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    Bessent says Hormuz shipping deal with Iran could …

    ByJustpaste.in

    US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to normal shipping traffic could be reached within a day or two, as diplomatic activity intensified across the Gulf region. Speaking in a television interview, Bessent said American officials are in active discussions with Iranian counterparts and expressed optimism about a near term breakthrough. “There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow,” he said, adding that the goal is to move toward a more normalized posture in the conflict. Asked whether any agreement would let Iran charge ships a toll for using the waterway, Bessent said he expects the outcome to guarantee freedom of movement rather than a fee based system. He noted that vessel traffic through the strait has picked up in recent days despite lingering danger, and predicted that energy prices would ease once a deal takes hold. His comments followed a report from The New York Times saying Iran and Oman have moved close to an arrangement that would restore commercial shipping through the strait. Under the terms described in that report, inbound vessels would travel through a corridor close to the Iranian coast while outbound ships would use a route nearer Oman. Iranian officials told the newspaper that no formal tolls would apply, though they said a service charge tied to environmental protection, cargo security and staffing costs would be split evenly between Tehran and Muscat. A US official pushed back on that characterization, calling the Iranian version inaccurate and insisting any temporary shipping lanes would not need Iranian sign off or involve fees. The report also noted that some Pentagon officials worry the arrangement could look like a concession to Tehran, while some Iranian officials privately questioned whether it would actually stop further American strikes. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that mediators including Doha, Pakistan and Oman continue to coordinate closely to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran, exchanging draft proposals between the two sides. Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said there is still no clear timeline for a final agreement, and Qatar separately called for a return to normal conditions in the strait while diplomacy continues. Tension over the waterway remained visible even as talks progressed. A dry bulk carrier called the Minoan Pioneer, sailing under the Liberian flag, was struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman’s coast on Tuesday, according to maritime security sources. The strike reportedly hit the engine room and sparked a fire in the crew’s living quarters, forcing the entire crew to abandon ship. One crew member, the vessel’s third engineer, was reported missing. The ship’s Greece based operator did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The incident followed an earlier report from the UK Maritime Trade Operations center, which said a separate cargo vessel had broadcast that it was hit by an unknown projectile about 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. No group has claimed responsibility for either strike, and authorities have opened an investigation. In Tehran, President Masoud Pezeshkian used a televised address to reject reports that he had offered his resignation amid the ongoing standoff with Washington. “If I were going to resign, I would announce it publicly,” he said, denying any rift with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei or the armed forces and insisting the leadership is working in full coordination. He separately said Iran intends to defend its territorial integrity but has no interest in expanding the conflict, while claiming Iranian missile and drone strikes had disrupted US military goals during a recent 17 day period of fighting. The regional picture grew more complicated elsewhere. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a drone strike on Najran Airport in southern Saudi Arabia, with military spokesman Yahya Saree saying the attack struck its target accurately. He described the strike as retaliation for alleged Saudi drone incursions over Yemen’s Saada and Hajjah provinces and warned that further violations would draw a response. Saudi authorities had not commented on the claim as of Tuesday. In Lebanon, a seventh round of direct negotiations with Israel opened in Rome under American sponsorship, continuing talks tied to a framework agreement the two sides signed in June covering a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory in exchange for Lebanese army deployment and the disarming of armed factions, a clear reference to Hezbollah. Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem used a speech at an Arbaeen commemoration in Baalbek to criticize the talks, saying they have delivered only “shame, humiliation, despair and repeated concessions” for Lebanon. He accused Lebanese President Joseph Aoun of acting with bias rather than serving as a unifying figure and argued that only the earlier US brokered truce between Washington and Tehran had kept Israeli strikes at bay. Financial markets showed relief at the signs of diplomatic movement. Brent crude futures fell about 7 percent to near $83.77 a barrel on Monday, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a record high. Asian stocks and oil prices ticked higher again on Tuesday. In a Truth Social post, Trump described Iran’s leadership as “unbelievably duplicitous” while claiming more talks were scheduled for the near future. He also reasserted that the US Navy maintains full control over the strait, writing that nothing passes through unless Washington allows it. The exchange fits a broader pattern that has defined the conflict since it began roughly five months ago under the codename Operation Epic Fury. Trump has repeatedly threatened major military escalation only to step back and cite diplomatic openings, while Iran has publicly refused direct talks with Washington since a memorandum of understanding both sides signed collapsed in early July. Washington maintains that June’s memorandum obligated Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, while Tehran insists the agreement preserved its authority over traffic through the waterway, a disagreement that continues to sit at the center of the standoff.

