trump says usiran
| | | |

Trump says US-Iran talks to resume Monday

US President Donald Trump has announced that fresh negotiations between the United States and Iran are expected to begin on Monday, saying he decided to suspend planned military action after being encouraged by signs of progress toward a possible agreement.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said discussions with Tehran would resume through diplomatic channels, expressing hope that negotiations could help prevent further escalation in the region. He did not disclose the venue of the talks or identify the officials expected to participate.

Earlier, Trump stated that he had delayed what he described as a large-scale military operation after receiving requests from Iran and several key US allies in the Middle East to give diplomacy another opportunity. According to him, regional partners believed a negotiated settlement was within reach and urged Washington to avoid immediate military action.

Trump said Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar had all encouraged restraint, arguing that continued dialogue offered the best chance for reducing tensions. He added that discussions were expected to cover issues related to the Strait of Hormuz as well as Iran’s nuclear programme.

Despite Trump’s comments, Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the planned negotiations. Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency rejected claims that Tehran had requested the United States to postpone military action, describing the assertion as inaccurate.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, said negotiations involving Oman over the future of the Strait of Hormuz were progressing toward a final stage, indicating that diplomatic contacts remain active.

Trump also declined to set a deadline for reaching an agreement, saying his administration was prepared for different outcomes but preferred a peaceful resolution over military confrontation.

The announcement had an immediate impact on global energy markets. Oil prices fell sharply in early Asian trading as investors reacted to the possibility of reduced tensions in the Gulf region. Brent crude and US benchmark oil both recorded notable declines following Trump’s remarks.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes, with roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passing through the narrow waterway. Any disruption in the area has the potential to significantly affect international energy markets.

Similar Posts

  • |

    China launches Arctic route to bypass global shipping chokepoints

    China is preparing to open a regular container shipping route through the Arctic as disruptions at major maritime chokepoints continue to affect global trade. The new service will operate through Russia’s Northern Sea Route along the Arctic coast. It is being presented as an alternative route between Asia and Europe. Chinese shipping company Sea Legend is expected to launch its first regular service on the route. The service will connect Ningbo in China with Felixstowe in the United Kingdom. The route has been described as the “Ice Silk Road”. It is designed to provide faster access to European markets. It could also improve trade links with Turkey and North Africa. The Arctic route could significantly reduce sailing times between China and Europe. The journey between Ningbo and Felixstowe normally takes around 40 days by traditional routes. The Northern Sea Route could cut the travel time by roughly half under suitable conditions. The route has gained attention as shipping companies look for alternatives to heavily congested and politically sensitive waterways. The Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab have become major areas of concern for international shipping. Rising tensions in these regions have increased risks for vessels and raised costs for shipping companies. Marine risk experts say the Arctic is attracting greater interest from shipowners because it can offer shorter journeys and reduce exposure to geopolitical conflict zones. The Northern Sea Route is divided into 28 sections. Different rules and operating requirements apply along the route. Ships generally need permission from the Northern Sea Route administration, which is controlled by Russia’s state nuclear energy company Rosatom. Interest in the Arctic route is not new. Several international shipping companies have previously tested the Northern Sea Route. However, many European operators later avoided regular use of the route because of worsening relations with Russia. Concerns over the potential environmental impact of increased shipping in the fragile Arctic ecosystem have also remained a major issue. The changing climate has added another dimension to the debate. Shrinking sea ice has made some Arctic routes more accessible during parts of the year. The Arctic is now becoming an increasingly important area of competition among major powers. Russia considers the region strategically important for its economy and national security. It also views the Northern Sea Route as a major trade corridor. China has described itself as a “near-Arctic state” and has promoted the concept of a “Polar Silk Road”. Beijing sees greater Arctic access as an opportunity to expand trade and strengthen its global supply chains. The United States, meanwhile, has opposed efforts that could give Russia and China excessive control over Arctic routes. Washington has repeatedly supported freedom of navigation and greater international access to the region. The growing use of the Arctic shipping corridor could therefore have implications beyond commercial trade. For China, the route offers a potential way to reduce dependence on traditional maritime passages. For Russia, it could strengthen the economic importance of its Arctic coastline.

