ukraine submits peace
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Ukraine submits peace proposals to US as Zelenskiy warns of autumn Russian draft

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Kyiv has delivered fresh peace proposals to American negotiators aimed at ending the conflict with Moscow. He simultaneously warned that Russia intends to use its upcoming parliamentary elections to launch a new, large-scale military mobilisation.

Speaking in his nightly address, Zelenskiy stated that the proposals handed to the United States focus on bolstering Ukraine’s defence capabilities, particularly air defence, while urging Washington to exert diplomatic and economic pressure on the Kremlin to halt the war.

The movement in negotiations comes as U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner prepare for potential visits to both capitals, following a period where diplomatic efforts had largely stalled. Kyiv continues to press for an immediate ceasefire after nearly four and a half years of fighting, whereas Moscow insists any agreement require Ukraine to permanently cede four claimed regions.

Zelenskiy also cited Ukrainian intelligence reports indicating that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to exploit September’s parliamentary polls to orchestrate a rapid autumn draft.

“They are preparing for mobilisation in the autumn, immediately after the imitation of parliamentary elections,” Zelenskiy said, estimating that Moscow aims to draft several hundred thousand additional personnel by the end of the year, alongside ongoing voluntary contract recruitment.

The electoral warning follows a decision by Russia’s Supreme Court on Monday to bar the liberal Yabloko party, the country’s sole registered anti-war political group, from contesting the upcoming election. Kremlin officials have denied plans for a mandatory draft, pointing to 200,000 voluntary sign-ups recorded in the first half of the year.

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    Two bodies found inside oil tanker in Kot Addu

      Two bodies have been discovered inside an oil tanker in the Gujarat locality of Kot Addu, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. According to Rescue officials, the oil tanker had been parked at a local hotel after unloading its cargo two days earlier. The vehicle had remained stationary since completing its delivery, and the bodies were found during a subsequent inspection. The deceased have been identified, and both were residents of Rahim Yar Khan, a city in southern Punjab. Their identities have been confirmed by rescue authorities, although their names have not yet been released publicly. Officials stated that the exact cause of death remains unknown. Rescue teams and law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the incident to determine how the two men ended up inside the tanker and what led to their deaths. Authorities have not ruled out any possibility at this stage. The bodies have been shifted for further examination, and medical experts are expected to conduct post-mortem examinations to help establish the cause of death. Investigators are also gathering evidence from the scene and questioning individuals who may have information about the incident. Initial reports indicate that the tanker had completed its oil delivery and was parked at a hotel for approximately two days before the bodies were discovered. Authorities are examining whether the victims entered the tanker accidentally, intentionally, or under other circumstances. They are also reviewing the vehicle’s recent movements and speaking with the driver and other relevant individuals. Rescue officials emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and urged the public to avoid speculation until the official findings are released. They noted that determining the cause of death will require a thorough forensic examination and detailed inquiry. The incident has raised concerns among local residents due to the unusual nature of the discovery. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to uncover the facts and ensure that, if any criminal activity is involved, those responsible will be brought to justice. Police and rescue teams continue to coordinate their efforts as they work to establish a clear timeline of events. Investigators are expected to review available evidence, including witness statements and forensic reports, before reaching any conclusions. For now, officials have confirmed only that two men from Rahim Yar Khan were found dead inside an oil tanker parked in the Gujarat area of Kot Addu after it had unloaded its cargo. The investigation into the cause and circumstances of their deaths is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses.