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    Imran Khan returns to Bollywood after 10 years

    ByJustpaste.in

    Imran Khan is stepping back into the spotlight. After ten years away from acting, he has confirmed his return with a brand-new Netflix film. He broke the news himself in a recent interview. He said he just finished shooting his first movie in a decade. The film is called Adhure Hum Adhure Tum. It is expected to premiere on Netflix later this year. Khan described the film as a mature romantic comedy. He said it reflects where he is in life today, rather than trying to relive his earlier on-screen image. Fans have waited a long time for this. His last major role was in Katti Batti back in 2015, where he starred alongside Kangana Ranaut. He also appeared briefly in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. Even so, neither project gave fans the kind of lead performance they associate with him, the kind seen in Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. For this new chapter, Khan will star alongside young actor Gurfateh Pirzada. He is also reuniting with director Danish Aslam, someone he has worked closely with in the past. Speaking about the collaboration, Khan said it felt like a natural next step for both of them. He compared it to picturing what the characters from Break Ke Baad might be doing fifteen years later. He pointed out how much life experience he and Aslam now share. Aslam has since gotten married. Khan has been through a divorce. That shared growth, he said, shaped the story they wanted to tell. He also called the project deeply personal. It was not driven by pressure to make a comeback, he explained, but by a genuine creative pull and the chance to work with people he trusts. As for timing, Khan confirmed filming has already wrapped. The film is currently in post-production. He said the release date will depend on when Netflix finalizes its schedule. Indian media outlets have already labelled this one of Bollywood’s most anticipated returns. That reaction is not surprising, given how long fans have hoped to see Khan back in a leading role after all these years.

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    Greek police arrest boxer over death of Scottish c…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Greek authorities have arrested a 26 year old former boxer in connection with the death of a Scottish aid worker whose body was discovered in a suitcase in Athens, according to a British broadcaster. The suspect, identified as Sharif Ahmadzai, was taken into custody after officers found the remains of 38 year old Elisabeth Jane Ross in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of the Greek capital on July 18, several days after she had been reported missing. Ahmadzai is scheduled to appear in court in Athens on Wednesday. Ahmadzai was born in Afghanistan and later became a champion boxer before settling permanently in Greece, where he currently lives with his American wife and their child. He left Afghanistan as a teenager after losing both parents to the conflict there. His father, who served as a commander in the Afghan army, was shot dead, while his mother and siblings died in a suicide bombing in Kabul when he was 15 years old. According to a video account published by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Ahmadzai made his way to Greece by traveling through Iran and Turkey before eventually reaching a refugee camp on the island of Lesbos. It was there that he is understood to have met his future wife and converted to Christianity. The couple went on to found a charity called Love Every Nation Athens, which works to support other refugees arriving in the country. Police say Ross, who was from Edinburgh and known to friends and family as Lisa, entered Greece on June 26 and initially stayed in the Kertasini area of Piraeus until July 10. She had traveled to volunteer with an Athens based refugee support organization. She later told friends in Greece that she planned to travel to Kypseli on July 15 to meet up with American acquaintances. A police union in Greece said investigators confirmed that Ahmadzai held a key to the apartment where Ross had been staying. The union also said officers verified surveillance footage that appears to show him carrying a suitcase believed to have contained her body. Data from a location sharing application used by Ahmadzai’s wife reportedly placed the suspect at an address on Rethymnou Street, the location where Ross is believed to have died, in the days leading up to her death. Authorities said the suspect also used the victim’s bank cards to withdraw cash after her death. The building where her body was ultimately found sits roughly twenty minutes away from the area where Ross had originally been staying during her time in the city. Mourners have since left flowers at the site where her remains were discovered. One handwritten note left among the tributes expressed hope that her memory would live on and that she would not be forgotten. In Edinburgh, Pastor Peter Anderson said Ross had belonged to the congregation at City on a Hill church for two decades. He described her as someone with a strong commitment to missionary work who had traveled widely to help others. Speaking in a video shared on the church’s social media page, Anderson called her a deeply valued member of the community and said her loss had been felt profoundly by those who knew her. During a search of Ahmadzai’s residence, police said officers seized a replica pistol along with a knife. Authorities have also fast tracked a toxicology examination in an effort to determine the exact cause of Ross’s death. Investigators say they are additionally trying to locate the American friends Ross had mentioned to acquaintances shortly before her disappearance. The case has drawn significant attention both in Greece and in the United Kingdom, where Ross’s church community and friends have publicly mourned her loss while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death continues.

