Iranian envoy hails Pakistan on 79th Independence …

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is preparing a major new sanctions package targeting Russia, describing it as potentially the bloc’s most extensive list since the war in Ukraine began. In an interview with German newspaper Welt, Kallas said she plans to present the proposed measures in the coming months. She said that if the package is approved, the number of sanctioned Russian individuals, companies and organisations could rise by about one-third. Kallas argued that continued pressure on Moscow was necessary and welcomed signs of closer coordination between the European Union and the United States. She pointed to the US Senate’s approval of a sanctions bill earlier this month as a development that could bring Washington and European capitals closer on Russia policy. The EU foreign policy chief also warned of what she described as a growing hybrid threat facing Europe. She cited alleged incidents involving sabotage, espionage and cyberattacks, which she said were frequently linked to Russia. Kallas also referred to recent reports of Russian missiles and drones entering the airspace of Poland and Romania. She said such incidents should not be treated lightly, arguing that Moscow was testing the readiness and defensive capabilities of European countries. She welcomed Germany’s plans to reform its intelligence services, saying stronger intelligence capabilities would be important in responding to emerging hybrid security threats. Kallas also discussed diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran. She said negotiations aimed at resolving tensions were continuing but warned that their outcome remained uncertain because of a lack of trust between the two sides. She highlighted the economic consequences of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy and maritime trade. Kallas said freedom of navigation should remain unrestricted and argued that reopening the waterway should be treated as a priority. She also said efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons should remain an important part of the international agenda. On the Israel-Palestine conflict, Kallas reiterated the European Union’s support for a two-state solution, describing it as the only viable long-term framework for allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live securely alongside each other. She said EU missions were continuing efforts to preserve the possibility of such a settlement and suggested that a US-backed Gaza peace initiative could provide an opportunity for progress.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in western Colombia has crossed 250 as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s coffee-growing region early Monday. It caused widespread destruction across several cities and surrounding areas. Local authorities reported that at least 254 people had died by Tuesday morning. Pereira recorded 101 deaths, while 95 fatalities were reported in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city. Rescue workers have been operating around the clock in the worst-hit areas. They are using cranes, excavators and heavy machinery to remove huge sections of concrete. In some locations, rescuers have been forced to work with their hands. Volunteers have also joined the search, forming human chains to move debris away from collapsed structures. Families have gathered near damaged buildings while waiting for news of relatives who may still be trapped. Rescue workers have reported finding both survivors and bodies beneath the rubble. The earthquake severely damaged homes, apartment buildings, schools and medical facilities. Some structures were completely destroyed, while others were left unstable and unsafe for residents. Cali suffered major damage. Several upper floors of a hospital collapsed, including areas used for paediatric treatment. Hospital officials said some patients became trapped, while hundreds of others were treated outside the damaged facility. The city’s morgue reached capacity as authorities continued bringing in victims from affected areas. Medical and emergency services have been working under difficult conditions. The United Nations humanitarian office estimated that around 5,000 homes had been damaged. Dozens of buildings collapsed, while hundreds of other residences were destroyed or seriously affected. The earthquake also disrupted essential infrastructure. Electricity, water supplies, healthcare services and telecommunications were affected in several areas. Authorities also closed six airports because of damage. Roads were damaged in multiple locations, creating additional difficulties for rescue teams and the delivery of emergency supplies. The region near the epicentre has faced particularly severe disruption. Poor communications have made it difficult for authorities to assess the full scale of the disaster. Nearly 100 aftershocks were recorded by Tuesday morning. Officials have warned residents and rescue workers to remain cautious as damaged buildings could collapse during further tremors. President Abelardo De La Espriella visited the affected region and announced a three-month economic relief measure for residents of Risaralda. The government said the initiative was intended to support people and businesses affected by the disaster. International assistance has also begun. The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency support for shelter, food, protection and damage assessments. The Inter-American Development Bank said $50 million could immediately be made available for reconstruction support if requested by the Colombian government. The United Nations said it was expanding its presence in the affected region to support humanitarian operations. Officials cautioned that the final death toll and overall scale of the destruction could take several days to establish because communications remain disrupted in some of the hardest-hit areas.