Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Sardar Mohebi said on Sunday that the decision of the United States to opt for economic warfare against Iran is proof of its defeat on the battlefield. Mohebi said US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an intensified economic campaign against Tehran amounts to a “tacit admission” of failure in the military arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If you were victorious in the military arena, you wouldn’t have to start an economic war,” he said, according to Iranian state media.&nbsp;Economic pressure is nothing new, Mohebi said further, noting that Iran has faced sanctions on its “economic pillars” for 47 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that the US goal now is simply to “create perception” and shape public belief.Mohebi said the IRGC has “a scenario for every hostile action” by the US, including plans to blunt the effects of economic war and expand relations with other countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;The IRGC spokesman then claimed that Iran is already “bypassing America” through economic interactions with the US itself, saying the results would become visible “in the near future.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Use NGOs to record US, Israeli crimes,’ says Foreign Ministry</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Sunday that Tehran should make more use of NGOs to document what he described as crimes committed by the US and Israel for possible use in domestic and international courts.&nbsp;Speaking at a joint news conference with the head of Iran’s National Organisation for Social Affairs, Baghaei said the government remains in regular contact with “friendship associations” and helps them engage audiences abroad through diplomacy, public diplomacy and cultural work.&nbsp;He added that the impact of US and other Western sanctions on people’s livelihoods, medicine and healthcare was among the issues these groups could highlight.&nbsp;“The crimes committed by the United States in Minab, Lamard and Qeshm are just three examples,” Baghaei said. “These crimes are numerous and diverse, and they must be documented,” he emphasised.

Sardar Mohebi said the IRGC has “a scenario for every hostile action” by the US, including plans to blunt the effects of economic war and expand relations with other countries. He then claimed that Iran is already “bypassing America” through economic interactions with the US itself.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Sardar Mohebi said on Sunday that the decision of the United States to opt for economic warfare against Iran is proof of its defeat on the battlefield. Mohebi said US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an intensified economic campaign against Tehran amounts to a “tacit admission” of failure in the military arena. “If you were victorious in the military arena, you wouldn’t have to start an economic war,” he said, according to Iranian state media. Economic pressure is nothing new, Mohebi said further, noting that Iran has faced sanctions on its “economic pillars” for 47 years. He added that the US goal now is simply to “create perception” and shape public belief. Mohebi said the IRGC has “a scenario for every hostile action” by the US, including plans to blunt the effects of economic war and expand relations with other countries. The IRGC spokesman then claimed that Iran is already “bypassing America” through economic interactions with the US itself, saying the results would become visible “in the near future.” ‘Use NGOs to record US, Israeli crimes,’ says Foreign Ministry Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Sunday that Tehran should make more use of NGOs to document what he described as crimes committed by the US and Israel for possible use in domestic and international courts. Speaking at a joint news conference with the head of Iran’s National Organisation for Social Affairs, Baghaei said the government remains in regular contact with “friendship associations” and helps them engage audiences abroad through diplomacy, public diplomacy and cultural work. He added that the impact of US and other Western sanctions on people’s livelihoods, medicine and healthcare was among the issues these groups could highlight. “The crimes committed by the United States in Minab, Lamard and Qeshm are just three examples,” Baghaei said. “These crimes are numerous and diverse, and they must be documented,” he emphasised.

Sardar Mohebi said the IRGC has “a scenario for every hostile action” by the US, including plans to blunt the effects of economic war and expand relations with other countries. He then claimed that Iran is already “bypassing America” through economic interactions with the US itself.

US switch to economic war against Iran is admission of its ‘military defeat’: IRGC

China’s robotic Chang’e-7 mission, designed to scour the moon’s south pole for water ice cannot take place during the planned window this year, said China Manned Space Engineering Office in a statement shared by Chinese state media. The highly anticipated launch &nbsp;was expected Sunday evening, or Monday morning Beijing time from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on the island of Hainan.&nbsp;The exact cause for the delay was not clear, however, the state-run Xinhua news agency said that the, “lunar probe does not meet launch conditions,” and the “assessment was conducted following the principle of prudence, reliability and absolute mission success.”&nbsp;China has also not given the next date for the fresh launch as it is highly tight-lipped about its space activities. For instance, China announces who's flying on its crewed missions just one day before liftoff.&nbsp;Some online reports suggest that Chang'e 7 could lift off as soon as September, while others — including today's Xinua story — think it will not happen before 2027.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-trump-declare-national-emergency-to-nationalise-midterm-elections-critics-think-so-and-supporters-want-him-to-1787497512485">Will Trump declare national emergency to 'nationalise' midterm elections? Critics think so, and supporters want him to</a>&nbsp;The United States and China are jostling to build settlements on the moon’s south pole, where water is said to exist in frozen abundance inside shadowy craters.&nbsp;No mission has so far directly analyzed water on the moon. Though the US has detected and begun estimating the size of water ice stores it is yet to successfully send a probe to drill for the resource.&nbsp;Chang'e 7 consists of an orbiter and a lander, which will likely touch down on the rim of Shackleton Crater, near the moon's south pole which is said to harbour lots of water ice on craters that have remained away from sunlight for billions of years. &nbsp;

China has not given the next date for the fresh launch of Chang’e-7 mission as it is highly tight-lipped about its space activities.

