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A dramatic partial lunar eclipse on August 27 will see almost 96 per cent of the Moon hidden behind Earth's shadow. The eclipse is occurring during daytime, which means it will not be visible in India. The lunar surface will appear reddish-orange with only a sliver of it illuminated by the Sun. The lunar eclipse will be visible from North and South America, Europe and Africa. The eclipse will begin at 9:23 pm ET when the Moon enters Earth's outer shadow.<h2>Lunar eclipse timings</h2> The partial phase will occur at 10:33 p.m. ET. At this point, Earth's dark umbral shadow will start creeping across the lunar surface. The eclipse will peak at 12:12 a.m. ET, when 96.2 per cent of the Moon will be in Earth's shadow. Partiality will end at 1:51 am ET, and the penumbral eclipse will conclude at 3:01 am ET. The entire eclipse will last about five hours.<h2>Best places to see the lunar eclipse</h2> The lunar eclipse will be best visible to people in North and South America. Europeans will be able to catch the eclipse in the early morning hours of August 28. The moon will set while the partial eclipse is still going on. Londoners can catch the maximum eclipse at 5:12 am BST.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Africa, Egypt will witness about 93 per cent of the Moon covered at its peak. The penumbral phase will begin at 4:24 am local time, with the partial eclipse starting at 5:34 am. Peak visibility occurs in Cairo at around 6:29 am just as the sun rises.<h2>Watch Saturn alongside the eclipse</h2> Saturn will be close to the Moon on this night. Venus will also be visible and shine brightly soon after sunset in the southwest.<h2>Why is the eclipse moon red?</h2> The Moon appears red because of Earth's atmosphere, which filters and bends the sunlight. This phenomenon only allows red light, with the longest wavelength, to pass through the atmosphere. It refracts towards the moon, giving it a rusty orange glow.<h2>Lunar eclipse August 2026: Will it be visible from India?</h2> People in India won't be able to see the lunar eclipse since it is occurring during daytime. It will begin after sunrise at 6:53 am IST and end at 12:32 pm IST.&nbsp;

Lunar eclipse 2026: The moon will be covered by almost 96 per cent during the August 27 eclipse. It will be visible in North and South America, Europe and Africa. In India, it will start after sunrise on August 28. All details about the eclipse.

A dramatic partial lunar eclipse on August 27 will see almost 96 per cent of the Moon hidden behind Earth's shadow. The eclipse is occurring during daytime, which means it will not be visible in India. The lunar surface will appear reddish-orange with only a sliver of it illuminated by the Sun. The lunar eclipse will be visible from North and South America, Europe and Africa. The eclipse will begin at 9:23 pm ET when the Moon enters Earth's outer shadow. Lunar eclipse timings The partial phase will occur at 10:33 p.m. ET. At this point, Earth's dark umbral shadow will start creeping across the lunar surface. The eclipse will peak at 12:12 a.m. ET, when 96.2 per cent of the Moon will be in Earth's shadow. Partiality will end at 1:51 am ET, and the penumbral eclipse will conclude at 3:01 am ET. The entire eclipse will last about five hours. Best places to see the lunar eclipse The lunar eclipse will be best visible to people in North and South America. Europeans will be able to catch the eclipse in the early morning hours of August 28. The moon will set while the partial eclipse is still going on. Londoners can catch the maximum eclipse at 5:12 am BST. In Africa, Egypt will witness about 93 per cent of the Moon covered at its peak. The penumbral phase will begin at 4:24 am local time, with the partial eclipse starting at 5:34 am. Peak visibility occurs in Cairo at around 6:29 am just as the sun rises. Watch Saturn alongside the eclipse Saturn will be close to the Moon on this night. Venus will also be visible and shine brightly soon after sunset in the southwest. Why is the eclipse moon red? The Moon appears red because of Earth's atmosphere, which filters and bends the sunlight. This phenomenon only allows red light, with the longest wavelength, to pass through the atmosphere. It refracts towards the moon, giving it a rusty orange glow. Lunar eclipse August 2026: Will it be visible from India? People in India won't be able to see the lunar eclipse since it is occurring during daytime. It will begin after sunrise at 6:53 am IST and end at 12:32 pm IST.

Lunar eclipse 2026: The moon will be covered by almost 96 per cent during the August 27 eclipse. It will be visible in North and South America, Europe and Africa. In India, it will start after sunrise on August 28. All details about the eclipse.

Lunar eclipse 2026: India timings, places to see and more. August Blood moon factsheet

India on Tuesday (Aug 25) called on the United Nations Security Council to act swiftly to limit the humanitarian consequences of conflicts, warning that wars are increasingly disrupting food supplies far beyond the regions where fighting takes place.Speaking at a Security Council open debate on “Food Under Fire: The Security Council's Role in Mitigating Global and Local Food Crises”, India’s Permanent Representative P Harish said conflicts were creating knock-on effects across energy markets, fertiliser supplies, shipping and agricultural trade.“Today’s conflicts increasingly generate ripple effects far beyond the immediate theatre of hostilities,” Harish said.He stressed that countries dependent on imports are particularly vulnerable when wars disrupt trade routes and supply chains. The Council’s immediate focus, he said, should be on ensuring humanitarian access and preventing measures such as sanctions from unintentionally obstructing food and agricultural trade.“The Council’s immediate priority should be to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of conflict,” Harish said, calling for “safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access”.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-vessels-with-22-indian-crew-members-hijiacked-by-pirates-off-yemen-somalia-1787298192165">Two vessels with 22 Indian crew members hijacked by pirates off Yemen, Somalia</a>Harish also highlighted India’s domestic food-security measures, including the National Food Security Act and PM-KISAN, which provides direct benefit transfers to more than 110 million farming households. He said India's promotion of millets had also encouraged greater attention to climate-resilient crops.The remarks came as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pointed to three key trouble spots affecting global food and commodity flows — the Black Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea.“The war in Ukraine is affecting grain and energy exports in the Black Sea, both from Ukraine and Russia,” Guterres said.He said restrictions around Hormuz had pushed commodity prices higher and reduced availability, while attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea were disrupting supply chains.The UN has proposed a protected corridor through Hormuz for fertilisers and foodgrains. A UNOPS-led task force has also worked on a system to register and verify vessels carrying fertilisers.“What is needed now is the cooperation and political will of the parties,” Guterres said.WFP Acting Director Carl Skau warned that prolonged disruption to maritime trade could push tens of millions more people into food insecurity.

India has urged the UN Security Council to act swiftly to limit conflicts’ impact on global food security, as disruptions in the Black Sea, Hormuz and Red Sea threaten supplies and raise prices.

India on Tuesday (Aug 25) called on the United Nations Security Council to act swiftly to limit the humanitarian consequences of conflicts, warning that wars are increasingly disrupting food supplies far beyond the regions where fighting takes place. Speaking at a Security Council open debate on “Food Under Fire: The Security Council's Role in Mitigating Global and Local Food Crises”, India’s Permanent Representative P Harish said conflicts were creating knock-on effects across energy markets, fertiliser supplies, shipping and agricultural trade. “Today’s conflicts increasingly generate ripple effects far beyond the immediate theatre of hostilities,” Harish said. He stressed that countries dependent on imports are particularly vulnerable when wars disrupt trade routes and supply chains. The Council’s immediate focus, he said, should be on ensuring humanitarian access and preventing measures such as sanctions from unintentionally obstructing food and agricultural trade. “The Council’s immediate priority should be to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of conflict,” Harish said, calling for “safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access”. Also read | Two vessels with 22 Indian crew members hijacked by pirates off Yemen, Somalia Harish also highlighted India’s domestic food-security measures, including the National Food Security Act and PM-KISAN, which provides direct benefit transfers to more than 110 million farming households. He said India's promotion of millets had also encouraged greater attention to climate-resilient crops. The remarks came as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pointed to three key trouble spots affecting global food and commodity flows — the Black Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. “The war in Ukraine is affecting grain and energy exports in the Black Sea, both from Ukraine and Russia,” Guterres said. He said restrictions around Hormuz had pushed commodity prices higher and reduced availability, while attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea were disrupting supply chains. The UN has proposed a protected corridor through Hormuz for fertilisers and foodgrains. A UNOPS-led task force has also worked on a system to register and verify vessels carrying fertilisers. “What is needed now is the cooperation and political will of the parties,” Guterres said. WFP Acting Director Carl Skau warned that prolonged disruption to maritime trade could push tens of millions more people into food insecurity.

India has urged the UN Security Council to act swiftly to limit conflicts’ impact on global food security, as disruptions in the Black Sea, Hormuz and Red Sea threaten supplies and raise prices.

Wars beyond battlefields? India warns UNSC of growing threat to global food security

Iran has rejected any suggestion that a temporary maritime arrangement reached with Oman amounts to a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi saying the waterway remains closed from a military standpoint."The understanding between Iran and Oman does not mean the opening of the Strait of Hormuz," Gharibabadi said in a television programme on Tuesday night, according to ISNA.Asked when the strait could reopen, he was equally direct: "The Strait of Hormuz will not open tomorrow."<h2>What is the temporary route?</h2>Under the arrangement discussed with Oman, ships entering the Persian Gulf would use a route through Iranian waters, while vessels leaving the Gulf would use Omani territorial waters.Gharibabadi said that, despite the two directions, ships would pass through Iranian waters under the temporary arrangement. "This route is like a round-trip highway with a total width of about 7 miles," he said.The arrangement is intended to be temporary. Iran and Oman are expected to negotiate a permanent maritime route within 30 to 60 days, replacing the previous traffic arrangement.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-iran-overplays-its-hand-us-won-t-rule-out-kinetic-strikes-on-tehran-war-secretary-hegseth-warns-as-economic-pressure-intensifies-1787629525309">'If Iran overplays its hand': US won't rule out 'kinetic strikes' on Tehran, War Secretary Hegseth warns</a><h2>Iran says the strait remains militarily closed</h2>Gharibabadi stressed that the new shipping arrangement should not be confused with a full reopening. "Militarily, the Strait of Hormuz is closed," he said.He added that military vessels would not be allowed to use the temporary arrangement and only commercial vessels would be permitted to pass.Gharibabadi said the issue of maritime routes had become a matter of Iranian national security, arguing that Tehran had suffered damage under the previous arrangement."For the past 58 years, ships have been passing through Omani waters, and Iran has suffered severe damage," he said, adding that "fundamental changes" were needed in the routes used for entry and exit.<h2>Military plays key role in route decisions</h2>Gharibabadi said discussions with Oman were being conducted through a joint working group involving Iran's Foreign Ministry, Ports and Maritime Organization, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including its Navy, and the General Staff of the Armed Forces.He said the armed forces had the leading role in determining the routes. "The main guidance regarding the routes actually lies with military friends and the armed forces complex," he said.According to Gharibabadi, the proposals presented to Oman originated with Iran's armed forces and had the backing of all relevant government and military bodies. He also stressed that deciding specific maritime routes was a technical matter and not something handled by the Foreign Ministry.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-decodes-two-thirds-of-ships-crossing-hormuz-are-now-dark-what-does-that-mean-1787645012571">WION Decodes: Two-thirds of ships crossing Hormuz are now 'dark'. What does that mean?</a><h2>Trump warns Iran over mine-laying</h2>Gharibabadi's comments came hours after US President Donald Trump said the US Navy had informed him that mines had been removed or detonated in international waters in the Strait of Hormuz.Trump warned that any attempt by Iran to lay new mines in international waters would trigger an immediate US military response. In a post on Truth Social, he said any vessel involved in placing new mines would be “immediately and systematically destroyed.”<h2>US not planning new Iran strikes 'for the time being', Rubio tells allies</h2>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several allied foreign ministers that Washington does not expect to launch new strikes against Iran "for the time being", Axios reported.&nbsp;According to the report, Rubio said the Trump administration would instead focus on increasing economic and maritime pressure on Tehran. The strategy includes a US naval blockade and a new sanctions initiative announced by the Treasury Department.

