washington, developments across the region and diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and strengthening security. The meeting came as concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz intensified. The strategic waterway remains a major route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, and disruptions caused by the conflict have raised fears of further pressure on international energy markets. Saudi Arabia also announced the launch of a multinational defensive maritime alliance, with 13 countries joining the initiative. Representatives from 39 countries attended a planning meeting held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, which Saudi authorities described as an important step towards putting the alliance into operation. Meanwhile, Washington has signalled that its economic and military pressure on Tehran could intensify. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States was preparing measures against Iran on a scale not previously seen in efforts to economically isolate a country. Bessent said the strategy would combine tougher economic restrictions with continued pressure surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated that further announcements could come next week as Washington seeks to increase pressure on Tehran. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also said the US Navy could maintain a blockade of Iranian ports and shipping routes for an indefinite period, arguing that American forces had sufficient capacity to rotate vessels and sustain the operation. The standoff has already severely affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic has fallen sharply compared with levels recorded before the conflict, when roughly 130 to 140 vessels passed through the waterway each day. The decline has raised concerns about disruptions to international energy supplies. Tensions escalated further after two vessels operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were reportedly attacked while travelling through the strait. The UAE condemned the incident and blamed Iran for the attacks. Iran has rejected US claims over control of the waterway and has indicated that normal shipping will not resume until its demands are addressed. Tehran has called for the removal of economic sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The conflict is also putting increasing pressure on global oil markets. The International Energy Agency has revised its estimate for the decline in global oil supply, projecting a reduction of about 4.3 million barrels per day this year, equivalent to around 4% of global supply. Although oil prices fell by more than 2% on Thursday amid concerns over weaker demand and rising US crude inventories, renewed reports of attacks linked to Iran-backed forces have continued to fuel uncertainty in energy markets. The economic consequences are spreading beyond the region, with economists warning that a prolonged conflict could significantly weaken global growth and increase the risk of recession in some economies. US President Donald Trump has faced growing domestic pressure to bring the conflict to an end as higher fuel prices weigh on American consumers and threaten his political standing ahead of November’s midterm elections. While Trump has repeatedly warned that military action against Iran could escalate, he has so far avoided deploying ground troops or launching attacks against some of the region’s most sensitive strategic targets. More recently, he has indicated a greater reliance on economic pressure. Hegseth, meanwhile, said Washington’s priority remained preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and declined to comment on whether previous ceasefire decisions had been mistakes. With diplomatic efforts struggling and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continuing, Saudi-US security coordination is emerging as a key factor in attempts to contain the wider regional crisis and protect vital international shipping routes.

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    US, China, Russia hail Pakistan on Independence Da…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received warm Independence Day greetings from the United States, China, Russia, the European Union and several other countries on Friday, as the nation marked its 79th Independence Day with ceremonies, prayers and patriotic celebrations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Pakistan on behalf of the United States and highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries. He said Washington and Islamabad were working together in areas including trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, counterterrorism, cultural heritage and regional mediation. Rubio said the two countries were turning their shared capabilities into practical progress and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the American and Pakistani peoples. He also expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand. Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed his greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said relations between Moscow and Islamabad were developing positively, with both sides cooperating in political, economic, trade and humanitarian fields. Putin said Russia and Pakistan were also working together on important regional and international matters. He expressed confidence that the two countries would continue strengthening their partnership in the interests of their peoples and international stability, while wishing Pakistan peace and prosperity. China also extended its traditional goodwill to Pakistan. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong conveyed congratulations to the Pakistani leadership and people, reaffirming the close and longstanding relationship between the two countries. The European Union congratulated Pakistan on its 79th Independence Day and described the occasion as a celebration of unity, freedom and national solidarity. The bloc also expressed its commitment to further strengthening its friendship and partnership with Islamabad. France similarly conveyed its greetings to the Pakistani people and expressed its desire to deepen bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Azerbaijan also extended heartfelt wishes to Pakistan, describing the Pakistani people as brothers and reaffirming its friendly ties with the country. The United Kingdom sent Independence Day greetings to Pakistanis living in Pakistan, Britain and around the world, while Gulf countries also joined the celebrations. The United Arab Emirates conveyed congratulations to Pakistan’s leadership, while Qatar’s Amir sent greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari. Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also sent a congratulatory message to the Pakistani president. Meanwhile, Pakistan marked the national day with traditional celebrations across the country. A 31-gun salute was held in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes were conducted at provincial headquarters. Special prayers were offered for the country’s peace, unity and prosperity. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were organised at government offices and public institutions, while streets, buildings and markets were decorated with national flags, buntings and lights. Pakistan’s embassies abroad also marked the occasion. The Pakistan Embassy in Tajikistan held a flag-hoisting ceremony where messages from the president, prime minister and deputy prime minister/foreign minister were read out.