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    Moroccan footballer dies while trying to reach Ceuta

    ByJustpaste.in

    Moroccan footballer Faten Ben Omar Al-Azizi has reportedly died after drowning while attempting to reach Ceuta, the Spanish-administered territory on the North African coast. According to local media reports, Al-Azizi had previously represented Moghrib Atletico Tetouan, and news of her sudden death has left Morocco’s football community in shock, particularly football circles in Tangier and northern Morocco. Reports suggest that the footballer attempted to make the dangerous journey to Ceuta by sea, but the trip ended in tragedy. She lost her life after encountering difficulties during the crossing, highlighting the severe risks faced by people who attempt to reach the Spanish territory through irregular migration routes. The incident comes amid growing attempts by migrants in northern Morocco to reach Ceuta by sea. Rough waters, strong currents and other dangers along the route have led to several deaths in recent weeks, with many people risking their lives in the hope of reaching European territory. Following Al-Azizi’s death, her former teammates, friends and members of the Moroccan football community expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to her. Those who knew her described her as a hardworking, talented and kind-hearted person who made a positive impression on those around her. Her death has also drawn attention to the dangers associated with irregular migration routes in the region, where difficult sea conditions can quickly turn attempts to cross into deadly tragedies.

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    Fuego volcano forces evacuations in Guatemala as l…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Guatemalan authorities have ordered residents in at least two villages to evacuate after the Fuego volcano erupted, sending lava and ash shooting into the air. Fuego, regarded as one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere, began erupting on Monday. The country’s volcanic monitoring agency reported that pyroclastic flows, fast moving currents made up of hot gas, volcanic ash and rock fragments, continued rushing down the volcano’s south eastern slope into early Tuesday. Guatemala’s disaster management agency, known as Conred, raised a nationwide orange alert, the second highest level on its warning scale, and cautioned residents to remain prepared as further eruptions could generate additional pyroclastic flows and large ash clouds. The agency advised people living nearby to keep their doors and windows shut, and officials canceled classes at schools located close to the volcano. Fuego sits roughly 16 kilometers, or about 10 miles, west of Antigua, a city that draws large numbers of tourists each year for its well preserved colonial era architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The volcano itself has also become a popular destination for hikers in recent years, drawing visitors who trek its slopes for views of the surrounding region. Conred urged both tourists and local residents to avoid approaching the volcano or lingering in areas considered at risk, particularly along its slopes, as the situation continues to develop. The eruption has revived memories of a far deadlier event in 2018, when a sudden eruption of Fuego killed more than 200 people. Many of the victims were overtaken by fast moving pyroclastic flows that swept down the Las Lajas ravine with little warning, a disaster that remains one of the deadliest volcanic events in the country’s recent history. Fuego’s frequent activity has long made it one of Central America’s most closely monitored volcanoes, with authorities maintaining routine surveillance given its proximity to populated areas and popular tourist destinations.