Iran says a temporary maritime route agreed with Oman does not mean the Strait of Hormuz has reopened. Tehran says commercial ships may use the route, but the waterway remains militarily closed.

Iran has rejected any suggestion that a temporary maritime arrangement reached with Oman amounts to a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi saying the waterway remains closed from a military standpoint. "The understanding between Iran and Oman does not mean the opening of the Strait of Hormuz," Gharibabadi said in a television programme on Tuesday night, according to ISNA. Asked when the strait could reopen, he was equally direct: "The Strait of Hormuz will not open tomorrow." What is the temporary route? Under the arrangement discussed with Oman, ships entering the Persian Gulf would use a route through Iranian waters, while vessels leaving the Gulf would use Omani territorial waters. Gharibabadi said that, despite the two directions, ships would pass through Iranian waters under the temporary arrangement. "This route is like a round-trip highway with a total width of about 7 miles," he said. The arrangement is intended to be temporary. Iran and Oman are expected to negotiate a permanent maritime route within 30 to 60 days, replacing the previous traffic arrangement. Also read | 'If Iran overplays its hand': US won't rule out 'kinetic strikes' on Tehran, War Secretary Hegseth warns Iran says the strait remains militarily closed Gharibabadi stressed that the new shipping arrangement should not be confused with a full reopening. "Militarily, the Strait of Hormuz is closed," he said. He added that military vessels would not be allowed to use the temporary arrangement and only commercial vessels would be permitted to pass. Gharibabadi said the issue of maritime routes had become a matter of Iranian national security, arguing that Tehran had suffered damage under the previous arrangement. "For the past 58 years, ships have been passing through Omani waters, and Iran has suffered severe damage," he said, adding that "fundamental changes" were needed in the routes used for entry and exit. Military plays key role in route decisions Gharibabadi said discussions with Oman were being conducted through a joint working group involving Iran's Foreign Ministry, Ports and Maritime Organization, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including its Navy, and the General Staff of the Armed Forces. He said the armed forces had the leading role in determining the routes. "The main guidance regarding the routes actually lies with military friends and the armed forces complex," he said. According to Gharibabadi, the proposals presented to Oman originated with Iran's armed forces and had the backing of all relevant government and military bodies. He also stressed that deciding specific maritime routes was a technical matter and not something handled by the Foreign Ministry. Also read | WION Decodes: Two-thirds of ships crossing Hormuz are now 'dark'. What does that mean? Trump warns Iran over mine-laying Gharibabadi's comments came hours after US President Donald Trump said the US Navy had informed him that mines had been removed or detonated in international waters in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump warned that any attempt by Iran to lay new mines in international waters would trigger an immediate US military response. In a post on Truth Social, he said any vessel involved in placing new mines would be “immediately and systematically destroyed.” US not planning new Iran strikes 'for the time being', Rubio tells allies US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several allied foreign ministers that Washington does not expect to launch new strikes against Iran "for the time being", Axios reported. According to the report, Rubio said the Trump administration would instead focus on increasing economic and maritime pressure on Tehran. The strategy includes a US naval blockade and a new sanctions initiative announced by the Treasury Department.

Iran says a temporary maritime route agreed with Oman does not mean the Strait of Hormuz has reopened. Tehran says commercial ships may use the route, but the waterway remains militarily closed.

'Militarily closed': Iran says Oman route does not mean Strait of Hormuz is reopening

South Korea on Wednesday (Aug 26) said that Russian military aircraft entered its air defence zone in second such incursion in weeks. Seoul said that it scrambled fighter jets in response to the incursion. The relationship between the countries has worsened since South Korea joined Western sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Moscow building stronger ties with North Korea.<img src="https://sknteam.com/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=0&amp;campaignid=0&amp;zoneid=112&amp;loc=https%3A%2F%2Fcambodianess.com%2Farticle%2Fsouth-korea-says-russian-military-planes-entered-its-air-defence-zone&amp;referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&amp;cb=91dc256b66" alt="">Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-military-drills-scaled-back-trump-cites-good-relationship-with-kim-jong-un-and-costs-1787677679309">US-South Korea military drills scaled back: Trump cites 'good relationship' with Kim</a><blockquote>Seoul's defence ministry said that multiple Russian aircraft had entered and then left its air defence identification zone over the East Sea, also called the Sea of Japan. "South Korea's military detected the Russian aircraft before they entered the zone and deployed Air Force fighter jets to prepare for any contingency," it said, without giving details. The Russian aircraft did not violate South Korean airspace, it said. An air defence identification zone is not sovereign airspace but a buffer area where countries require foreign aircraft to identify themselves for security purposes.</blockquote>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-suspected-ballistic-missile-as-us-south-korea-drills-continue-1787221221115">North Korea launches 10 ballistic missiles as US-South Korea drills continue</a>&nbsp;In late June, more than 10 Chinese and Russian military aircraft entered South Korea's air defence zone. Beijing's defence ministry said that the time that Chinese and Russian forces had conducted a "strategic air patrol" over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean. Russia's defence ministry had said that the patrol was part of normal military cooperation plans and "not directed against third countries". However, South Korea still lodged protests with Beijing and Moscow and demanded measures to prevent a recurrence.&nbsp;This also comes at a time Trump on Aug 17 &nbsp;"substantially reduce" US-S Korea joint military exercises, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. He also added that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran. He said that these exercise costs a lot to the US. He also hinted at talks with Kim. He also said that Kim Jong Un has always treated him with “great respect."&nbsp;

South Korea scrambled fighter jets after Russian military aircraft entered its air defence zone, marking the second such incident in weeks. The latest incursion comes amid worsening ties between Seoul and Moscow over South Korea’s sanctions on Russia and Moscow’s closer ties with North Korea

South Korea on Wednesday (Aug 26) said that Russian military aircraft entered its air defence zone in second such incursion in weeks. Seoul said that it scrambled fighter jets in response to the incursion. The relationship between the countries has worsened since South Korea joined Western sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Moscow building stronger ties with North Korea. Also Read: US-South Korea military drills scaled back: Trump cites 'good relationship' with Kim Seoul's defence ministry said that multiple Russian aircraft had entered and then left its air defence identification zone over the East Sea, also called the Sea of Japan. "South Korea's military detected the Russian aircraft before they entered the zone and deployed Air Force fighter jets to prepare for any contingency," it said, without giving details. The Russian aircraft did not violate South Korean airspace, it said. An air defence identification zone is not sovereign airspace but a buffer area where countries require foreign aircraft to identify themselves for security purposes. Also Read: North Korea launches 10 ballistic missiles as US-South Korea drills continue In late June, more than 10 Chinese and Russian military aircraft entered South Korea's air defence zone. Beijing's defence ministry said that the time that Chinese and Russian forces had conducted a "strategic air patrol" over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean. Russia's defence ministry had said that the patrol was part of normal military cooperation plans and "not directed against third countries". However, South Korea still lodged protests with Beijing and Moscow and demanded measures to prevent a recurrence. This also comes at a time Trump on Aug 17 "substantially reduce" US-S Korea joint military exercises, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. He also added that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran. He said that these exercise costs a lot to the US. He also hinted at talks with Kim. He also said that Kim Jong Un has always treated him with “great respect."

South Korea scrambled fighter jets after Russian military aircraft entered its air defence zone, marking the second such incident in weeks. The latest incursion comes amid worsening ties between Seoul and Moscow over South Korea’s sanctions on Russia and Moscow’s closer ties with North Korea

Russian military planes enter South Korean air defence zone amid rising tensions with North Korea: What's happening

CIA director John Ratcliffe's secret trip to Moscow triggered speculation about the nature of his visit. Soon after, flight trackers showed five doomsday planes in the skies of the United States. The Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft are built to survive a nuclear attack and keep the administration running from the skies, with every leader, including the President, on it. The aircraft were spotted along the West Coast and in the central region of the nation.&nbsp;People tracked the planes at 1:30 pm EST, with the main planes blank or missing call signs on ADS-B services. Before this, the US Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was seen touching down at Vnukovo International Airport in Russia. This triggered a frenzy on social media as people questioned the sudden arrival of an American plane in Russia. The doomsday planes were seen a few hours later, leaving people talking about what could be happening.&nbsp;The US and Russia have not been on best terms since the Ukraine war started. Later reports revealed that Ratcliffe had reached Russia to discuss an end to the war. Hours later, E-6Bs were spotted on trackers. No official announcement was made about the aircraft that routinely fly for training.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-aircraft-lands-in-moscow-mystery-theories-swirl-as-kremlin-claims-it-has-no-idea-1787665191079">CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip to Russia amid rumours over US military aircraft mystery landing in Moscow</a><h2>Identities of 5 Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft</h2>FlightRadar24 identified the plane over the Colorado-Wyoming region by the hex code AEA92D. It was flying at an altitude of roughly 24,000 feet and a speed of about 374mph. The second plane, AE7D28, flew over the central US near Kansas and Oklahoma at 30,000 feet. The third one was AEABAB and was spotted over Missouri and Arkansas at 35,000 feet. The Fourth one, AF4019, was tracked near the Texas-Oklahoma border flying at approximately 9,500 feet. The fifth one, AF1BB0, was the fifth E-6 Mercury, although its identity was not confirmed.&nbsp;<h2>CIA Director in Russia</h2>Ratcliffe's trip to Russia remains a secret, as no official statement has been made on the identity of the official who was on the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III plane seen at an airport in Moscow. This is Ratcliffe's first known trip to Russia as CIA director. According to CBS News, a senior Ukrainian official said that Ukraine was informed that a senior delegation would be travelling to Moscow and asked to suspend all strikes till then.&nbsp;

Flight trackers spotted five Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft, also known as the doomsday plane because they can survive a nuclear attack, hours after an American plane landed in Moscow. This triggered speculation about the purpose of the mystery landing.

CIA director John Ratcliffe's secret trip to Moscow triggered speculation about the nature of his visit. Soon after, flight trackers showed five doomsday planes in the skies of the United States. The Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft are built to survive a nuclear attack and keep the administration running from the skies, with every leader, including the President, on it. The aircraft were spotted along the West Coast and in the central region of the nation. People tracked the planes at 1:30 pm EST, with the main planes blank or missing call signs on ADS-B services. Before this, the US Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was seen touching down at Vnukovo International Airport in Russia. This triggered a frenzy on social media as people questioned the sudden arrival of an American plane in Russia. The doomsday planes were seen a few hours later, leaving people talking about what could be happening. The US and Russia have not been on best terms since the Ukraine war started. Later reports revealed that Ratcliffe had reached Russia to discuss an end to the war. Hours later, E-6Bs were spotted on trackers. No official announcement was made about the aircraft that routinely fly for training. Also Read: CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip to Russia amid rumours over US military aircraft mystery landing in Moscow Identities of 5 Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft FlightRadar24 identified the plane over the Colorado-Wyoming region by the hex code AEA92D. It was flying at an altitude of roughly 24,000 feet and a speed of about 374mph. The second plane, AE7D28, flew over the central US near Kansas and Oklahoma at 30,000 feet. The third one was AEABAB and was spotted over Missouri and Arkansas at 35,000 feet. The Fourth one, AF4019, was tracked near the Texas-Oklahoma border flying at approximately 9,500 feet. The fifth one, AF1BB0, was the fifth E-6 Mercury, although its identity was not confirmed. CIA Director in Russia Ratcliffe's trip to Russia remains a secret, as no official statement has been made on the identity of the official who was on the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III plane seen at an airport in Moscow. This is Ratcliffe's first known trip to Russia as CIA director. According to CBS News, a senior Ukrainian official said that Ukraine was informed that a senior delegation would be travelling to Moscow and asked to suspend all strikes till then.

Flight trackers spotted five Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft, also known as the doomsday plane because they can survive a nuclear attack, hours after an American plane landed in Moscow. This triggered speculation about the purpose of the mystery landing.