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    Saudi, US officials discuss rising regional tensions

    ByJustpaste.in

    Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper have discussed efforts to contain escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the two sides also reviewing defence cooperation and regional security. According to Saudi state media, the meeting focused on developments across the region and measures aimed at reducing tensions. Officials also discussed ways to strengthen security and stability amid the continuing US-Iran conflict and growing concerns over maritime traffic. The talks came as Saudi Arabia announced progress toward activating a multinational defensive maritime alliance. Representatives from 39 countries attended the alliance’s latest planning meeting in Jeddah, while 13 countries have joined the initiative. Saudi authorities described the meeting as an important step toward putting the maritime alliance into operation. The initiative comes as security concerns continue to grow around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Tensions around the strategic waterway have intensified during the US-Iran conflict. Disruptions to shipping have raised concerns about global supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas, while diplomatic efforts to secure freedom of navigation remain uncertain. US Vice President JD Vance has said that keeping energy prices affordable for American consumers is currently Washington’s top priority in the conflict. Vance said the administration wanted to maintain lower oil and gas prices while also ensuring that Iran could not acquire a nuclear weapon. His remarks came as the prolonged conflict continued to affect energy markets and increase pressure on the US economy. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington was preparing unprecedented economic measures against Tehran. He said the United States would combine intensified economic pressure with restrictions linked to Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also said Washington had the military capability to maintain its naval blockade of Iran for an extended period. He said American ships could be rotated to sustain the operation. The confrontation has severely affected Iran’s economy and disrupted its access to international trade. Tehran, meanwhile, has sought to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in negotiations with Washington. Iran has demanded the removal of economic sanctions and the release of frozen assets as part of conditions for restoring normal maritime traffic. Commercial traffic through the Strait has fallen sharply since the conflict began. The decline has heightened fears that a prolonged disruption could further affect global energy supplies. Two vessels linked to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were reportedly attacked while passing through the waterway, prompting condemnation from the UAE. The situation has also kept oil markets volatile. Although crude prices declined recently amid concerns over weaker demand and rising US inventories, renewed attacks and threats of further escalation have continued to unsettle investors. The International Energy Agency has revised its forecast for global oil supply, projecting a larger decline than previously expected. Economists have warned that a prolonged conflict could weaken global economic growth and increase the risk of recession in some regions. US President Donald Trump has faced growing domestic pressure over the conflict, particularly as higher fuel costs weigh on American consumers. Washington has continued imposing sanctions on Iran, while efforts to bring Tehran back to negotiations have so far produced limited results.

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    Spider-Man, Brand New Day faces boycott calls over…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pro-Palestinian campaigners in Lebanon, Jordan and other parts of the Arab world are calling for a boycott of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, turning the release of the highly anticipated superhero film into a wider debate over politics, culture and entertainment. The campaign is focused on producer Avi Arad, an Israeli and US citizen and former Marvel Studios chief, whose public statements and past military service have drawn criticism from activists opposed to Israel’s conduct during the war in Gaza. In Lebanon, the Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel urged audiences not to buy tickets for the film, arguing that spending money on productions involving individuals who have publicly supported Israel amounts to cultural normalisation. The group called on the public to avoid paid screenings and questioned whether audiences should financially support a production involving people with political ties to Israel. A separate anti-normalisation group in Jordan, Taharrak, also called for the movie to be boycotted and urged cinemas not to include it in their schedules. The group appealed to Jordanian artists, cinema operators and other organisations to take a position against its screening. The boycott calls have subsequently been shared by activists and online content creators in other Arab countries. The film, which stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker, was released internationally on July 31. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, it is produced by Arad alongside Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor. Campaigners have specifically targeted Arad rather than the film’s storyline or its wider cast and production team. Arad served in the Israeli military from 1965 to 1968 and has previously spoken publicly about his connection to Israel. In a 2024 letter published by TheWrap, he criticised former US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after Schumer criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for new Israeli elections. Arad argued that American politicians should not interfere in Israel’s electoral affairs and described himself as a proud former member of the Israeli military. Campaigners say such statements justify their call for a boycott, arguing that ticket purchases could provide financial support to a production involving Arad. However, the impact of the campaign on the film’s commercial performance remains uncertain. Despite the boycott appeal, Spider-Man: Brand New Day continued screening in Lebanon, while a representative of Grand Cinemas told L’Orient Today that audience demand remained strong shortly after its release. The controversy highlights how major Hollywood releases can become entangled in geopolitical debates, with audiences increasingly examining the political positions and backgrounds of figures behind popular entertainment.

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    Putin hails Pakistan on 79th Independence Day

    ByJustpaste.in

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended warm greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s Independence Day. In his message, Putin congratulated the Pakistani leadership and people on the national occasion and conveyed his wishes for peace, prosperity and continued progress for Pakistan. The Russian president said relations between Russia and Pakistan were developing successfully. He noted that the two countries were steadily expanding cooperation across several areas. Putin said Moscow and Islamabad maintained productive ties in political, trade, economic and humanitarian fields. He also highlighted their cooperation on important regional and international issues. According to the Russian president, continued engagement between the two countries is important for promoting stability in the region. He expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to grow in the years ahead. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership with Pakistan across all areas of mutual interest. He said continued cooperation would serve the interests of both countries and their peoples. The Russian leader also expressed hope that the two countries would maintain constructive joint efforts to deepen their relationship and contribute to greater regional and international stability. The message comes as Pakistan marks its 79th Independence Day, with countries across the world extending greetings and reaffirming their ties with Islamabad.