China’s robotic Chang’e-7 mission, designed to scour the moon’s south pole for water ice cannot take place during the planned window this year, said China Manned Space Engineering Office in a statement shared by Chinese state media. The highly anticipated launch was expected Sunday evening, or Monday morning Beijing time from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on the island of Hainan. The exact cause for the delay was not clear, however, the state-run Xinhua news agency said that the, “lunar probe does not meet launch conditions,” and the “assessment was conducted following the principle of prudence, reliability and absolute mission success.” China has also not given the next date for the fresh launch as it is highly tight-lipped about its space activities. For instance, China announces who's flying on its crewed missions just one day before liftoff. Some online reports suggest that Chang'e 7 could lift off as soon as September, while others — including today's Xinua story — think it will not happen before 2027. ALSO READ: Will Trump declare national emergency to 'nationalise' midterm elections? Critics think so, and supporters want him to The United States and China are jostling to build settlements on the moon’s south pole, where water is said to exist in frozen abundance inside shadowy craters. No mission has so far directly analyzed water on the moon. Though the US has detected and begun estimating the size of water ice stores it is yet to successfully send a probe to drill for the resource. Chang'e 7 consists of an orbiter and a lander, which will likely touch down on the rim of Shackleton Crater, near the moon's south pole which is said to harbour lots of water ice on craters that have remained away from sunlight for billions of years.

China has not given the next date for the fresh launch of Chang’e-7 mission as it is highly tight-lipped about its space activities.

China's water hunting space mission to moon's south pole postponed

Israel on Sunday carried out two airstrikes in Gaza, killing at least two people, including a 4-year-old boy and wounding seven others, Palestinian health officials said. The strike hit a building in Zawayda town in the central section of Gaza City.&nbsp;The 4-year-old boy has been identified as Mohammad Abdel-Salam Taha. According to medics, flying shrapnel and debris from the explosion spread across dozens of metres, wounding him along with six others and later pronounced dead at the hospital.&nbsp;The strike occurred despite an ongoing, US-backed ceasefire that originally took effect in October 2025. The IDF has not commented on the strike. "There is no ceasefire, there is nothing," said Abu Ahmed, a displaced Palestinian ⁠who was sheltering close to the building, which the airstrike reduced to a pile of mangled steel and concrete."We want ​solutions, we want to live in peace," he said.A separate strike targeted the nearby Nuseirat refugee camp area and the adjacent Maghazi camp. Palestinian health officials confirmed casualties from this second location, where at least one other individual was killed.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-invited-makkah-defence-pact-saudi-turkey-pakistan-1787485962086">Iran reportedly invited to join Makkah Defence Pact amid Saudi-Houthi tensions</a><h2>Israeli settler violence continues in occupied West Bank&nbsp;</h2>Israeli army on Sunday arrested 14 people in the occupied West Bank, including a child. Occupiers burnt a residential room, set fire to a vehicle and spray-painted racist slogans in the northern part of the town of Osarin, south of Nablus in the northern West Bank, reported Turkish news agency Anadolu. Separately, in Bethlehem, occupiers attacked irrigation pipes and uprooted olive and grape trees. In Ramallah, Israeli forces closed the western entrance to al-Mughayyir village, subjected some Palestinians to field interrogations and fired tear gas toward vehicles. Occupiers also burned a tent, equipment and animal feed belonging to a Palestinian farmer on the outskirts of Burqa village, east of Ramallah. The Israeli settler violence has continued to increase since the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least two people, including a 4-year-old boy, and wounded seven others amid an ongoing US-backed ceasefire.

Israel on Sunday carried out two airstrikes in Gaza, killing at least two people, including a 4-year-old boy and wounding seven others, Palestinian health officials said. The strike hit a building in Zawayda town in the central section of Gaza City. The 4-year-old boy has been identified as Mohammad Abdel-Salam Taha. According to medics, flying shrapnel and debris from the explosion spread across dozens of metres, wounding him along with six others and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The strike occurred despite an ongoing, US-backed ceasefire that originally took effect in October 2025. The IDF has not commented on the strike. "There is no ceasefire, there is nothing," said Abu Ahmed, a displaced Palestinian ⁠who was sheltering close to the building, which the airstrike reduced to a pile of mangled steel and concrete. "We want solutions, we want to live in peace," he said. A separate strike targeted the nearby Nuseirat refugee camp area and the adjacent Maghazi camp. Palestinian health officials confirmed casualties from this second location, where at least one other individual was killed. Also Read: Iran reportedly invited to join Makkah Defence Pact amid Saudi-Houthi tensions Israeli settler violence continues in occupied West Bank Israeli army on Sunday arrested 14 people in the occupied West Bank, including a child. Occupiers burnt a residential room, set fire to a vehicle and spray-painted racist slogans in the northern part of the town of Osarin, south of Nablus in the northern West Bank, reported Turkish news agency Anadolu. Separately, in Bethlehem, occupiers attacked irrigation pipes and uprooted olive and grape trees. In Ramallah, Israeli forces closed the western entrance to al-Mughayyir village, subjected some Palestinians to field interrogations and fired tear gas toward vehicles. Occupiers also burned a tent, equipment and animal feed belonging to a Palestinian farmer on the outskirts of Burqa village, east of Ramallah. The Israeli settler violence has continued to increase since the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least two people, including a 4-year-old boy, and wounded seven others amid an ongoing US-backed ceasefire.