5 doomsday planes spotted in US skies hours after CIA director's secret trip to Russia

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday (Aug 25) said that India and China could play a “key” role in helping American President Donald Trump find a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Iran. Clinton pointed out that these two countries’ have deep economic ties with Tehran, and their energy trade can be used a potential leverage to push for a de-escalation. Clinton’s remarks came as Trump launched an “economic D-Day” campaign against Iran, threatening to cripple Iran's economy with his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling it an “endgame.” Trump opined that this new phase of was will include sweeping secondary sanctions, aimed to restrict Tehran’s access to global trade and even warned other countries trading with the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-again-claims-hormuz-as-new-us-territory-as-top-iranian-general-slams-america-of-betraying-negotiations-1787442538249">Trump again claims Hormuz as ‘new US territory’</a> Speaking during a conversation hosted by the Hamptons Institute, Clinton said: “If you want to figure out how Trump could get out of this, I think the key to it is probably China and India. Because if you look at who buys the most oil and gas from Iran, it is China and India." She said China had a particularly strong interest in preventing further escalation because of its dependence on Iranian energy. Clinton suggested that Washington could use the threat of secondary sanctions to pressure Beijing into helping persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Clinton also argued that the US had underestimated the resilience of Iran’s political and military establishment.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Fmr US Secy of state Hillary Clinton sees role of China, India in helping Trump get put of West Asia conflict, since they buy energy from Iran &quot;Key to it is probably China &amp; India, bcz if you look at who buys the most oil &amp; gas from Iran, it is China &amp; India&quot; Vdo Ctsy: C Span <a href="https://t.co/qbWsolP9PD">pic.twitter.com/qbWsolP9PD</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://x.com/sidhant/status/2092146387052007806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-introduce-new-navigation-law-amid-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-what-is-it-1777349468721">Iran to introduce new navigation law amid Strait of Hormuz blockade: What is it?</a><h2>China opposes Trump's sanctions on Iran</h2>Meanwhile, China rejected the US sanctions and said it would take measures to protect its interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing opposed unilateral sanctions and would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its rights and interests. China is Iran’s biggest trading partner and its largest oil customer, accounting for about 90% of Iranian oil exports.&nbsp;India had stopped importing Iranian crude in May 2019 following US sanctions. However, Hormuz disruptions has impacted country's energy supplies as India receives around 40% of its crude oil imports, 60% of its LNG imports and about 90% of its LPG imports through the Strait of Hormuz.

Hillary Clinton has said India and China could help Donald Trump find a diplomatic exit from the Iran conflict, citing their economic ties with Tehran. She pointed to their energy links with Iran

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday (Aug 25) said that India and China could play a “key” role in helping American President Donald Trump find a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Iran. Clinton pointed out that these two countries’ have deep economic ties with Tehran, and their energy trade can be used a potential leverage to push for a de-escalation. Clinton’s remarks came as Trump launched an “economic D-Day” campaign against Iran, threatening to cripple Iran's economy with his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling it an “endgame.” Trump opined that this new phase of was will include sweeping secondary sanctions, aimed to restrict Tehran’s access to global trade and even warned other countries trading with the Islamic Republic. Also Read: Trump again claims Hormuz as ‘new US territory’ Speaking during a conversation hosted by the Hamptons Institute, Clinton said: “If you want to figure out how Trump could get out of this, I think the key to it is probably China and India. Because if you look at who buys the most oil and gas from Iran, it is China and India." She said China had a particularly strong interest in preventing further escalation because of its dependence on Iranian energy. Clinton suggested that Washington could use the threat of secondary sanctions to pressure Beijing into helping persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Clinton also argued that the US had underestimated the resilience of Iran’s political and military establishment.

Hillary Clinton has said India and China could help Donald Trump find a diplomatic exit from the Iran conflict, citing their economic ties with Tehran. She pointed to their energy links with Iran

'Trump could get out of this...': Hillary Clinton names India, China as key cards to end Iran crisis

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not support a planned event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden, while acknowledging that the city may not have the legal authority to stop a private gathering.Bhagwat is scheduled to address around 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the iconic New York venue on August 29. His US visit is part of the RSS's centenary-year global outreach programme."I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event," Mamdani said at a news conference on Tuesday (Aug 25).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/don-t-politicise-reservation-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-says-reservation-should-stay-urges-beneficiaries-to-pass-on-opportunities-1786070882547">'Don't politicise it': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says reservation should stay, urges beneficiaries to pass on opportunities</a><h2>Mamdani cites his Indian-American background</h2>Responding to questions about Bhagwat, the RSS, and protests planned around the event, Mamdani said his opposition was also shaped by his family background. "I also stand here as the first Indian-American Mayor in our city's history, and my mother's family is all still in India," he said.Mamdani said he grew up with an understanding of India as a pluralistic and secular society in which people from different backgrounds could belong equally. "The vision of India that I was taught by my family and the one that I grew up being very familiar with was that of 'a pluralistic society, of a secular republic that believed in the belonging of each and every person who was from India'," he said.He said he opposed what he described as the rise of an increasingly exclusionary political movement. "And it has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country, frankly," Mamdani said.He added that his opposition reflected not only his identity as an Indian-American but also his position as mayor of a city that he said believed in belonging regardless of "colour", "creed", religion, or background.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rss-leader-sunil-ambekar-weighs-in-on-viral-cockroach-janta-party-says-gen-z-has-tremendous-faith-in-india-1780133856392">RSS leader Sunil Ambekar weighs in on viral Cockroach Janta Party, says Gen Z has 'tremendous faith' in India</a><h2>Civil rights groups call for cancellation</h2>The Bhagwat event has also drawn opposition from several interfaith and civil rights organisations. Groups including Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council, and the Interfaith Centre of New York held a press conference outside New York City Hall and called for the event to be cancelled.Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday as part of the RSS's centenary-year outreach programme. During his New York visit, he is also expected to participate in the Universal Oneness programme.The event is being organised by AHEAD Forum, which said Bhagwat would attend the Universal Oneness Celebration in New York on August 29."The event carries a timeless and universal message: 'The world is one family'," the organisers said, describing it as an appeal to look beyond divisions and promote mutual respect and harmony. Bhagwat's wider international tour includes the US, Canada and the UK as part of the RSS centenary-year global outreach programme.

Mohan Bhagwat's upcoming New York event has sparked a political row, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani saying he does not support it while acknowledging the city may have limited authority over a private gathering.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not support a planned event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden, while acknowledging that the city may not have the legal authority to stop a private gathering. Bhagwat is scheduled to address around 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the iconic New York venue on August 29. His US visit is part of the RSS's centenary-year global outreach programme. "I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event," Mamdani said at a news conference on Tuesday (Aug 25). Also read | 'Don't politicise it': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says reservation should stay, urges beneficiaries to pass on opportunities Mamdani cites his Indian-American background Responding to questions about Bhagwat, the RSS, and protests planned around the event, Mamdani said his opposition was also shaped by his family background. "I also stand here as the first Indian-American Mayor in our city's history, and my mother's family is all still in India," he said. Mamdani said he grew up with an understanding of India as a pluralistic and secular society in which people from different backgrounds could belong equally. "The vision of India that I was taught by my family and the one that I grew up being very familiar with was that of 'a pluralistic society, of a secular republic that believed in the belonging of each and every person who was from India'," he said. He said he opposed what he described as the rise of an increasingly exclusionary political movement. "And it has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country, frankly," Mamdani said. He added that his opposition reflected not only his identity as an Indian-American but also his position as mayor of a city that he said believed in belonging regardless of "colour", "creed", religion, or background. Also read | RSS leader Sunil Ambekar weighs in on viral Cockroach Janta Party, says Gen Z has 'tremendous faith' in India Civil rights groups call for cancellation The Bhagwat event has also drawn opposition from several interfaith and civil rights organisations. Groups including Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council, and the Interfaith Centre of New York held a press conference outside New York City Hall and called for the event to be cancelled. Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday as part of the RSS's centenary-year outreach programme. During his New York visit, he is also expected to participate in the Universal Oneness programme. The event is being organised by AHEAD Forum, which said Bhagwat would attend the Universal Oneness Celebration in New York on August 29. "The event carries a timeless and universal message: 'The world is one family'," the organisers said, describing it as an appeal to look beyond divisions and promote mutual respect and harmony. Bhagwat's wider international tour includes the US, Canada and the UK as part of the RSS centenary-year global outreach programme.

Mohan Bhagwat's upcoming New York event has sparked a political row, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani saying he does not support it while acknowledging the city may have limited authority over a private gathering.

'Exclusionary vision...': New York mayor Zohran Mamdani reveals why he opposes RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's event

Latest News Today Live Updates: Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the armed forces "complete freedom of action" ahead of Operation Sindoor, while making clear there was no political pressure to launch it immediately. Chauhan said the military was told to choose the timing, avoid any scope for failure and ensure evidence of its actions.Meta Instagram chief Adam Mosseri acknowledged in a US court that some teenage safety tools had very low adoption rates during early testing. The testimony came in a case brought by 29 US states seeking potentially $200 billion in penalties.The US has sanctioned four India-based companies and three Indian nationals over alleged Iranian oil and petrochemical trade under Operation Economic Outcast.New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not support a planned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat event at Madison Square Garden, while acknowledging the city may lack legal authority to stop the private gathering.

“Thank you very much, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your kind call and deep condolences,” responded Nepal PMO to PM Narendra Modi's tweet of offering help.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Thank you very much, Prime Minister &lt;a href="https://x.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;@narendramodi&lt;/a&gt;, for your kind call and deep condolences.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We deeply appreciate your warm words of solidarity and your generous offer of assistance to Nepal during this difficult time.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This gesture of solidarity is a reflection of the enduring… &lt;a href="https://t.co/VepX2UzxuG"&gt;https://t.co/VepX2UzxuG&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; PMO (@PM_nepal_) &lt;a href="https://x.com/PM_nepal_/status/2092642699967123870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 26, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Nepal PM thanks Indian counterpart Modi for offering help

​"Additional air effort by C-17 and C-130 aircraft will transport further relief supplies, with helicopters earmarked for rescue and evacuation operations," wrote Indian Air Force on X.

India deploys C-130J aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of essential relief material to Nepal

As sequence of events is still being assessed, authorities and experts are investigating whether the earthquake in the Tibetan territory had any role to play in the avalanche.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-flood-earthquake-or-snow-rock-landslide-what-caused-the-devastating-deluge-1787753907903">READ MORE</a>

Nepal flash flood: Earthquake or snow-rock landslide, what caused the devastating deluge?

There are reports of departures for the yatra to Kailash Mansarovar being halted for next 48-72 hours out of safety concerns.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-flash-floods-kailash-mansarovar-yatra-affected-close-to-400-pilgrims-out-of-contact-1787758615744">READ MORE</a>

Nepal flash floods: Kailash Mansarovar yatra affected, close to 400 pilgrims out of contact

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has vowed an economic offensive against Iran, but China’s continued trade could limit its impact.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-sanctions-china-impact-1787746089398">READ MORE</a>

Will Trump’s new Iran sanctions work? China holds the key

The devastating flash floods in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River that swept through Nuwakot and Dhading districts on Wednesday triggered an alert in the neighbouring states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India, where authorities intensified monitoring and precautionary measures. The Bhote Koshi River is a headwater tributary of the Kosi River system, which enters northern Bihar in Supaul after flowing through Nepal.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-alert-in-neighbouring-states-of-up-and-bihar-after-devastating-flash-floods-in-nepal-1787747307583">Click here to read the full story</a>

High alert in neighbouring states of UP and Bihar after devastating flash floods in Nepal

The Nepal flash flood ⁠death ⁠toll started rising as rescue operations progressed and reached 95, with hundreds of tourists and locals still missing hours after the tragedy struck ⁠the Himalayan border region of Nepal and Tibet at 9 am on Wednesday. Search and rescue teams have been deployed across the affected areas, though inclement weather and disruptions in communications made search-and-rescue operations difficult.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-95-killed-133-indians-among-403-still-missing-after-flash-floods-in-nepal-1787755891807">Read More</a>

At least 95 killed, 133 Indians among 403 still missing after flash floods in Nepal

Amid Japan's ongoing push for remilitarization, Russia has warned that Tokyo could develop its own nuclear weapons within a year. According to Russia's TASS news agency, Anton Kobyakov, Russian Presidential Assistant and Executive Secretary of the Organising Committee of the Eastern Economic Forum, said Japan could possess nuclear weapons within one year.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-go-nuclear-russia-warns-tokyo-could-get-nukes-within-a-year-1787756877704">Also Read</a>

Japan to go nuclear? Russia warns Tokyo could get nukes within a year

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that Tehran and Oman had reached an agreement on sharing revenues from the Strait of Hormuz, a day after the two countries held high-level talks in Tehran.Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi said the discussions covered the share of the waters and revenues between Iran and Oman."During negotiations with Oman, some agreements were made regarding each country's share of the waters of the Strait and Iran's and Oman's shares of its revenues," Mohebi said.