  • | |

    Pakistani content creators demand justice in Azad Kashmir

    A wave of digital voices is rising from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and from across Pakistan as deeply disturbing reports emerge of violence following elections held in the region. Content creators, local witnesses and public figures have taken to social media to share footage, demand accountability and appeal for international attention as claims of civilian killings spread rapidly online. The unrest followed elections in AJK, after which protests erupted amid allegations of election rigging. Demonstrators took to the streets demanding protection of their mandate, and the situation deteriorated sharply when clashes broke out between security forces and protesters. According to locals sharing updates on social media, heavy firing continued throughout the night and cellular services were shut down in parts of the region, limiting the flow of information. Reports from the ground claim that more than 200 people have been killed, though these figures have not been independently verified. Among the most widely shared voices was young digital creator Laibaro Manak, who addressed her message directly to PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. “My video is for Bilawal Bhutto,” she said. “I asked him about the internet shutdown and the situation, and he responded that everything should be handled peacefully. But soon after the election, countless people died due to open firing by forces. You took votes and are celebrating your victory, but Kashmir is bleeding. My appeal is to stop the firing. Mothers are waiting for their sons, unaware that their children are being killed by direct gunfire.” Another content creator broke down in tears while addressing the camera, describing scenes of chaos and death he had personally witnessed. He said that after watching his friends die, he stood before the camera and demanded that forces open fire on him too, a raw and anguished act of protest against what he described as indiscriminate killing of innocent people. A third creator spoke directly to the camera from the site of what he described as a long march that was met with force. “Today we were doing a long march, and security forces opened direct fire on us. Countless people are injured, and many are dead. Cellular services are shut down, and they are committing genocide in Kashmir. I request international humanitarian organizations to take action against the oppressors and share this news as much as you can.” Actress Mishi Khan was among the Pakistani public figures to raise her voice. “Please have mercy on the people of Azad Kashmir and Balochistan,” she wrote. “They are citizens of Pakistan who are being treated in the most inhumane manner just because they wanted their rights as citizens. This kind of treatment is so cruel. Have mercy on your own people.” Content creator Anumta Imran also shared footage documenting the deaths, as a growing number of digital voices from within and outside AJK worked to bypass the communication blackout and ensure the situation reached a wider audience. The voices emerging from AJK are not simply asking for sympathy. They are asking to be seen, heard and counted at a moment when the tools that might otherwise amplify their cries have been deliberately switched off.

  • | |

    A$AP Rocky says Rihanna is working on new album

    Rihanna may finally be preparing to end her nearly decade-long break from releasing a studio album, after her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, revealed that the global music star is currently back in the recording studio. Speaking during a recent podcast interview, A$AP Rocky confirmed that Rihanna has been working on new music, saying she is “in the studio” and actively creating material. While he did not reveal any details about the project, his comments have renewed excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the singer’s next album. The rapper dismissed speculation that the couple might be planning a joint album, making it clear that Rihanna is focused on her own music. He jokingly admitted that he might get into trouble for revealing that she is recording again. Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has not released a full studio album since “Anti” in 2016. Despite her long absence from the album scene, she has continued to release a handful of singles over the years, including “Lift Me Up,” which featured in the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Earlier, Rihanna had said she wanted to make sure her next album meets fans’ expectations after such a long wait. She explained that she would rather take more time than release music that does not meet her own standards. In recent years, the Barbadian superstar has focused heavily on her business ventures. Her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, and fashion and lingerie businesses have become global successes, helping make her one of the world’s wealthiest entertainers. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are also raising their three children together, balancing family life with their professional careers. During the interview, A$AP Rocky declined to comment on speculation about whether the couple had secretly married, choosing to keep their personal relationship private.

  • | |

    Barbie sequel talks hit roadblock as negotiations …

    The huge success of Barbie made a sequel seem almost inevitable. After all, the 2023 film became a global phenomenon, earning more than $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office and turning into one of Warner Bros.’ biggest hits ever. Fans quickly began asking when Barbie and Ken would return to the big screen. However, the road to a second film has become more complicated than many expected. Recent reports suggest that negotiations for a Barbie sequel have reached a major roadblock. Warner Bros. is reportedly still working to secure new agreements with key members of the original team, including director Greta Gerwig, co-writer Noah Baumbach, and stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. None of them were contractually committed to a sequel after the first film, meaning fresh deals must be negotiated before production can move forward.  Adding to the pressure is a reported deadline tied to the film rights. According to recent reports, Warner Bros. has until December to finalize arrangements for a sequel before certain rights could revert to Mattel, the company behind the iconic Barbie doll. That deadline has increased the urgency of the ongoing talks.  The creative side of the project has also played a role in the delay. Following the release of the original film, Greta Gerwig repeatedly said she did not have an idea for a sequel. She explained that she had poured everything into the first movie and was not thinking about a follow-up at the time. More recent reports, however, indicate that Gerwig and Baumbach may now have a potential story in mind, but they are reportedly keeping those details private while negotiations continue.  Money is believed to be another major factor in the discussions. Reports claim that salary demands and profit-sharing arrangements are among the issues slowing progress, with all sides trying to reach an agreement that reflects the original film’s enormous success.  Despite the current challenges, a sequel has not been ruled out. Industry insiders believe there is still strong interest from both the studio and the creative team to continue the franchise if the right deal can be reached. For now, fans will have to wait as negotiations continue behind the scenes, hoping Barbie’s next adventure eventually makes its way to theaters.

