Pakistan pushes for renewed US and Iran talks under Islamabad agreement

Russia has criticised a proposed new package of US sanctions, warning that additional restrictions would hurt American interests more than Moscow and further complicate global economic and energy stability. In a statement, the Russian Embassy in Washington reacted to a sanctions bill that received preliminary approval in the US Senate on July 28. The embassy argued that the legislation would restrict the White House’s diplomatic flexibility while increasing economic pressure on the United States itself. The statement criticised the bill’s supporters, particularly Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, accusing them of pursuing an aggressive anti-Russia agenda. It claimed the proposed legislation included sweeping measures, such as imposing tariffs of up to 500% on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy products. According to the embassy, the US administration had previously sought to slow congressional efforts to introduce additional sanctions, maintaining that the president already possessed sufficient authority to impose economic measures without further legislation. Russia also linked the sanctions debate to broader geopolitical developments, arguing that growing tensions in the Middle East and Washington’s involvement in regional conflicts have increased the risk of disruption in global energy markets. It warned that higher energy prices could fuel inflation in the United States and place additional pressure on American consumers ahead of the country’s upcoming midterm elections. The embassy further claimed that political divisions in Washington were undermining the administration’s foreign policy, arguing that some lawmakers were prioritising political objectives over economic realities. Reiterating its long-held position, Russia said years of sanctions had failed to change its policies or weaken its economy in the way Western governments had anticipated. It maintained that further punitive measures would produce limited results against Russia while creating greater economic challenges for the United States. The statement also referred to the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), enacted during President Donald Trump’s first term. Russia argued that the law significantly reduced the executive branch’s flexibility by requiring congressional approval before any sanctions could be lifted or eased. Concluding its remarks, the Russian Embassy expressed hope that the US administration would carefully assess the potential political and economic consequences before moving forward with any new sanctions package.

PYONGYANG: North Korea has accused NATO of increasing preparations for future conflicts, claiming the alliance’s planned expansion of military fuel infrastructure reflects a shift toward a more aggressive military posture. In a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Pyongyang criticised NATO’s reported plans to upgrade and expand its fuel supply network across Europe. The project reportedly includes new pipelines and fuel storage facilities aimed at improving military logistics between western Europe and newer eastern and northern member states. North Korea claimed the expansion of fuel infrastructure shows NATO is strengthening its ability to maintain strategic reserves and conduct large-scale military operations. It alleged that the alliance is preparing not only for conflicts in Europe but also for possible involvement in other regions, including the Asia-Pacific. The commentary accused NATO of increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and criticised the alliance’s cooperation with countries that Pyongyang considers hostile. North Korea claimed that NATO’s recent activities near the Korean Peninsula have contributed to rising regional tensions. Pyongyang also criticised NATO members’ participation in multinational military exercises, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills. It claimed such exercises demonstrate that the alliance views the Asia-Pacific as a possible area of future military confrontation. North Korea warned that NATO’s expansion of military capabilities and logistics networks could increase global instability. It said strengthening military infrastructure would encourage an arms buildup and create further tensions between major powers. The allegations come amid growing concerns over security developments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. NATO, however, has repeatedly stated that its military posture is defensive and focused on protecting member countries and deterring potential threats.