Iran reaches Hormuz revenue sharing deal with Oman, Pezeshkian says US sanctions cannot force Tehran

Meta agreed to pay US states as much as $16.7 billion and to impose sweeping new limits on how teenagers use Facebook and Instagram, according to a court filing on Wednesday that ends a landmark trial underway in California.

Meta agreed to pay  $16.7 bn settlement in landmark teen safety case

Nearly 400 pilgrims, including over 100 Indians travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, have lost contact at the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint following early Wednesday morning flash floods that destroyed roads, damaged critical infrastructure, and swept through villages along the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa and Dhading districts bordering Tibet.

Nearly 400 Kailash bound pilgrims, 105 Indians among those missing in Nepal floods

India is preparing to dispatch emergency relief supplies to Nepal as soon as possible following catastrophic flash floods that have impacted northern parts of the Himalayan nation, government sources said.The floods, triggered by heavy rains and a reported glacier burst in the Rasuwa area near the border with China, have left hundreds missing. Nepal’s Tourism Board confirmed that at least 291 foreign nationals remain unaccounted for, including 105 Indian tourists. Many were visiting popular trekking and pilgrimage sites in the region when the disaster struck.

India to rush relief to Nepal after deadly flash floods leave scores missing

The US-Israeli war against Iran is entering its seventh month, with no peace agreement in sight. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out any diplomatic solution with what he called the "savages" ruling the Islamic Republic.Netanyahu also backed US President Donald Trump's latest campaign of economic pressure against Tehran. Speaking at an event at an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, Netanyahu said he had discussed the possibility of diplomacy with Iran during a recent meeting with Trump.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-iran-deal-possible-netanyahu-backs-trump-s-economic-d-day-campaign-1787739991526">Read More</a> &nbsp;

No Iran deal possible: Netanyahu backs Trump’s ‘economic D-Day’ campaign

At least 15 infants were killed after a major fire erupted at the state-run hospital in Pakistan’s Islamabad on Wednesday (Aug 26). According to the Islamabad district office, the fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Ward at the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. At the time of the incident, the nursery was housing 16 newborns, of whom just one was rescued. Islamabad’s District Magistrate has formed a fact-finding committee to probe the fire, with the panel directed to submit its report “within 24 hours.”<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-newborns-killed-after-fire-breaks-out-in-pakistan-hospital-1787724990542">Read more.</a>

Islamabad’s District Magistrate launches probe after hospital fire kills 15 newborns, to submit report in 24 hours

South Carolina Republicans have selected Darline Graham as their candidate for the US Senate in a special election scheduled for November.Graham, who received strong backing from US President Donald Trump, defeated five-term Congressman Ralph Norman in Tuesday’s Republican runoff. She secured 52.4% of the vote, compared with Norman’s 47.6%, according to the Associated Press, with nearly all ballots counted.The contest was closely watched because Graham has limited legislative experience compared with Norman. However, Trump’s endorsement helped strengthen her position in the Republican primary.Graham is seeking the Senate seat previously held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham, and will now advance to the November ballot.

South Carolina picks Darline Graham as Republican Senate nominee

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has formally dissolved after completing its merger with the Syrian army, its commander Mazloum Abdi announced on Tuesday.Abdi made the announcement at a news conference at the presidential palace in Damascus, saying the force would no longer operate as an independent military organisation.The SDF had previously controlled large parts of northeastern Syria through a de facto autonomous administration. However, it lost most of its territory following a Syrian government offensive in January.The group subsequently reached an agreement to integrate its forces into the Syrian military. The latest announcement marks a major shift in the balance of power in northeastern Syria and ends the SDF’s existence as a separate armed force.

Kurdish-led SDF announces dissolution after merger with Syrian army

Pakistan and Iran have made “significant progress” in discussions aimed at ending the US-Iran war and preventing further escalation, Pakistan’s interior minister said on Tuesday.The talks, held during a Pakistani delegation’s visit to Tehran, focused on diplomatic steps to bring the conflict to an end. The two sides also discussed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and measures to prevent the fighting from spreading further.A statement from the Pakistani military said Army chief Asim Munir met Iranian leaders during the visit. The discussions centred on securing an expedited end to the conflict and reducing tensions in the region.Pakistan has been pushing diplomatic efforts as the war continues to raise concerns over regional security and disruption to one of the world’s most important energy routes.

Pakistan, Iran make ‘significant progress’ in efforts to end US-Iran war

At least 38 inmates at Guwahati Central Jail have tested positive for HIV during routine medical screening, according to an NDTV report citing sources.The cases were identified after the prisoners were admitted to the jail in judicial custody. Health screening is conducted for newly admitted inmates as part of the prison’s regular medical checks.Several of those who tested positive reportedly have a history of drug use. However, the report clarified that the HIV cases were detected during screening after their admission and were not attributed to drug use within the prison.The jail’s health checks also cover other infectious diseases, including hepatitis, as authorities monitor the medical condition of inmates.

38 inmates test HIV positive at Guwahati Central Jail

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Massive flash flood tears through Nepal as the Bhotekoshi river surges in from Tibet, leaving Rasuwa and Nuwakot devastated. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Dramatic visuals from Trishuli Bazaar show the raging waters and destruction.&lt;a href="https://x.com/hashtag/NepalFloods?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#NepalFloods&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/qgtNvX3EfB"&gt;pic.twitter.com/qgtNvX3EfB&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; WION (@WIONews) &lt;a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2092527753220485298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 26, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Nepal flood: Villages submerged, bridges swept away

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that "India is not a dharamshala (hospice/free lodging house)" where anyone can walk in and settle, outlining an expansive 2047 security blueprint to make the nation entirely "infiltrator-free" and "narcotics-free"

"This Country Not A Dharamshala": Amit Shah Unveils 2047 Security Blueprint

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing the state to temporarily seize control of private critical infrastructure if owners fail to protect facilities from Ukrainian drone attacks or fail to rebuild them after strikes

Putin decree lets Russia take control of infrastructure damaged in Ukrainian drone attack

Germany has expanded its immigration enforcement by deporting approximately 30 Afghan nationals, including individuals without criminal records, on a charter flight from Leipzig/Halle Airport

Germany Deports 30 Afghans As Returns Expand Beyond Convicted Criminals

An immigration judge in Georgia granted Venkata Narasamamba Vasamsetty a US$7,500 bond on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, clearing the path for her release after she spent over two weeks in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody

Andhra woman with US green card remains in ICE detention despite deportation case dismissal

Retired IDF Brigadier General Ofer Winter officially launched his new right-wing nationalist party, Amcha Yisrael (People of Israel), on August 25, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Israeli legislative election scheduled for October 27, 2026. The hawkish former commander is targeting right-wing voters who are disillusioned with the current government.

Ex-IDF commander and far-right hardliner Ofer Winter reveals new party ahead of Israel's election -

The Spanish government is introducing a draft decree to enforce stricter sustainability, energy, and cybersecurity rules for data centres. Driven by a massive influx of artificial intelligence infrastructure projects, Spain is leveraging its high demand to select only the most efficient facilities.

Spain plans new, stricter data centres rules: Reports

At least eight people were killed and 291 foreign nationals are are missing after a sudden flash flood from Tibet surged through the Bhotekoshi River, overflowing into Nepal's Trishuli River and causing widespread flooding in Rasuwa district on Wednesday (Aug 26). According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the missing foreign nationals include three from the US, 17 from Malaysia, 12 from the UK, four from South Africa, one from Australia and one from the Netherlands. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-flash-flood-fury-8-dead-105-indians-missing-villages-submerged-bridges-swept-away-video-1787739518059">READ MORE</a>

Nepal flash flood fury: 8 dead, 105 Indians missing

CIA director John Ratcliffe's secret trip to Moscow triggered speculation about the nature of his visit. Soon after, flight trackers showed five doomsday planes in the skies over the United States.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-doomsday-planes-spotted-in-us-skies-hours-after-cia-director-s-secret-trip-to-russia-1787717232847">Read full story</a>

At least six people, including five women, were killed and several others injured after a private travel bus rammed into a stationary container truck from behind in Telangana's Suryapet district early Wednesday.The bus was carrying 42 passengers and was travelling from Hyderabad towards Vijayawada and Eluru when the crash occurred near Dorakunta village on NH-65. Police said the impact was severe, with 20 passengers sustaining serious injuries. Four are reportedly critical.Police and local residents launched rescue operations and shifted the injured to hospitals, with the seriously injured taken to Kodad Government Hospital. A case has been registered, and officials are investigating whether over-speeding, driver negligence or other factors caused the crash.Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed grief and directed officials to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment.

Suryapet bus accident: 6 killed, 20 injured as bus crashes into container truck

A cement-laden truck sank into the road in Gurugram's Sector 9 following continuous rainfall and waterlogging, highlighting the impact of heavy showers on the city's roads.Several areas, including Narsinghpur, witnessed severe traffic congestion on Tuesday morning as water accumulated on roads. The rainfall also worsened roads already damaged by previous showers.The Gurugram District Disaster Management Authority had advised corporate offices, schools and other institutions to ask employees and staff to work from home to reduce traffic and allow civic agencies to carry out road and drainage repairs.Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala criticised the Haryana government over the situation, alleging widespread flooding, traffic chaos and poor infrastructure. “Gurgaon infra has 'collapsed'! Waterlogged &amp; Jammed Roads! Advisory is to 'work from home'! Nayab Saini &amp; BJP Govt's Delivery.”He further alleged, "School buses stranded, roads &amp; streets flooded, people getting electrocuted, govt &amp; administration missing, chaos prevails, fend for urself, and ₹1,400 cr spent, zero result! Calling it 'Millennium City Gurugram!'"

Gurugram waterlogging: Cement truck sinks into road as heavy rain triggers traffic chaos

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's upcoming New York event has sparked a political row, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani saying he does not support it while acknowledging the city may have limited authority over a private gathering.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-don-t-support-exclusionary-vision-new-york-mayor-zohran-mamdani-reveals-why-he-opposes-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-s-event-1787710247646">All you need to know</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260826/image-1787710463494.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)"></figure>

The US has sanctioned four India-based companies and three Indian nationals over alleged trade in Iranian oil and petrochemical products.&nbsp;The targeted companies are Sadashiva Overseas Limited, PP Softtech Private Limited, Prakrutees Infra Impex India Private Limited and customs broker Portease Partners LLP.The US Treasury accused the firms of facilitating or importing Iranian products worth millions of dollars. Three Indian nationals, including PP Softtech director Prashant Garg, were also sanctioned under the Trump administration's Iran pressure campaign.