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    Iran pressures Gulf allies to rein in Trump, threa…

    Iran has launched an intensive diplomatic campaign targeting Gulf states, warning them directly that Tehran will strike their oil, power and water facilities unless they persuade President Donald Trump to halt US military action and pursue a negotiated end to the war instead. According to a senior Iranian official, the warning covers potential attacks on energy facilities, oil fields, refineries, electricity grids, water systems, transport networks and other strategic infrastructure belonging to Washington’s closest Arab partners in the region. The message formed part of a wider Iranian strategy to discourage further American military action by raising the specter of significant economic damage across the Gulf. Sources familiar with the matter said the warning traveled through a wave of high level diplomatic contacts following Trump’s July 28 threat to strike Iran’s energy network and broader infrastructure. Two senior Iranian officials, two Gulf sources and a senior regional diplomat, all speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the discussions, said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held conversations with his Saudi, Turkish and Qatari counterparts as well as Pakistan’s army chief. The senior diplomat said Araqchi pressed Washington’s Gulf allies to use their influence with Trump to head off renewed strikes, cautioning that any attack on Iran would trigger retaliation against American assets and critical infrastructure throughout the Gulf. The diplomat said Araqchi delivered a consistent message in each conversation, expressing readiness to retaliate while stressing that a diplomatic solution offers the best chance of avoiding wider regional destruction. One Gulf source described the Iranian position as unambiguous, saying Tehran made clear that any American strike on Iranian infrastructure would draw retaliation against Gulf energy facilities and other regional targets. The campaign illustrates how Iran is attempting to convert Gulf vulnerability into diplomatic leverage, presenting regional governments with the prospect that a renewed confrontation between Washington and Tehran could put the infrastructure their economies depend on directly at risk. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman subsequently spoke with Trump directly, urging him to hold off on military action, return to the negotiating table, pursue a ceasefire and seek a diplomatic resolution, according to the senior diplomat and Gulf sources. Another Gulf source said the warning was meant for every Gulf state but traveled primarily through Saudi Arabia and Qatar, both of which have rebuilt ties with Iran in recent years after a long period of regional rivalry. Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia have each urged Washington to resume talks with Tehran and prevent a fresh round of conflict, with Iran cautioning that further strikes could turn the region into what one Iranian official called a fireball. On August 2, Trump said he had agreed to call off a planned attack on Iran, provided a deal could be reached quickly. Concerns over wider escalation A Gulf source said Saudi Arabia believes additional escalation would only cause further destruction, explaining why Riyadh pushed Trump to give diplomacy more room to work. At the same time, Saudi officials made clear the kingdom would defend itself if directly threatened, with a second Gulf source saying Riyadh warned that any strike on Saudi territory would draw a military response of its own. Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst with ties to the royal court, said the kingdom’s assessment holds that further escalation is unlikely to produce the outcome Washington wants. He said Saudi officials believe a mix of proportionate military responses combined with sustained pressure on Iran around the Strait of Hormuz offers the most realistic route toward a workable diplomatic settlement. Iran’s clerical leadership has repeatedly called for the closure of US military bases across the Gulf and urged Gulf Arab states to stop sharing intelligence with Washington, which Tehran believes has enabled strikes against Iranian targets. Shihabi noted that memories of the September 2019 drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities still shape regional thinking, since that attack temporarily cut more than half the kingdom’s crude output and exposed how vulnerable Gulf energy infrastructure remains. A separate Iranian official reiterated that any damage inflicted on Iran would be met with far greater retaliation, again citing power grids and refineries among potential targets. From Tehran’s perspective, the senior Iranian official said, Trump now confronts two difficult options: escalate a conflict that risks engulfing the wider Gulf and disrupting global energy markets, or accept a negotiated settlement that falls short of the decisive win Washington has sought. The senior regional diplomat identified Washington’s reluctance to let Tehran claim any form of victory as one of the central obstacles blocking an agreement, noting that American officials want tangible proof they prevailed in the conflict.