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    Fauzia Haimani finishes fourth Ironman challenge

    ByJustpaste.in

    Fauzia Haimani has done it again. The Pakistani athlete, who is based in Canada, has completed her fourth full Ironman triathlon. This latest finish came at the Ironman event held in Ottawa, where she once again showed off her fitness and endurance. The Ironman is widely considered one of the toughest challenges in endurance sports. It is not a single race. It is three gruelling events combined into one long day. Athletes start with a 3.8-kilometre swim. From there, they move straight into a 180-kilometre cycling stretch. The event then wraps up with a full 42.2-kilometre marathon. All three legs happen back to back, with no rest days in between. Completing all three takes serious physical and mental preparation. Fauzia finished the entire course in 15 hours, 22 minutes, and 35 seconds. Her swim alone took 1 hour and 45 minutes. She then moved on to cycling, completing that portion in 7 hours and 7 minutes. The final stretch, the marathon, took her 6 hours and 11 minutes to finish. This is not new territory for her. Fauzia has completed the full Ironman challenge three times before this latest finish. She first did it in 2021. She returned to complete it again in 2024, and once more in 2025. That makes this her fourth full Ironman overall. Her endurance résumé does not stop there. Alongside the full Ironman races, Fauzia has also completed the half Ironman challenge five separate times. Together, these accomplishments paint the picture of an athlete who has built real consistency in one of the most demanding sports out there. Events like these require months of training. Long swims, long rides, and long runs all need to be built up gradually. Athletes also have to manage nutrition, pacing, and recovery carefully to make it through such a demanding single-day event. Fauzia’s latest finish adds another achievement to her growing list. It also reflects the kind of discipline and determination it takes to keep coming back to one of the hardest physical challenges an athlete can attempt. Her continued participation in international endurance events also highlights the presence of Pakistani athletes on demanding global sporting stages, even outside more commonly covered sports.

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    NCA, LCCA grounds finally get the upgrade

    ByJustpaste.in

    Work has officially started on upgrading two of Pakistan’s key cricket facilities. Both the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and the LCCA ground are set to receive major upgrades, bringing them closer to international standards. According to sources, the first step has already begun. The boundary wall that separates the NCA and LCCA grounds is being taken down. This is expected to open up the space for a larger, more connected training hub. Once the wall is cleared, work will begin on a new pavilion at the LCCA ground. The pavilion will come equipped with modern facilities. The ground’s drainage system is also getting an upgrade as part of the same project. The National Cricket Academy itself is set for a bigger transformation. Sources say a modern gym will be added. A swimming pool is also part of the plan. Along with these, new training and rehabilitation facilities will be built specifically for national cricketers. Once finished, both grounds are expected to offer training facilities on par with international standards. Officials believe this upgrade will make a real difference in how players train and prepare going forward. Fitness levels, recovery, and overall match readiness are all expected to improve as a result. This move comes at a time when Pakistan cricket has faced repeated calls for better domestic infrastructure. Many current players have had to look abroad for facilities like rehabilitation centers and proper swimming pools. A setup like this could help change that. Combining the NCA and LCCA grounds into one upgraded space is also expected to simplify things for coaches and support staff. Managing schedules, monitoring fitness, and coordinating training sessions should become easier with everything centralized in one location. So far, no official timeline has been announced for when the project will be completed. Still, the early progress, especially the wall coming down, suggests that the plan is already moving forward without unnecessary delays. If everything goes as planned, this could turn out to be one of the more meaningful infrastructure upgrades for Pakistan cricket in recent memory. Giving players access to modern training resources at home, instead of depending on facilities overseas, could go a long way in supporting long-term player development. For now, all eyes remain on how quickly the project moves from demolition to full completion.