US sanctions 4 India-based firms, 3 individuals over Iran oil trade

What exactly did PM Modi tell the armed forces before Operation Sindoor? Former CDS General Anil Chauhan has revealed the message given at a key April 29 meeting, including a crucial instruction on when and how India should respond to Pakistan.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/winning-note-will-always-be-ours-ex-cds-reveals-modi-gave-armed-forces-complete-freedom-before-operation-sindoor-1787706132455">Here's what he said</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260826/image-1787706168601.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Winning note will always be ours': Ex-CDS reveals Modi gave armed forces 'complete freedom' before Operation Sindoor"></figure>

'Winning note will always be ours': Ex-CDS reveals what PM Modi told armed forces before Operation Sindoor

Instagram promoted tools designed to help teenagers spend less time on the platform, but how many actually used them? Meta executive Adam Mosseri faced that question in court as states accused the company of misleading the public about its approach to teen safety.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/instagram-chief-admits-promoting-teen-safety-tool-while-hiding-its-low-adoption-1787705171951">Here's what he said</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260826/image-1787705540079.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Instagram chief admits promoting teen safety tool while hiding its low adoption"></figure>

Instagram chief admits promoting teen safety tool while hiding its low adoption

Iconic singer, songwriter, and actress Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80, as announced by her family on Instagram. She leaves behind an extraordinary career spanning music, film, television, and business.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/dolly-parton-global-icon-and-queen-of-country-music-dies-at-80-1787682229929">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260826/image-1787682796158.jpg?rect=(0,58,908,682)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Dolly Parton, global icon and queen of country music, dies at 80"></figure>

Dolly Parton, global icon and queen of country music, dies at 80

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, diplomacy, energy markets, and other breaking stories shaping the world.

Latest News Today Live Updates: Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the armed forces "complete freedom of action" ahead of Operation Sindoor, while making clear there was no political pressure to launch it immediately. Chauhan said the military was told to choose the timing, avoid any scope for failure and ensure evidence of its actions. Meta Instagram chief Adam Mosseri acknowledged in a US court that some teenage safety tools had very low adoption rates during early testing. The testimony came in a case brought by 29 US states seeking potentially $200 billion in penalties. The US has sanctioned four India-based companies and three Indian nationals over alleged Iranian oil and petrochemical trade under Operation Economic Outcast. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not support a planned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat event at Madison Square Garden, while acknowledging the city may lack legal authority to stop the private gathering.

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, diplomacy, energy markets, and other breaking stories shaping the world.

Highlights | Latest India & World News Aug 26: Nepal flash flood toll rises to at least 160

Adam Mosseri, the Meta executive who oversees Instagram, acknowledged in a California court on Tuesday (Aug 25) that the company promoted new safety tools for teenagers without disclosing how few users had adopted them during early testing.The admission came in a major trial in which 29 US states have accused Meta of deliberately designing its platforms to keep children engaged while collecting their data and misleading the public about the risks. The trial, which entered its second week this week, is expected to continue through September.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/55-000-per-child-singapore-s-desperate-bid-to-persuade-people-to-have-babies-details-inside-1787640751465">$55,000 per child: Singapore's desperate bid to persuade people to have babies. Details inside</a><h2>Instagram's safety tools had low adoption</h2>State lawyers questioned Mosseri over two Instagram features designed to help teenagers manage their time on the platform: Take a Break, introduced in 2021, and Quiet Mode, launched in 2023.Internal Meta documents presented in court showed that Take a Break had an adoption rate of just 1.8 per cent, while Quiet Mode stood at 8.7 per cent.Mosseri acknowledged that the company did not publicly disclose the overall low adoption rate, which was reportedly as low as 1 to 2 per cent of accounts during the early period.He said the situation later changed after similar protections were incorporated into Teen Accounts, which Meta introduced in 2024 and which include parental controls. "This is one feature with a disappointingly low usage rate, which since this time has significantly improved," Mosseri said.<h2>Mosseri's 90 per cent claim questioned</h2>The testimony also focused on a Meta blog post written by Mosseri and published on December 7, 2021, one day before he appeared before Congress to discuss social media's impact on young people.The post said: "Early test results show that once teens set the reminders, more than 90% of them keep them on."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-gives-trump-temporary-win-on-mail-in-voting-restrictions-1787620685760">US Supreme Court gives Trump temporary win on mail-in voting restrictions</a>Under questioning, Mosseri acknowledged that the 90 per cent figure referred only to users who had already activated the feature and continued using it. It did not indicate that 90 per cent of teenagers had adopted the tool.Mosseri could not recall whether Meta had ever disclosed the percentage of teen accounts with parental controls activated.Notably, Meta's advertising-driven business model benefits when users spend more time on its platforms.<h2>Former employees say tools were ineffective</h2>Other witnesses have also questioned whether the safety features worked as intended. Former Meta engineering director Arturo Bejar testified that Take a Break was, in his experience, "a feature that's designed to fail."George Volichenko, a former Instagram data scientist, described adoption as "very low and disappointing" and "a drop in the ocean".He told the court that Meta leadership did not approve making Quiet Mode the default for younger teenagers. He said this limited usage because the feature was difficult to find and that automatically enabling it could have had a "notable negative impact" on user engagement.Francesco Fogu, Meta's director of product design at Instagram, also testified that adoption would be lower when such features were not activated by default.<h2>Stakes could reach $200 billion</h2>The case could have major consequences for Meta. If the states prevail, they are seeking around $200 billion in penalties. A verdict against Meta could also force significant changes to how the company designs and operates its products.Mosseri is expected to continue testifying on Wednesday. Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is also expected to take the stand, although the timing of his testimony has not been disclosed.

Instagram promoted tools designed to help teenagers spend less time on the platform, but how many actually used them? Meta executive Adam Mosseri faced that question in court as states accused the company of misleading the public about its approach to teen safety.

Adam Mosseri, the Meta executive who oversees Instagram, acknowledged in a California court on Tuesday (Aug 25) that the company promoted new safety tools for teenagers without disclosing how few users had adopted them during early testing. The admission came in a major trial in which 29 US states have accused Meta of deliberately designing its platforms to keep children engaged while collecting their data and misleading the public about the risks. The trial, which entered its second week this week, is expected to continue through September. Also read | $55,000 per child: Singapore's desperate bid to persuade people to have babies. Details inside Instagram's safety tools had low adoption State lawyers questioned Mosseri over two Instagram features designed to help teenagers manage their time on the platform: Take a Break, introduced in 2021, and Quiet Mode, launched in 2023. Internal Meta documents presented in court showed that Take a Break had an adoption rate of just 1.8 per cent, while Quiet Mode stood at 8.7 per cent. Mosseri acknowledged that the company did not publicly disclose the overall low adoption rate, which was reportedly as low as 1 to 2 per cent of accounts during the early period. He said the situation later changed after similar protections were incorporated into Teen Accounts, which Meta introduced in 2024 and which include parental controls. "This is one feature with a disappointingly low usage rate, which since this time has significantly improved," Mosseri said. Mosseri's 90 per cent claim questioned The testimony also focused on a Meta blog post written by Mosseri and published on December 7, 2021, one day before he appeared before Congress to discuss social media's impact on young people. The post said: "Early test results show that once teens set the reminders, more than 90% of them keep them on." Also read | US Supreme Court gives Trump temporary win on mail-in voting restrictions Under questioning, Mosseri acknowledged that the 90 per cent figure referred only to users who had already activated the feature and continued using it. It did not indicate that 90 per cent of teenagers had adopted the tool. Mosseri could not recall whether Meta had ever disclosed the percentage of teen accounts with parental controls activated. Notably, Meta's advertising-driven business model benefits when users spend more time on its platforms. Former employees say tools were ineffective Other witnesses have also questioned whether the safety features worked as intended. Former Meta engineering director Arturo Bejar testified that Take a Break was, in his experience, "a feature that's designed to fail." George Volichenko, a former Instagram data scientist, described adoption as "very low and disappointing" and "a drop in the ocean". He told the court that Meta leadership did not approve making Quiet Mode the default for younger teenagers. He said this limited usage because the feature was difficult to find and that automatically enabling it could have had a "notable negative impact" on user engagement. Francesco Fogu, Meta's director of product design at Instagram, also testified that adoption would be lower when such features were not activated by default. Stakes could reach $200 billion The case could have major consequences for Meta. If the states prevail, they are seeking around $200 billion in penalties. A verdict against Meta could also force significant changes to how the company designs and operates its products. Mosseri is expected to continue testifying on Wednesday. Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is also expected to take the stand, although the timing of his testimony has not been disclosed.

Instagram promoted tools designed to help teenagers spend less time on the platform, but how many actually used them? Meta executive Adam Mosseri faced that question in court as states accused the company of misleading the public about its approach to teen safety.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that Iran is “panicking” over the intensified sanctions announced by Washington the previous day and shared the quotes of political leaders in Tehran to prove the point.&nbsp;“Iran’s leadership is admitting what the world can now see: the pressure is working,” Bessent wrote on X, alongside quotes from Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian about wanting the war to come to an end soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iran’s leadership is admitting what the world can now see: the pressure is working. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged Iran’s economic shortages, saying, “The war must come to an end at some point.” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, was even more… <a href="https://t.co/IEopNO1cT8">pic.twitter.com/IEopNO1cT8</a>&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/2092286355338379405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-says-kennedy-center-fundamentally-unsafe-may-demolish-it-if-court-blocks-renovations-1787685302353">Trump admin says Kennedy Center ‘fundamentally unsafe’, may demolish it if court blocks renovations</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The quotes were published in The Wall Street Journal last week, however, both leaders have since attacked the US sanctions and claimed that they would not pose a concern.&nbsp;“Americans know that no one buys their bombast; the United States is not in an economic position to further restrict its relations with other countries,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.“Iran’s trading partners, both in the media and through messages sent to us, have made it clear that they don’t take these statements into account anywhere,” he added.&nbsp;Iran’s economy minister said on Tuesday that the country had been preparing for sanctions for two years and the US plan would “suffer yet another defeat”.&nbsp;Bessent had referred to the remarks of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Speaker Ghalibaf, in which they mentioned that the war could not continue forever.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-bullying-disrespect-for-sovereignty-iran-cites-us-trade-war-with-canada-as-symptom-of-same-policy-1787680969919">‘Global bullying, disrespect for sovereignty’: Iran cites US trade war with Canada as symptom of same policy</a>&nbsp;Pezeshkian had called for an end to the months-long war with the United States, saying that Tehran holds a position of strength as diplomatic talks remain stalled.&nbsp;“It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian had said.&nbsp;Similarly, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had warned that military strength alone could not ensure the Islamic Republic’s survival if people faced hunger and the economy failed to grow.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-revoke-up-to-200-000-visas-in-largest-such-exercise-against-asylum-seekers-1787674058563">US to revoke up to 200,000 visas in largest such exercise against asylum seekers</a>&nbsp;“No matter how much military power we have, if people are hungry and we don’t have financial circulation, economic growth, and domestic production, we will not endure,” Ghalibaf had said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Ending the war, preserving unity our priority,’ says Iranian president</h2>&nbsp;President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that ending the war is Iran’s priority and the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran was not signed out of submission, but “out of logic and awareness”.&nbsp;Pezeshkian claimed that Iran’s enemies realised they could not defeat the country militarily, so they focused on creating social problems and economic discontent, reported Iranian media.Ending the war and preserving unity are priorities of my government, the Iranian president said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-aircraft-lands-in-moscow-mystery-theories-swirl-as-kremlin-claims-it-has-no-idea-1787665191079">CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip to Russia amid rumours over US military aircraft mystery landing in Moscow</a><h2>Oil prices fall for second straight day after sanctions</h2>&nbsp;Oil prices fell again on Tuesday, despite the announcement of new sanctions on Iran.The price for a barrel of Brent crude fell 3.8% to $87.14 midday and was heading for a second decline following 13 gains in 14 days. The oil prices dropped even though tensions between the US and Iran seemed to ratchet up higher.&nbsp;

President Masoud Pezeshkian had called for an end to the months-long war with the US, saying that Tehran holds a position of strength as diplomatic talks remain stalled. Speaker Ghalibaf had warned that military strength alone could not ensure Iran's survival if people faced hunger.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that Iran is “panicking” over the intensified sanctions announced by Washington the previous day and shared the quotes of political leaders in Tehran to prove the point. “Iran’s leadership is admitting what the world can now see: the pressure is working,” Bessent wrote on X, alongside quotes from Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian about wanting the war to come to an end soon.