  • | | |

    PM Shehbaz accuses India of backing terrorism, urg…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday accused India of playing a direct role in terrorism inside Pakistan and urged Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent militant groups from using its territory to launch attacks across the border. Addressing participants at the Balochistan National Workshop, the prime minister said Pakistan had successfully eliminated terrorism by 2018, but claimed that violence later resurfaced as part of what he described as a “well-organized conspiracy.” “India’s role in terrorism inside Pakistan is evident,” Shehbaz said, adding that the country had paid an enormous price in the fight against militancy, with more than 90,000 Pakistanis losing their lives over the years. Referring to the recent killing of a session judge in Mastung, the prime minister described the incident as another reminder of the continuing terrorist threat facing the country. He stressed that defeating terrorism requires a united national response involving state institutions and the public. Shehbaz also called on Afghanistan’s interim authorities to ensure that Afghan soil is not used by militant groups to carry out attacks against Pakistan. While emphasizing the importance of good relations between the two neighboring countries, he expressed regret that the Afghan administration had failed to stop terrorist elements operating from its territory. The prime minister said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace had received international recognition, adding that the country’s recent achievements had unsettled its adversaries. He praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their diplomatic initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s regional and international engagement. Turning to development, Shehbaz highlighted the strategic importance of Balochistan, describing it as Pakistan’s largest province by area and the smallest by population. He said the people of Balochistan had always played a vital role in strengthening the federation and assured them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. He also announced that construction work on the dual carriageway linking Karachi and Chaman was progressing, calling it a major infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity and economic activity in the province. Discussing the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, the prime minister said Punjab had made significant contributions for Balochistan while the other provinces had also extended full support. He pledged to correct past shortcomings and ensure every province receives its constitutional share of national resources. Responding to questions from workshop participants, Shehbaz said Pakistan’s future prosperity depends on the collective efforts of all four provinces, expressing confidence that the country is ready to embark on a new phase of national development while continuing its fight against terrorism.

  • | | |

    Iran executesan accused of helping US, Israel duri…

    TEHRAN: Iran has executed a man accused of supporting the United States and Israel during the country’s January anti-government protests, adding to growing international concern over Tehran’s use of capital punishment against people linked to the unrest. Iranian judicial authorities identified the man as Majid Adineh, saying he was arrested during the protests and accused of involvement in activities carried out in support of groups considered hostile to Iran. According to the judiciary, Adineh was accused of deliberately committing arson, participating in gatherings aimed at undermining national security and conspiring against the state. Authorities also alleged that he had worked with opposition groups linked to the United States and Israel. Iran’s judiciary said the Revolutionary Court in Karaj convicted him after considering documents, evidence and statements attributed to the defendant. The court also ordered the confiscation of his property. The allegations could not be independently verified, and the account published by Iranian authorities did not include comments from Adineh’s lawyer or family. The execution comes amid an increasingly severe crackdown following nationwide protests that began in late December and expanded across Iran in January. The demonstrations were initially fuelled by economic grievances but quickly developed into broader anti-government protests. Iranian authorities have repeatedly described some protesters as agents or operatives working for foreign enemies, while rights organisations have challenged the fairness of several cases brought against demonstrators. The latest execution also follows a broader increase in executions connected to the unrest. The UN human rights chief said earlier this month that Iran had executed at least 56 people on national-security-related charges since March 19, including 27 people linked to the anti-government protests. Human rights organisations have warned that dozens of other protesters remain at risk of execution. Amnesty International said in July that at least 60 people, including some who were children when arrested, were at risk after receiving death sentences connected to the protests. The UN’s Iran fact-finding mission has also urged Tehran to halt executions linked to the protests, expressing concern over accelerated proceedings and allegations surrounding the fairness of trials. Iran, however, maintains that its courts are dealing with serious national-security offences and that capital punishment is lawful. The executions have intensified debate over the government’s response to dissent. While officials portray the cases as necessary measures against threats to national security, rights groups argue that protesters and political dissidents are being subjected to harsh sentences after proceedings that fail to meet international fair-trial standards. With further cases reportedly moving through Iran’s Revolutionary Courts, the execution of Adineh is likely to renew scrutiny of Tehran’s treatment of those accused of involvement in the January protests.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *