Dar, Araghchi discuss region, plan Pakistan visit

US President Donald Trump has threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory as his administration struggles to conclude the war with Iran nearly six months into the conflict. Speaking during a speech at a police academy on Long Island, New York, Trump stated that he would soon designate the strategic waterway as US territory, pointing to the ongoing American blockade of Iranian shipping and ports as justification. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a crucial chokepoint for global trade, through which approximately a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil supplies typically pass, and it remains an internationally navigable strait bordered by Iran and Oman. Responding to the statements on social media, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the claims, asserting that Tehran would not be intimidated by threats or a show of force, and maintaining that the opening or closing of the strait remains strictly under Iranian authority. The ongoing conflict has driven a sharp rise in global fuel prices, forcing working Americans to pay significantly more at the pump. Trump defended the higher costs during his address, arguing that paying extra for gasoline is acceptable to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, peace talks between the two nations remain at an impasse, with Tehran steadfastly refusing to reopen the waterway unless the US completely lifts sanctions, compensates Iran for war damage, and unconditionally releases its frozen assets.

Rescue teams and local residents are continuing a desperate search for around 100 people missing after a powerful flash flood swept through eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 23 people and leaving widespread destruction across Nuristan province. The flood struck the remote provincial capital of Parun on Monday, sending huge volumes of water, mud and massive rocks crashing through homes, shops and public buildings. Authorities said the number of missing remains high as emergency workers struggle to reach areas buried under debris. Residents have joined the search using wooden poles, shovels and even their bare hands as heavy machinery has proven largely ineffective in the rugged mountainous terrain. A bulldozer was deployed to remove some rubble, but rescue operations remain slow because of the enormous boulders and thick layers of mud covering parts of the town. Many survivors described the disaster as unlike anything they had ever experienced. Farid Gul Zaheer, a local pharmacist, said the flood arrived with incredible force and compared the terrifying moment to an earthquake. He said people were screaming as they rushed to escape and he was injured while climbing higher ground to save himself. The flood has caused extensive damage across Parun, destroying markets, hotels and dozens of businesses. Local officials confirmed that the city’s mayor and several government employees are among those still missing, raising fears that the death toll could increase as rescue operations continue. Hotel manager Zakirullah Zaki said almost every business in the area had been wiped out by the flood. Although his hotel remained standing, it was surrounded by destruction. He said his younger brother, who had been missing after the disaster, was later found. The Afghan Red Crescent Society has deployed volunteers to help search for survivors and provide emergency assistance to affected families. Relief teams are distributing food, clean drinking water and tents to people who have lost their homes while continuing efforts to locate those trapped beneath the debris. Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry has also sent military personnel to support rescue operations in the disaster zone. The United Nations has begun assessing the scale of the damage and humanitarian needs in the affected region. Survivors say the emotional impact of the disaster has been devastating. Zaheer said he had lost everything and described the community as deeply traumatised after spending a sleepless night fearing further danger. The severe weather has also affected neighbouring Pakistan, where heavy rainfall and flooding have claimed additional lives in recent days. The back to back disasters have once again highlighted the growing threat of extreme weather across the region. Afghanistan remains one of the countries most vulnerable to climate related disasters. Flooding has become more frequent in recent years, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis. Earlier this year, heavy rains and floods across Afghanistan and Pakistan killed more than 200 people, causing widespread damage to homes, farmland and infrastructure. Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events in Afghanistan, placing millions of people at greater risk as communities continue to struggle with poverty, displacement and limited disaster response resources.

A court in New Delhi has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a high-profile sexual harassment and stalking case filed by several women wrestlers, bringing an end to one of India’s most closely watched legal proceedings involving the sports community. Singh, 69, a former member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had faced allegations from a group of prominent female wrestlers who accused him of sexual harassment, inappropriate conduct and demanding sexual favours. He consistently denied all allegations throughout the investigation and trial. The case attracted nationwide attention in 2023 after leading Indian wrestlers, including world champion Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, launched weeks-long protests demanding Singh’s removal from the Wrestling Federation of India and legal action against him. The demonstrations sparked widespread debate over athlete safety, accountability and the treatment of women in Indian sports. According to Singh’s legal team, the court cleared him of all charges after finding inconsistencies in witness testimonies and contradictions in key aspects of the prosecution’s case. Following the verdict, his supporters celebrated outside the court by showering him with flower petals, bursting firecrackers and chanting slogans. Reacting to the ruling, Singh welcomed the decision and maintained that he had always been confident of his innocence. He described the judgment as a complete vindication of his position. Despite the acquittal, wrestler Vinesh Phogat said the legal battle was not over. She announced that the athletes would challenge the verdict before a higher court, insisting they would continue seeking justice. Phogat said it had taken immense courage for the wrestlers to file complaints against a politically influential figure and vowed to pursue the case through all available legal channels. The controversy first erupted in 2023 when protesting wrestlers accused authorities of delaying action despite their complaints. Images of athletes being detained while marching towards the Indian Parliament drew widespread attention and intensified public scrutiny of the case.