President Masoud Pezeshkian had called for an end to the months-long war with the US, saying that Tehran holds a position of strength as diplomatic talks remain stalled. Speaker Ghalibaf had warned that military strength alone could not ensure Iran's survival if people faced hunger.

‘The pressure is working’: Iranian leaders ‘panicking’ over economic sanctions, says Scott Bessent

In its first public comments on the intrigues that have trailed the mass kidnapping in Niger State at the weekend, Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attack as cowardly and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. Public outcry followed the trending video showing hundreds of women, children and elderly people allegedly held captive in a forest. The footage, circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp on Sunday, appears to show large groups of people sitting in a forested location surrounded by armed men, with several children heard crying in the background.&nbsp;The president, in a statement cited on his X handle on Tuesday, expressly gave a matching order to joint security operatives and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation immediately for the victims of the recent mass abduction.&nbsp;"I have directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation immediately for the victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.", the president tweeted, stating that he is outraged by the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigerian-navy-hands-over-nine-suspected-stowaways-to-immigration-service-1787360655557">Nigerian Navy hands over nine suspected stowaways to immigration service</a>&nbsp;"Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free." I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss."&nbsp;"You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you," the statement read. President Tinubu also directed the Service Chiefs to give him regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted are accounted for.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/at-least-50-killed-as-overloaded-boat-capsizes-in-nigeria-1787320822310">At Least 50 Killed As Overloaded Boat Capsizes In Nigeria</a>&nbsp;"Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life." The president said his prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time and that the Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement.

President Bola Tinubu orders Nigeria's military to rescue hundreds of kidnap victims seen in a horrifying video, demanding immediate action against bandits.

In its first public comments on the intrigues that have trailed the mass kidnapping in Niger State at the weekend, Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attack as cowardly and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. Public outcry followed the trending video showing hundreds of women, children and elderly people allegedly held captive in a forest. The footage, circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp on Sunday, appears to show large groups of people sitting in a forested location surrounded by armed men, with several children heard crying in the background. The president, in a statement cited on his X handle on Tuesday, expressly gave a matching order to joint security operatives and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation immediately for the victims of the recent mass abduction. "I have directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation immediately for the victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.", the president tweeted, stating that he is outraged by the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state. Also read: Nigerian Navy hands over nine suspected stowaways to immigration service "Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free." I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss." "You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you," the statement read. President Tinubu also directed the Service Chiefs to give him regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted are accounted for. Also read: At Least 50 Killed As Overloaded Boat Capsizes In Nigeria "Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life." The president said his prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time and that the Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement.

President Bola Tinubu orders Nigeria's military to rescue hundreds of kidnap victims seen in a horrifying video, demanding immediate action against bandits.

Hundreds in kidnap video: President Tinubu gives order to military to rescue victims

The Trump administration has threatened the demolition of the Kennedy Center if the arts institution isn’t allowed to close for two years for renovations. It is the first time that the administration has revealed its intention in the court.“Without those efforts, the Center will deteriorate further into an unsafe, decrepit structure that will be required to be taken down, with a determination to follow on what to build on the site, such as a large outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Potomac River that has been proposed, by some, for many years,” Justice Department attorney Brantley T. Mayers wrote in a court filing on Monday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-bullying-disrespect-for-sovereignty-iran-cites-us-trade-war-with-canada-as-symptom-of-same-policy-1787680969919">‘Global bullying, disrespect for sovereignty’: Iran cites US trade war with Canada as symptom of same policy</a>&nbsp;The filing further states that any potential outdoor amphitheater would “fail to adequately honor” President John F. Kennedy, “but would be simpler and more economical to build, operate, and maintain.”&nbsp;The DOJ attorneys called the Kennedy Center “structurally unsound, fundamentally unsafe, and embarrassing to the Nation’s Capital.”&nbsp;The filing marks a dramatic shift in the administration’s stance on the monthslong saga to renovate the historic arts institution, which has faced multiple legal challenges and criticism from Democrats, musicians, and members of the Kennedy family.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-revoke-up-to-200-000-visas-in-largest-such-exercise-against-asylum-seekers-1787674058563">US to revoke up to 200,000 visas in largest such exercise against asylum seekers</a>&nbsp;Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca had earlier said that the renovations would include a “total replacement of stage lifts and rigging systems” and wide-ranging electrical work and leak prevention that could be completed within two years if the facility was shut down for renovations. However, there was no mention of the possibility of razing the site.&nbsp;Opposing a motion from Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, to block the administration from closing the center completely, Mayers wrote, “Even Beatty should prefer a healthy, restored Center to a decaying hulk that is doomed to inevitable destruction or collapse. The Court should allow the Board and President Trump to bring the Center back to a level of greatness far higher than it has ever had before. This would be the fitting tribute that President Kennedy so well deserves.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-aircraft-lands-in-moscow-mystery-theories-swirl-as-kremlin-claims-it-has-no-idea-1787665191079">CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip to Russia amid rumours over US military aircraft mystery landing in Moscow</a>&nbsp;Beatty claimed the closure decision was rushed and that board members weren’t presented with enough information about various scenarios before having to vote on it.&nbsp;She is also challenging the Trump-appointed board’s renewed bid to add Trump’s name to the front of the building. A judge found the board’s earlier bid to do so to be unlawful and compelled it to remove the president’s name from the building. Trump is appealing and the board voted this month to add his name back to the building in a slightly different way.&nbsp;The next hearing on the planned name change and closure is scheduled on Thursday afternoon.

The DOJ attorneys called the Kennedy Center structurally unsound, fundamentally unsafe, and embarrassing to the Nation’s Capital. The filing states that any potential outdoor amphitheater would fail to adequately honour President John F. Kennedy.

The Trump administration has threatened the demolition of the Kennedy Center if the arts institution isn’t allowed to close for two years for renovations. It is the first time that the administration has revealed its intention in the court. “Without those efforts, the Center will deteriorate further into an unsafe, decrepit structure that will be required to be taken down, with a determination to follow on what to build on the site, such as a large outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Potomac River that has been proposed, by some, for many years,” Justice Department attorney Brantley T. Mayers wrote in a court filing on Monday. Also Read: ‘Global bullying, disrespect for sovereignty’: Iran cites US trade war with Canada as symptom of same policy The filing further states that any potential outdoor amphitheater would “fail to adequately honor” President John F. Kennedy, “but would be simpler and more economical to build, operate, and maintain.” The DOJ attorneys called the Kennedy Center “structurally unsound, fundamentally unsafe, and embarrassing to the Nation’s Capital.” The filing marks a dramatic shift in the administration’s stance on the monthslong saga to renovate the historic arts institution, which has faced multiple legal challenges and criticism from Democrats, musicians, and members of the Kennedy family. Also Read: US to revoke up to 200,000 visas in largest such exercise against asylum seekers Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca had earlier said that the renovations would include a “total replacement of stage lifts and rigging systems” and wide-ranging electrical work and leak prevention that could be completed within two years if the facility was shut down for renovations. However, there was no mention of the possibility of razing the site. Opposing a motion from Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, to block the administration from closing the center completely, Mayers wrote, “Even Beatty should prefer a healthy, restored Center to a decaying hulk that is doomed to inevitable destruction or collapse. The Court should allow the Board and President Trump to bring the Center back to a level of greatness far higher than it has ever had before. This would be the fitting tribute that President Kennedy so well deserves.” Also Read: CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip to Russia amid rumours over US military aircraft mystery landing in Moscow Beatty claimed the closure decision was rushed and that board members weren’t presented with enough information about various scenarios before having to vote on it. She is also challenging the Trump-appointed board’s renewed bid to add Trump’s name to the front of the building. A judge found the board’s earlier bid to do so to be unlawful and compelled it to remove the president’s name from the building. Trump is appealing and the board voted this month to add his name back to the building in a slightly different way. The next hearing on the planned name change and closure is scheduled on Thursday afternoon.

The DOJ attorneys called the Kennedy Center structurally unsound, fundamentally unsafe, and embarrassing to the Nation’s Capital. The filing states that any potential outdoor amphitheater would fail to adequately honour President John F. Kennedy.

Trump admin says Kennedy Center ‘fundamentally unsafe’, may demolish it if court blocks renovations

Iran’s foreign ministry hit back at the US after its tariff war with Canada and compared it to the Trump administration’s “economic D-Day” against Iran, alleging that the US policy is actually about global bullying and disrespect for other countries’ sovereignty.&nbsp;“When a bully declares that every bank, company, port, and government must choose between obeying Washington’s whims or facing American vengeance, this is no longer just about Iran,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei wrote on X.&nbsp;“It is about annihilating the most foundational rules of international law and the UN Charter—namely, respect for the sovereign equality and self-determination of all states," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-revoke-up-to-200-000-visas-in-largest-such-exercise-against-asylum-seekers-1787674058563">US to revoke up to 200,000 visas in largest such exercise against asylum seekers</a>&nbsp;Baghaei invoked the United States’ reignited trade war with Canada, saying it was a symptom of the same policy the US has taken with Iran.&nbsp;“No decent state that values its sovereignty and national interests will accept the normalization of such grand lawlessness and systemic bullying,” he wrote. “Canada is among those already learning that lesson,” Baghaei added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S.: “Economic D-Day.” Those who prefer to appear &#39;as obedient as shadows&#39; say: “This is fine.” But hold on. It is absolutely not fine. When a bully declares that every bank, company, port, and government must choose between obeying Washington’s whims or facing American… <a href="https://t.co/PT1myR0w3G">pic.twitter.com/PT1myR0w3G</a>&mdash; Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) <a href="https://x.com/IRIMFA_SPOX/status/2092273513197416937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>US removed all mines in Hormuz: Trump</h2>&nbsp;President Donald Trump said the US Navy has removed and detonated all mines from the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Iran has been informed that any vessels laying new mines will be “immediately and systematically destroyed”.&nbsp;President Trump said that the US Navy has informed him that “all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz.”“Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-aircraft-lands-in-moscow-mystery-theories-swirl-as-kremlin-claims-it-has-no-idea-1787665191079">CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip to Russia amid rumours over US military aircraft mystery landing in Moscow</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;“There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect,” he added.&nbsp;Trump also claimed that the US was monitoring “every inch" of the waterway and the Pickaxe Mountain area “through Space Force” and added that a “Zero Tolerance Policy” against the replacement of mines was in effect.&nbsp;<h2>Iran, Oman discuss temporary corridor, mine-clearing in Hormuz</h2>&nbsp;Iran and Oman said Tuesday they have discussed establishing a temporary corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.In a joint statement published after Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi’s visit to meet his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, the two countries said that the ministers discussed a phased framework that could provide a practical and implementable basis for moving forward.‎‎This included “the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines,” said the statement.&nbsp;President Trump had claimed earlier on Tuesday that the waterway had been completely de-mined.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-tried-to-assassinate-one-of-my-sons-says-benjamin-netanyahu-justifies-security-cover-1787600874336">‘Iran tried to assassinate one of my sons,’ says Benjamin Netanyahu, justifies security cover</a>&nbsp;Technical negotiations between Iran and Oman would continue with a view to agreeing on a permanent navigational corridor and future administration of the Strait, the joint statement said.&nbsp;A mechanism for information-sharing, traffic management, and the provision of relevant navigational and security services will also be worked out.The two countries, which sit on either side of the strait, have been negotiating over the future of the chokepoint for weeks.

President Donald Trump said the US Navy has removed and detonated all mines from the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Iran has been informed that any vessels laying new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed.

Iran’s foreign ministry hit back at the US after its tariff war with Canada and compared it to the Trump administration’s “economic D-Day” against Iran, alleging that the US policy is actually about global bullying and disrespect for other countries’ sovereignty. “When a bully declares that every bank, company, port, and government must choose between obeying Washington’s whims or facing American vengeance, this is no longer just about Iran,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei wrote on X. “It is about annihilating the most foundational rules of international law and the UN Charter—namely, respect for the sovereign equality and self-determination of all states," he added. Also Read: US to revoke up to 200,000 visas in largest such exercise against asylum seekers Baghaei invoked the United States’ reignited trade war with Canada, saying it was a symptom of the same policy the US has taken with Iran. “No decent state that values its sovereignty and national interests will accept the normalization of such grand lawlessness and systemic bullying,” he wrote. “Canada is among those already learning that lesson,” Baghaei added.