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    Karachi traffic accidents claim 603 lives this yea…

    Karachi: At least 603 people have lost their lives in different traffic accidents across Karachi this year, according to data released by Rescue authorities. Thousands of others have suffered injuries in road crashes, highlighting the continuing traffic safety challenges faced by the city. According to Rescue officials, 7,467 people were injured in traffic accidents during the year. The victims include people from different age groups and both genders. Of the 603 people who died in road accidents, 463 were men, 73 were women and 67 were children. The figures show that men made up the majority of fatalities, while women and children also suffered significant losses in road crashes. Rescue authorities said heavy vehicles were involved in a considerable number of fatal accidents. A total of 184 people were killed in accidents involving heavy vehicles during the year. According to the available data, 12 people lost their lives after being hit by dumpers. Trailer-related accidents claimed the lives of 84 people, making trailers one of the major contributors to fatalities involving heavy vehicles. Water tankers were also involved in several deadly accidents. Rescue officials reported that 46 people were killed in accidents involving water tankers during the year. Meanwhile, 18 people died in accidents involving mini-trucks, while 24 people were killed in accidents involving buses. The injury figures are also significant. Of the 7,467 people injured in traffic accidents, 5,649 were men, 1,322 were women and 496 were children. The data underscores the scale of road safety concerns in Karachi, where busy roads, increasing traffic and the movement of heavy vehicles have contributed to serious accidents. The high number of fatalities and injuries has renewed concerns about traffic management and road safety measures in the city.

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    Witney Carson reveals third pregnancy before DWTS return

    Witney Carson is preparing to take on a new season of Dancing With the Stars while also embracing an exciting new chapter in her personal life. The professional dancer has revealed that she is expecting her third child with her husband, Carson McAllister, surprising fans with the announcement just weeks before the new season begins. On Monday, August 17, Carson shared the joyful news on Instagram, revealing that she and McAllister had been keeping the pregnancy private for some time. The couple appeared alongside their two children in a family video as they announced that another baby is on the way. “We’ve been keeping a secret… a new addition to the McAllister gang coming soon! We are so grateful and overjoyed to be growing our family,” Carson wrote in the caption. She also added the words “Baby number 3 loading” over the black-and-white video, giving followers a glimpse into the family’s happiness. The pregnancy announcement came alongside another major update about Carson’s professional career. Rather than stepping away from the dance floor, the 32-year-old star has confirmed that she plans to compete in the upcoming 35th season of Dancing With the Stars. This time, Carson will have a new celebrity partner by her side. She is set to compete with Guillermo Rodriguez, best known for his appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The pair will take part in the latest season of the popular dance competition as Carson prepares to balance the demands of the show with her pregnancy. Carson and McAllister are already parents to two sons, Leo, who is five, and Jet, who is three. The arrival of their third child will make the family of four a family of five, adding another milestone to their growing family story. While many fans may have expected the pregnancy to affect Carson’s plans for the upcoming competition, the dancer has made it clear that she is determined to participate as long as her health and the baby’s well-being allow it. Speaking about her plans, Carson explained that she intends to compete on Dancing With the Stars provided that the pregnancy continues to progress safely and she feels well enough to perform. Her decision means viewers could see her navigating rehearsals and live performances while expecting her third child. Carson previously celebrated a major career achievement after winning season 34 of Dancing With the Stars alongside Robert Irwin. Her return for another season therefore comes with considerable excitement, especially now that she has revealed the personal news she had been keeping private. The dancer has not yet shared her due date or provided further details about the pregnancy. However, her announcement has already generated a wave of excitement among fans, who have congratulated her and McAllister on their growing family. With a new celebrity partnership and a baby on the way, Carson is entering the 35th season of Dancing With the Stars with plenty to look forward to. Her ability to combine her professional commitments with this important personal milestone is expected to make her journey one of the most closely followed stories of the upcoming season.