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    This gold is for Pakistan, claims Ehsanullah Mahsud

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    Pakistani taekwondo player Ehsanullah Mahsud has dedicated his latest gold medal to the people of Pakistan. He credited their prayers and support as a major reason behind his success in the competition. Speaking to Geo News after his win, Mahsud did not hold back his gratitude. He said the medal was not just his own achievement. It belonged to the nation that stood behind him throughout the tournament. The gold came at the Thailand International Taekwondo Championship. Mahsud put together a strong run from the very first round. He opened his campaign with a win against a Kazakh opponent. That victory set the tone early and gave him the momentum he needed heading into the tougher rounds ahead. He carried that form into the semi-final. There, he faced off against an Indian competitor. Mahsud came out on top in that matchup, securing his place in the final. Beating a regional rival at that stage is never easy, and the win added extra weight to his overall run. In the final, Mahsud went up against a player from Sri Lanka. He delivered another strong performance, finishing the tournament with a win and claiming the gold medal. Each stage of the competition tested him differently. From facing a Central Asian opponent early on, to going head-to-head with regional rivals in the later rounds, Mahsud’s path to gold wasn’t a simple one. Every match added pressure, and every win built on the last. This is not just a personal milestone for him. Wins like these also add to Pakistan’s growing presence in international taekwondo, a sport that continues to produce strong performances from Pakistani athletes on the global stage. For Mahsud, the victory reflects months of preparation and discipline. Competing internationally requires consistent training, sharp reflexes, and the ability to perform under pressure across multiple rounds in a short span of time. As he continues competing on the international circuit, this gold adds another achievement to his growing list of accomplishments. It also reinforces his position as one of the athletes representing Pakistan on international platforms. For now, Mahsud’s focus remains on what comes next, as he continues building on this latest success and preparing for future competitions ahead.

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    MQM-P groups resume talks after Bahadurabad clash

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    Differences between two groups within the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) have led to renewed contacts and negotiations between the rival factions, according to party sources. The dispute reportedly surfaced after a party meeting at the MQM-P headquarters in Bahadurabad, Karachi. Tensions escalated during the incident, with members of one group allegedly engaging in a physical confrontation with MPA Ijazul Haq, party leader Zakir, and their supporters. MQM-P leader Aminul Haq claimed that members of the opposing group also resorted to intense aerial firing during the confrontation. He said one party worker sustained injuries in the firing, while several others were hurt as a result of stone-pelting. Following the escalation, senior leaders from both sides have started communicating with each other in an effort to ease tensions and resolve their differences through dialogue. Party sources said the two groups are currently holding discussions and exploring ways to settle the dispute. The sources added that the two factions may hold a joint press conference within the next 48 hours. During the press conference, the leadership is expected to outline the party’s future course of action and announce decisions aimed at addressing the internal differences. The developments come as the party seeks to prevent further escalation and restore unity among its ranks following the clash at the Bahadurabad headquarters.

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    UFC flyweight Allan Nascimento passes away at 34

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    Brazilian UFC fighter Allan Nascimento has died at the age of 34 after suffering a heart attack. The UFC confirmed that Nascimento was discovered unconscious at his home on the morning of August 3. Medical personnel responded and attempted to save him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. According to reports from US media outlets, the heart attack occurred while he was asleep. Nascimento was an active member of the UFC’s flyweight division. His most recent fight took place in June, where he faced off against Mach Raposo and came up short. That bout ended up being his final appearance in the octagon. His journey in mixed martial arts began gaining wider attention back in 2018. That year, he stood out on Dana White’s Contender Series, a platform known for spotlighting rising talent and helping fighters earn a spot on the UFC roster. From there, Nascimento went on to build a respected career inside the promotion. Over the years, he became known for delivering exciting performances inside the cage. That reputation earned him the Fight of the Night bonus on two separate occasions, a recognition given to the most thrilling matchups on a fight card. Flyweight competition is known for its speed and technical precision, and Nascimento carved out his place among a talented group of fighters in that division. His ability to consistently put on entertaining fights made him a familiar name among fans who followed the weight class closely. News of his passing has understandably affected the wider MMA community. Fighters, fans, and analysts alike have taken time to reflect on his career and the impact he had inside the octagon. At just 34 years old, his death serves as a stark reminder of how sudden and unpredictable health emergencies can be, even among athletes known for their physical conditioning and discipline. For now, tributes continue to come in from within the sport, with many remembering Nascimento not just for his fighting style, but for the dedication he brought to his craft throughout his career.