President Donald Trump said the US Navy has removed and detonated all mines from the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Iran has been informed that any vessels laying new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed.

‘Global bullying, disrespect for sovereignty’: Iran cites US trade war with Canada as symptom of same policy

The US Secret Service said that it is aware of the video aired by Iran’s state broadcaster appearing to threaten US President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, the agency confirmed on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump did not directly respond to these threats; however, he shared posts on the Truth Social platform implying that Iran's economy is on the verge of collapsing.&nbsp;“The U.S. Secret Service is aware of the video and investigates anything that can be perceived as a threat toward our protectees,” said Nate Herring US Secret Service spokesperson, in a statement.“Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence,” she added.Iran's state broadcaster earlier in the week aired a segment with an English graphic that reads “Where to Kill Barron Trump” and announced $10 million bounty, according to Iran International, a UK-based outlet. It also disclosed possible locations including Trump Tower and a Washington address tied to New York University, where he is a student.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uncerd-india-human-rights-violations-hate-crimes-report-1787672430013">UNCERD raises concerns over human rights violations against SC, ST and Rohingya</a>Notably, Iran had previously also shared threats targeting the neo-conservative commentator Laura Loomer, late Senator Lindsey Graham, US First Lady Melania Trump and US President Donald Trump. Observers perceived these threats as part of psychological warfare as US Treasury Secretary on Monday announced new measures targetting Iran's economy.&nbsp;Trump did not explicitly respond to these supposed threats. However, he shared several paper cuts; one of them was from the New York Post with headlines such as “Out of Mullah”, “US pushes world to deal final economic blow to Iran”, “The battle for Iran poison snake”. He also claimed that the US has removed “all mines” from the Strait of Hormuz and that the Space Force was persistently monitoring Iran's Pickaxe Mountain and three other nuclear sites.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US Secret Service said it is aware of an Iranian state broadcaster video appearing to threaten Barron Trump and is investigating potential threats.

The US Secret Service said that it is aware of the video aired by Iran’s state broadcaster appearing to threaten US President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, the agency confirmed on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump did not directly respond to these threats; however, he shared posts on the Truth Social platform implying that Iran's economy is on the verge of collapsing. “The U.S. Secret Service is aware of the video and investigates anything that can be perceived as a threat toward our protectees,” said Nate Herring US Secret Service spokesperson, in a statement. “Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence,” she added. Iran's state broadcaster earlier in the week aired a segment with an English graphic that reads “Where to Kill Barron Trump” and announced $10 million bounty, according to Iran International, a UK-based outlet. It also disclosed possible locations including Trump Tower and a Washington address tied to New York University, where he is a student. Also Read: UNCERD raises concerns over human rights violations against SC, ST and Rohingya Notably, Iran had previously also shared threats targeting the neo-conservative commentator Laura Loomer, late Senator Lindsey Graham, US First Lady Melania Trump and US President Donald Trump. Observers perceived these threats as part of psychological warfare as US Treasury Secretary on Monday announced new measures targetting Iran's economy. Trump did not explicitly respond to these supposed threats. However, he shared several paper cuts; one of them was from the New York Post with headlines such as “Out of Mullah”, “US pushes world to deal final economic blow to Iran”, “The battle for Iran poison snake”. He also claimed that the US has removed “all mines” from the Strait of Hormuz and that the Space Force was persistently monitoring Iran's Pickaxe Mountain and three other nuclear sites.

The US Secret Service said it is aware of an Iranian state broadcaster video appearing to threaten Barron Trump and is investigating potential threats.

US Secret Service responds to Iran video threatening Barron Trump

In a direct policy statement, US President Donald Trump announced that he has ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" joint military manoeuvres with South Korea. Citing his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, President Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with the long-standing military alliance agreements that govern these drills. He criticised the joint exercises on two main fronts: financial strain and diplomatic signalling. According to the US president, the operations are excessively costly, with the United States shouldering a disproportionate share of the financial burden. Furthermore, he argued that conducting these manoeuvres sends an unnecessary and hostile signal to Pyongyang, which he characterised as unthreatening and respectful throughout his presidency. While acknowledging it was too late to cancel the current cycle of exercises outright, President Trump confirmed that Secretary Hegseth has been directed to scale back their scope immediately.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-verdict-is-trump-ending-the-iran-war-or-starting-a-bigger-economic-battle-1787587327190">The Verdict: Is Trump ending the Iran war or starting a bigger economic battle?</a> &nbsp;In the same statement, President Trump shared an unexpected diplomatic exchange regarding West Asia. He noted that he recently approached the President of South Korea to ask whether the nation would join US efforts aimed at the denuclearisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to Trump, South Korean leadership explicitly declined the proposal with a concise "No thanks!"&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fresh-us-sanctions-china-opposes-trump-economic-pressure-1787592053765">China 'trumps' Trump on Iran sanctions, calls for return to talks | Gravitas</a> The announcement underscores the administration's ongoing "America First" strategy regarding foreign military commitments and burden-sharing among allies. Decreasing joint military drills has long been a key point of friction between Washington, Seoul, and Pyongyang. While Washington historically views the exercises as essential for regional deterrence, Pyongyang consistently labels them as rehearsals for invasion. This decision to curtail the drills marks another bold recalibration of American military strategy and diplomatic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has ordered a major scale-back of joint military drills with South Korea, citing high financial costs and ongoing diplomatic outreach to North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

In a direct policy statement, US President Donald Trump announced that he has ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" joint military manoeuvres with South Korea. Citing his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, President Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with the long-standing military alliance agreements that govern these drills. He criticised the joint exercises on two main fronts: financial strain and diplomatic signalling. According to the US president, the operations are excessively costly, with the United States shouldering a disproportionate share of the financial burden. Furthermore, he argued that conducting these manoeuvres sends an unnecessary and hostile signal to Pyongyang, which he characterised as unthreatening and respectful throughout his presidency. While acknowledging it was too late to cancel the current cycle of exercises outright, President Trump confirmed that Secretary Hegseth has been directed to scale back their scope immediately. Also read: The Verdict: Is Trump ending the Iran war or starting a bigger economic battle? In the same statement, President Trump shared an unexpected diplomatic exchange regarding West Asia. He noted that he recently approached the President of South Korea to ask whether the nation would join US efforts aimed at the denuclearisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to Trump, South Korean leadership explicitly declined the proposal with a concise "No thanks!" Also read: China 'trumps' Trump on Iran sanctions, calls for return to talks | Gravitas The announcement underscores the administration's ongoing "America First" strategy regarding foreign military commitments and burden-sharing among allies. Decreasing joint military drills has long been a key point of friction between Washington, Seoul, and Pyongyang. While Washington historically views the exercises as essential for regional deterrence, Pyongyang consistently labels them as rehearsals for invasion. This decision to curtail the drills marks another bold recalibration of American military strategy and diplomatic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

US President Donald Trump has ordered a major scale-back of joint military drills with South Korea, citing high financial costs and ongoing diplomatic outreach to North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

US-South Korea military drills scaled back: Trump cites 'good relationship' with Kim Jong Un and costs

Until December 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa was one of the most wanted terrorists for America, with a bounty of $10 million.In a dramatic reversal of fortunes, the US now not only values al-Sharaa as a cherished partner but has also delisted Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism.Making this announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, and I quote, “This action unlocks new potential for Syria's economic revitalisation and progress.”Now, what was the trigger for this US move?Rubio linked it to the al-Sharaa-led government's counter-terrorism efforts against ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups.Thus, only Iran, Cuba and North Korea remain on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.Emphasising the significance of this move, al-Sharaa stated that Syria has torn away a painful chapter of its past. He also thanked US President Donald Trump and other friendly nations for the removal of sanctions.This assumes significance as Syria has been seeking billions of dollars in investment to rebuild after a long civil war.Why was this so crucial for Syria?The country had been on the list since 1979, when Washington accused the government led by then-President Hafez al-Assad of supporting militant groups.While Trump removed major sanctions on Syria in July last year, the State Sponsor of Terrorism tag remained a major deterrent for banks and investors.According to the country's finance minister, this would help Syria reconnect to the global economic system and boost investment.Now, the delisting followed months of negotiations between Damascus and Washington over Syria's economic and foreign policy.According to Reuters, Syria agreed to drastically reduce imports of Russian oil in exchange for removing its terror designation.Meanwhile, the mood on the streets was positive, with people hoping that it will help improve the current state of affairs.This also raises a key question: Can Syria regain its lost glory?It is an ancient land with a rich history and has been home to diverse cultures, ethnicities and religions.During the Umayyad Caliphate, Damascus was considered the capital of the Islamic world.At present, though, Syria is perceived as a Balkanised country.Its geographical location also plays a key role.The latest move by the US might bolster Syria, which has been demanding an end to strikes and incursions by its western neighbour, Israel.Israel controls the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967.While the UN created a 400-square-kilometre area of separation between the Golan Heights and Syria after the 1973 war, Israeli forces entered the demilitarised zone in 2024 following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.The other key player is Türkiye, which controls close to 5% of Syrian territory in the north.With Türkiye emerging as one of al-Sharaa's main allies, helping train its army and rebuild its state institutions and infrastructure, Israel has become increasingly wary of its influence.The situation escalated last week when Israel carried out strikes on the Abu al-Duhur base in Syria near the Turkish border.This drew condemnation even from the US envoy to Syria, who called the attack an “unnecessary escalation”.Subsequently, Syria and Israel held high-level, US-mediated talks in Jordan to revive negotiations for a security agreement.As far as Trump is concerned, al-Sharaa's elevation has been critical, as the US has gained a key ally in West Asia.The Assad dynasty, which ruled Syria for over five decades, shared very close ties with Iran and played a crucial role in empowering Hezbollah.In contrast, the al-Sharaa government has disrupted arms supply routes through Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon.Additionally, it has arrested members of several Syria-based cells linked to Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Lebanon.With Syria finally getting rid of the terror tag, it remains to be seen whether al-Sharaa can translate this diplomatic breakthrough into lasting economic recovery, political stability and greater regional influence.

The US has removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list. Here's how Ahmed al-Sharaa's rise and Syria's diplomatic shift changed ties with Washington.

Until December 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa was one of the most wanted terrorists for America, with a bounty of $10 million. In a dramatic reversal of fortunes, the US now not only values al-Sharaa as a cherished partner but has also delisted Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism. Making this announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, and I quote, “This action unlocks new potential for Syria's economic revitalisation and progress.” Now, what was the trigger for this US move? Rubio linked it to the al-Sharaa-led government's counter-terrorism efforts against ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups. Thus, only Iran, Cuba and North Korea remain on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. Emphasising the significance of this move, al-Sharaa stated that Syria has torn away a painful chapter of its past. He also thanked US President Donald Trump and other friendly nations for the removal of sanctions. This assumes significance as Syria has been seeking billions of dollars in investment to rebuild after a long civil war. Why was this so crucial for Syria? The country had been on the list since 1979, when Washington accused the government led by then-President Hafez al-Assad of supporting militant groups. While Trump removed major sanctions on Syria in July last year, the State Sponsor of Terrorism tag remained a major deterrent for banks and investors. According to the country's finance minister, this would help Syria reconnect to the global economic system and boost investment. Now, the delisting followed months of negotiations between Damascus and Washington over Syria's economic and foreign policy. According to Reuters, Syria agreed to drastically reduce imports of Russian oil in exchange for removing its terror designation. Meanwhile, the mood on the streets was positive, with people hoping that it will help improve the current state of affairs. This also raises a key question: Can Syria regain its lost glory? It is an ancient land with a rich history and has been home to diverse cultures, ethnicities and religions. During the Umayyad Caliphate, Damascus was considered the capital of the Islamic world. At present, though, Syria is perceived as a Balkanised country. Its geographical location also plays a key role. The latest move by the US might bolster Syria, which has been demanding an end to strikes and incursions by its western neighbour, Israel. Israel controls the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. While the UN created a 400-square-kilometre area of separation between the Golan Heights and Syria after the 1973 war, Israeli forces entered the demilitarised zone in 2024 following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. The other key player is Türkiye, which controls close to 5% of Syrian territory in the north. With Türkiye emerging as one of al-Sharaa's main allies, helping train its army and rebuild its state institutions and infrastructure, Israel has become increasingly wary of its influence. The situation escalated last week when Israel carried out strikes on the Abu al-Duhur base in Syria near the Turkish border. This drew condemnation even from the US envoy to Syria, who called the attack an “unnecessary escalation”. Subsequently, Syria and Israel held high-level, US-mediated talks in Jordan to revive negotiations for a security agreement. As far as Trump is concerned, al-Sharaa's elevation has been critical, as the US has gained a key ally in West Asia. The Assad dynasty, which ruled Syria for over five decades, shared very close ties with Iran and played a crucial role in empowering Hezbollah. In contrast, the al-Sharaa government has disrupted arms supply routes through Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Additionally, it has arrested members of several Syria-based cells linked to Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Lebanon. With Syria finally getting rid of the terror tag, it remains to be seen whether al-Sharaa can translate this diplomatic breakthrough into lasting economic recovery, political stability and greater regional influence.