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    Over 1,300kg explosives used in deadly Tank attack…

    DERA ISMAIL KHAN, July 26: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has revealed that more than 1,300 kilogrammes of explosives were used in the recent attack on a security checkpost in Tank. The governor made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan. He had attended a security briefing on the law and order situation in the region. Kundi described the attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint as a major and tragic security incident. He said 15 people, including 14 security personnel, lost their lives in the attack. Personnel from the Pakistan Army, police and Forest Department were among those who were martyred, he said. The governor said the huge quantity of explosives used in the attack reflected the seriousness and scale of the militant threat facing the province. He called for a united national strategy to counter terrorism. He said the federal and provincial governments, security forces and the public must work together to defeat militant groups. Kundi said Pakistan was facing security challenges from both internal and external sources. He praised the sacrifices made by security forces to protect the country and its people. The governor also alleged that terrorist groups were using Afghan territory to carry out attacks against Pakistan. He further claimed that weapons left behind in Afghanistan by international forces were being used in attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Kundi said neither the people nor the security forces would be intimidated by such attacks. He praised the courage of injured personnel whom he met during his visit. He said the recommendations presented by regional police officials would be conveyed to the federal government. He also said he would raise the issue of improving compensation and support packages for injured security personnel with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the provincial government. The governor stressed that supporting the families of martyred and injured personnel was a collective responsibility. He assured them that the government would continue to support them. Kundi also called for stronger coordination between the federal and provincial governments. He said Islamabad and Peshawar must work closely to tackle the growing security threat. He urged authorities to expand intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said he would discuss the matter with the provincial chief minister. According to the military’s media wing, militants had attempted to breach the perimeter of the joint police checkpost in Tank. Security forces responded quickly and killed 12 attackers. The attackers also drove an explosives-filled vehicle into the checkpoint’s perimeter wall. The resulting blast caused extensive damage to the infrastructure. The Tank attack comes as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to face a persistent threat from militant violence. In another recent operation in South Waziristan, security forces foiled a suicide attack and killed four terrorists, including the would-be suicide bomber. Kundi said restoring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding areas remained a national priority. He praised police personnel for continuing to perform their duties despite difficult security conditions.

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    US can’t isolate Iran without China, NYT says

    WASHINGTON: The United States may find it difficult to economically isolate Iran completely unless China cooperates with Washington, according to a New York Times analysis, which highlights Beijing’s growing role in Iran’s oil exports and trade. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and a major buyer of its crude oil, giving Beijing considerable influence over the effectiveness of any US campaign aimed at cutting Tehran’s access to international revenue. According to figures cited in the analysis, China and Iran conducted around $41.2 billion in trade in 2025, while Chinese buyers imported approximately $31.2bn worth of Iranian crude during the same year. At times, Chinese customers have accounted for as much as 90 per cent of Iran’s total oil exports. That dependence creates a significant challenge for Washington. The United States can impose sanctions on Iranian banks, companies, oil traders and vessels, but cutting off those channels may not be enough if Chinese businesses continue buying Iranian crude. A particularly important role is played by China’s small independent refineries, commonly known as “teapots”. These private operators have relatively limited exposure to the global financial system, potentially making them less vulnerable to traditional US sanctions. The arrangement has allowed Iran to maintain an important source of revenue despite years of American restrictions. Continued Chinese purchases could therefore provide Tehran with the financial breathing room needed to withstand additional economic pressure. But Beijing has its own economic leverage over Washington. The New York Times analysis noted that China could potentially restrict exports of critical minerals needed by American technology and defence industries. Beijing has previously used restrictions on strategic minerals during periods of trade tension with the United States, demonstrating the potential economic cost of confrontation. That creates a difficult calculation for Washington. Increasing pressure on Iran could put the United States in a position where it also has to confront China, potentially widening an already complicated economic rivalry. The geopolitical equation is further complicated by developments in the Middle East. The analysis pointed to US military activity in the region and the movement of some American military assets from the Pacific. Chinese observers have interpreted such moves as potentially creating vulnerabilities in America’s strategic position in Asia. For Washington, the central question is therefore not simply how many sanctions can be imposed on Tehran. It is whether those measures can succeed while Iran retains access to one of its most important economic partners. If China continues purchasing Iranian oil and maintaining commercial ties with Tehran, Iran is unlikely to become completely isolated economically. The analysis suggests that Beijing’s decisions could ultimately determine how far the US pressure campaign can go — and whether Washington can tighten the economic screws on Tehran without opening another front in its increasingly complex relationship with China.

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