Iran vows ‘devastating’ response to US threat to cut off its economic lifelines

SEOUL: South Korea has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s efforts to restart dialogue with North Korea but wants any renewed negotiations to produce meaningful progress on Pyongyang’s nuclear programme. South Korean National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said on Friday that Seoul supports Washington’s diplomatic outreach to North Korea, provided that it does not weaken the country’s security preparedness or leave South Korea out of the process. Wi said any renewed US-North Korea dialogue should focus on achieving tangible progress towards addressing North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities while also supporting efforts to establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. He stressed that close coordination between Seoul and Washington would be essential if negotiations with Pyongyang resume. “We need to coordinate with the United States to ensure that any resumption of US-North Korea dialogue leads to substantive progress on the North Korean nuclear issue,” Wi said. The national security adviser also referred to Trump’s recent decision to significantly reduce major joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. He said the move appeared to indicate Washington’s willingness to create conditions for renewed engagement with North Korea. However, Seoul remains concerned about maintaining a credible defence posture. Wi said South Korea must ensure that diplomatic efforts do not undermine military readiness. He also warned that Seoul should not be sidelined if Washington succeeds in reopening talks with Pyongyang. Trump has been seeking another meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The two leaders held three summits during 2018 and 2019, but their negotiations failed to produce a lasting agreement on denuclearisation. Trump has previously criticised the scale of joint US-South Korean military exercises, arguing that some drills could send the wrong message to North Korea. His administration has continued to explore ways to bring Pyongyang back to negotiations. Meanwhile, South Korea, the United States and Japan are scheduled to hold joint military exercises from September 9 to 11. The drills are intended to test the three countries’ readiness to respond to potential missile and nuclear threats from North Korea. Wi also said Seoul was seeking closer cooperation with Washington on several issues that have occasionally created friction between the two allies. These areas include South Korean investment in the United States under a bilateral trade agreement, security cooperation, intelligence sharing and the planned transfer of wartime operational control. The treatment of US-listed South Korean e-commerce company Coupang was also mentioned among the issues requiring greater coordination.

Gulf Cooperation Council member states have formally endorsed a diplomatic initiative proposed by Oman to introduce voluntary service fees for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to restore global energy shipments disrupted by the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The framework, modeled after the cooperative navigation safety mechanism used in Asia’s Malacca Strait, allows shipowners to make optional financial contributions toward environmental protection, search-and-rescue services, and navigational maintenance rather than paying mandatory tolls. Designed as a compromise between Tehran’s demand for administrative authority over shipping lanes and Washington’s insistence on unimpeded international transit, the Omani proposal explicitly prevents Iran from exercising exclusive operational control over the waterway while offering a structured path toward reopening commercial transit routes. The diplomatic breakthrough coincides with a temporary lull in direct aerial bombardments after US President Donald Trump called off a two-week bombing campaign following advice from military commanders. Despite the pause in direct strikes between Washington and Tehran, regional tensions remain elevated due to ongoing proxy drone activity across Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, alongside continued US naval enforcement actions against non-compliant commercial vessels. While market reactions to the suspension of airstrikes sent global crude prices down sharply, formal resolution remains subject to upcoming diplomatic negotiations in Washington and the broader implementation of the bilateral framework agreement.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a fresh social media campaign aimed at winning over young voters, shifting to a more informal and relatable style on Instagram after recent student-led protests exposed growing frustration over jobs and education. The campaign features selfie-style videos, casual greetings and short clips with popular music, reflecting a departure from the highly polished political messaging traditionally associated with Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The strategy is designed to connect with India’s Generation Z audience, which is expected to play a decisive role in the 2029 general election. The renewed digital push follows nationwide protests by students and job seekers last month after an examination paper leak triggered widespread anger over the country’s education and employment system. The demonstrations eventually led to the resignation of India’s education minister. In response, BJP leaders and government ministries have increased their presence on youth-focused platforms by sharing short videos with minimal editing and a more spontaneous style. Officials believe authentic content is more likely to resonate with younger audiences than carefully scripted political messaging. Political observers say Instagram and similar platforms reward creativity, humour and genuine interaction, making them more challenging environments for traditional political campaigns. They note that recent protests gained significant momentum through viral reels and short videos that amplified public dissatisfaction. Beyond social media, the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have also expanded outreach efforts by organising events and discussions targeting students and first-time voters. With more than half of India’s 1.4 billion population under the age of 35, analysts say younger voters are expected to become one of the most influential electoral groups in the next general election.