The US has removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list. Here's how Ahmed al-Sharaa's rise and Syria's diplomatic shift changed ties with Washington.

America's stunning Syria U-turn: From terror list to US partner | Gravitas

Iran and Oman’s foreign ministers on Tuesday (August 25) said they discussed plans for a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint project to clear mines from the waterway.&nbsp;The two countries have been working to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz under the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The waterway became a major flashpoint during the Middle East war.&nbsp;Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi "discussed a phased framework that could provide a practical and implementable basis for moving forward" during talks in Tehran, Oman said in a joint statement.&nbsp;The proposed framework "includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines," the statement said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-hits-back-at-trump-with-tariffs-of-up-to-50-percent-on-us-goods-as-trade-war-escalates-1787672086990">Canada hits back at Trump with tariffs of up to 50% on US goods as trade war escalates</a><h3>Talks planned for permanent corridor</h3>The two sides will continue technical talks on a "permanent navigational corridor and future administration of the Strait". They will also discuss information sharing, traffic management, and navigation and security services.&nbsp;Iran and Oman also said states bordering the Gulf should take part in joint discussions on the waterway.&nbsp;The announcement came as US President Donald Trump repeated his claim on Truth Social that "all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz," according to the US Navy.&nbsp;"Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed... There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect," he added.<h3>Strait remains largely blocked</h3>The war began after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Tehran then quickly blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington imposed a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports.&nbsp;Shipping through the strait remains largely paralysed. The disruption has affected global oil markets because the waterway normally carries around one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports.&nbsp;Iran and Oman, which both border the strait, have discussed the future of navigation through the waterway for several weeks. Tehran has said the geographical coordinates of a route proposed by the two countries "have been agreed upon".&nbsp;However, Iranian officials have said the strait will not fully reopen until the United States meets Tehran’s demands. These include lifting the naval blockade, ending oil sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad.

Iran and Oman discussed a phased framework for a temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint mine-clearing project, with talks also continuing on a permanent shipping route.

Iran and Oman’s foreign ministers on Tuesday (August 25) said they discussed plans for a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint project to clear mines from the waterway. The two countries have been working to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz under the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The waterway became a major flashpoint during the Middle East war. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi "discussed a phased framework that could provide a practical and implementable basis for moving forward" during talks in Tehran, Oman said in a joint statement. The proposed framework "includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines," the statement said. Also Read: Canada hits back at Trump with tariffs of up to 50% on US goods as trade war escalates Talks planned for permanent corridor The two sides will continue technical talks on a "permanent navigational corridor and future administration of the Strait". They will also discuss information sharing, traffic management, and navigation and security services. Iran and Oman also said states bordering the Gulf should take part in joint discussions on the waterway. The announcement came as US President Donald Trump repeated his claim on Truth Social that "all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz," according to the US Navy. "Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed... There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect," he added. Strait remains largely blocked The war began after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Tehran then quickly blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington imposed a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports. Shipping through the strait remains largely paralysed. The disruption has affected global oil markets because the waterway normally carries around one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Iran and Oman, which both border the strait, have discussed the future of navigation through the waterway for several weeks. Tehran has said the geographical coordinates of a route proposed by the two countries "have been agreed upon". However, Iranian officials have said the strait will not fully reopen until the United States meets Tehran’s demands. These include lifting the naval blockade, ending oil sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad.

Iran and Oman discussed a phased framework for a temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint mine-clearing project, with talks also continuing on a permanent shipping route.

Iran, Oman plan temporary Hormuz corridor, Trump claims all mines have been cleared

After a breakdown in trade talks, Canada announced counter tariffs on US goods ranging between 15 to 50 percent from September 8 onwards. This came in response to Trump imposing a 50% tariff on around 20 billion dollars of Canadian goods.&nbsp;Canada has also announced an aid package of 5.4 billion US dollars for workers and firms hit by US tariffs.&nbsp;Earlier, Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened that Canada can cut off electricity and critical mineral supply to America. He told the media that everything is on the table if the dispute worsens.&nbsp;He also observed that Trump had underestimated Canadians' willingness to endure economic pain rather than give in to US pressure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, why does this matter for US? Critical minerals are increasingly important to US national security as they are essential components of military aircraft, missiles as well as munitions, which have been depleted in the Iran war. As US tries to reduce its reliance on China, Canada's role is vital, as it is a leading global producer of critical minerals. Aluminium, copper, potash, nickel and uranium make up the majority of its critical mineral exports, which increased by 3% to 49.4 billion US dollars in 2025. Last year, Canada's critical mineral exports to US reached 28.8 billion US dollars, accounting for 57% of the country's critical mineral exports. In terms of electricity too, Ontario in particular has leverage, as its power grid connects directly across the US border to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Last year, the Ontario premier had planned to impose a 25% surcharge on electricity exported to these three US states. Now, did language also play a role in scuttling the talks? While visiting a shipyard in Quebec, Canadian PM Mark Carney told attendees that Canada could not accept a proposed trade deal that would have weakened French language protections in the country. Accusing America of trying to destroy its key industries, he made it clear that Canada is not a subsidiary of US. However, Trump accused Carney of lying on the French language issue for political gain. He said, “I would never interfere with Canadians speaking French. In fact, I have never even thought of doing such a stupid thing.” Earlier, the US President claimed that Canada had been ripping off America for years and also hinted that US may change Lake Ontario's name to Lake America. Trump has also repeatedly riled Canada by suggesting that it should become the 51st state of US. While a trade deal continues to elude both nations, China may emerge as a key beneficiary. Earlier this year, Canada reached an agreement with China to remove trade barriers and reduce tariffs. The agreements with China were expected to unlock export orders worth three billion US dollars for Canadian businesses. With Canada's latest slew of counter-tariffs, it appears extremely likely that tensions between the two countries Will exacerbate even further.

President Donald Trump claimed that Canada had been ripping off America for years and also hinted that US may change Lake Ontario's name to Lake America. Trump has repeatedly riled Canada by suggesting that it should become the 51st state of US.

After a breakdown in trade talks, Canada announced counter tariffs on US goods ranging between 15 to 50 percent from September 8 onwards. This came in response to Trump imposing a 50% tariff on around 20 billion dollars of Canadian goods. Canada has also announced an aid package of 5.4 billion US dollars for workers and firms hit by US tariffs. Earlier, Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened that Canada can cut off electricity and critical mineral supply to America. He told the media that everything is on the table if the dispute worsens. He also observed that Trump had underestimated Canadians' willingness to endure economic pain rather than give in to US pressure.

President Donald Trump claimed that Canada had been ripping off America for years and also hinted that US may change Lake Ontario's name to Lake America. Trump has repeatedly riled Canada by suggesting that it should become the 51st state of US.

Canada announces 15-50% tariffs on US goods, warns of stopping critical minerals supply to US | Gravitas

Our next story is from UK. Are prisons in Britain becoming breeding grounds for religious conversions? If Shadow Justice Secretary and Conservative MP Nick Timothy is to be believed, this is supposedly the case. He has now alleged that white prisoners are being forced to convert to Islam. And what is his hypothesis for this? Referring to data allegedly published by UK's Ministry of Justice, he claimed that one in five Muslims in UK jails is white.&nbsp;This is nearly four times the rate of 5.8% in the country's general population. According to reports, the number of white Muslims in UK jails has increased by 16% from 2022 to 2025. This is not all. The UK MP also claimed that the number of Muslims in UK jails have increased, accounting for 18% of the prison population. This comes despite Muslims making up only 6.5% of the general population. In wake of this, he called upon the UK government to initiate a probe and stamp out forced religion conversions in jails.&nbsp;Now, this is not an isolated accusation. It has reflected in reports commissioned by the UK government in the past. For instance, Jonathan Hall who led a review of a legislation on terrorism in jails found that some charismatic or violent prisoners act as self-styled emirs and ensure religious conversions by implicit or actual violence. He claimed that two jailed terrorists had threatened other inmates in a bid to convert them to Islam. Another report by Colin Bloom stated that a new prisoner's failure to identify as a Muslim would lead to him being denied protection from the dominant Muslim gang in jail.&nbsp;Responding to the UK MP's claims, a UK government spokesperson affirmed that there is no tolerance for intimidation, gang activity or faith-based coercion of any kind in Britain's prisons. The government also stressed that prison staff act swiftly to clamp down on threatening behaviour from any groups or individuals. Last month, a report released by Britain's inspector of prisons revealed how dire the situation is.&nbsp;After a thorough inspection of prisons he found that availability of illicit drugs often brought in by drones remained the most significant threat to safety across UK's jails. The forced conversion row is yet another wake-up call for the government in Britain.

UK prisons face fresh allegations of forced Islamic conversions, amid concerns over religious coercion, prison gangs, extremism and inmate safety

Our next story is from UK. Are prisons in Britain becoming breeding grounds for religious conversions? If Shadow Justice Secretary and Conservative MP Nick Timothy is to be believed, this is supposedly the case. He has now alleged that white prisoners are being forced to convert to Islam. And what is his hypothesis for this? Referring to data allegedly published by UK's Ministry of Justice, he claimed that one in five Muslims in UK jails is white. This is nearly four times the rate of 5.8% in the country's general population. According to reports, the number of white Muslims in UK jails has increased by 16% from 2022 to 2025. This is not all. The UK MP also claimed that the number of Muslims in UK jails have increased, accounting for 18% of the prison population. This comes despite Muslims making up only 6.5% of the general population. In wake of this, he called upon the UK government to initiate a probe and stamp out forced religion conversions in jails. Now, this is not an isolated accusation. It has reflected in reports commissioned by the UK government in the past. For instance, Jonathan Hall who led a review of a legislation on terrorism in jails found that some charismatic or violent prisoners act as self-styled emirs and ensure religious conversions by implicit or actual violence. He claimed that two jailed terrorists had threatened other inmates in a bid to convert them to Islam. Another report by Colin Bloom stated that a new prisoner's failure to identify as a Muslim would lead to him being denied protection from the dominant Muslim gang in jail. Responding to the UK MP's claims, a UK government spokesperson affirmed that there is no tolerance for intimidation, gang activity or faith-based coercion of any kind in Britain's prisons. The government also stressed that prison staff act swiftly to clamp down on threatening behaviour from any groups or individuals. Last month, a report released by Britain's inspector of prisons revealed how dire the situation is. After a thorough inspection of prisons he found that availability of illicit drugs often brought in by drones remained the most significant threat to safety across UK's jails. The forced conversion row is yet another wake-up call for the government in Britain.

UK prisons face allegations of forced Islamic conversions as concerns grow over religious coercion, gang influence and safety behind bars

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