Israel airstrikes kill 2 in Gaza, including 4-year-old boy, amid ceasefire

A group of 21 former international cricket captains, including India legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, has renewed its appeal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling on his government to ensure “humane treatment and proper medical care” for former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan. The latest appeal, issued on August 23, comes amid growing concerns about Khan’s health and follows recent developments involving a court-directed medical examination. The 73-year-old former Pakistan captain has been in custody for more than three years.&nbsp;The latest letter comes six months after an initial appeal signed by 14 former international captains. Seven additional former captains have now joined the group. In their latest communication to Sharif, the former cricketers stressed that their intervention was motivated by their shared history with Khan on the cricket field and was not intended to interfere in Pakistan’s political affairs. "Dear Prime Minister, six months ago, fourteen former international cricket captains wrote to you and the Pakistani government appealing for humane treatment and proper medical care for Imran Khan. We wrote then not as politicians, but as former colleagues and rivals who share a bond forged on the cricket field, one that transcends the borders and disputes that too often divide countries. We write again now, joined by seven further former captains, because of what has reportedly just occurred," they wrote.&nbsp;The former captains pointed to a Pakistan Supreme Court order directing that Khan be moved to a hospital for examination by a medical board that would include his personal physicians and his sister, Dr Uzma Khan. The court had also restored weekly family visits. "Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered that Imran Khan be transferred to a hospital for examination by a medical board that was to include his own personal physicians and his sister, Dr Uzma Khan. The Court also reinstated weekly family visits. These were very welcome steps," the letter said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/crowd-favourite-an-se-young-clinches-her-second-title-at-bwf-world-championships-1787492797944">Crowd favourite An Se-Young clinches her second title at BWF World Championships</a>&nbsp;However, the signatories expressed concern over what they described as the subsequent handling of the medical examination. "Concerningly, Mr Khan's hospital stay lasted only a few hours. He was examined by a state-appointed team rather than the board the Court had directed, declared 'medically fit,' and returned to Adiala Jail before that board could complete its work. His family and legal team say this falls short of what the court ordered," it added.&nbsp;The former captains made three specific requests in their renewed appeal. First, they called for the medical board ordered by the Supreme Court to be allowed to carry out a full and independent assessment of Khan’s health, including concerns about reported loss of vision in his right eye. Second, they urged authorities to implement the weekly family visits restored by the court without interruptions or administrative delays. Third, they called for any medical treatment recommended following the assessment to be provided without delay.&nbsp;The group reiterated that it was not attempting to take a position on Pakistan’s domestic political or legal disputes. "We're not asking Pakistan for anything unusual, just that a court order most countries would take for granted is actually carried out. We do not presume to adjudicate Pakistan's domestic legal processes. That is not our place, and it was not the spirit in which we wrote in February," they wrote.&nbsp;The former captains then formally restated their demands: "But we do ask, again, respectfully: 1. That the medical board directed by the Supreme Court, including Mr Khan's own doctors, be permitted to complete a full and independent assessment of his health, particularly the reported loss of vision in his right eye. 2. That the weekly family visits reinstated by the Court be honoured without interruption or administrative delay," the letter stated.&nbsp;They followed this with their third request for Khan to receive any treatment deemed necessary after the medical assessment."3. That whatever the outcome of that medical assessment, the treatment recommended by it be provided without delay. Imran Khan is 73 years old and has now spent more than three years in custody," they wrote.&nbsp;The former cricketers said that regardless of the legal and political issues surrounding Khan’s case, completing a court-ordered medical process should be viewed as a basic matter of fairness and dignity. "Whatever the legal and political arguments surrounding his case, the basic decency of ensuring a court-ordered medical process is actually completed is not, in our view, a controversial request. It is one we believe every nation that plays this game would recognise as fair."&nbsp;The letter ended with a call for a swift resolution and respectful treatment of the former Pakistan captain. "We hope this matter can be resolved expeditiously and with the dignity Mr Imran Khan deserves. Yours in cricket," the former captains added.<h2>Who signed the appeal?</h2>The signatories include prominent former captains from England, Australia, India, the West Indies, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.England is represented by Michael Atherton, Michael Brearley, Sir Alastair Cook, David Gower, Nasser Hussain and Sir Andrew Strauss. Australia’s signatories include Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Kim Hughes and Stephen Waugh. India is represented by Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar. The other prominent names include former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd, former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga and former New Zealand captain John Wright.

21 former cricket captains including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev renew their appeal to Shehbaz Sharif for humane treatment and medical care for Imran Khan

A group of 21 former international cricket captains, including India legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, has renewed its appeal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling on his government to ensure “humane treatment and proper medical care” for former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan. The latest appeal, issued on August 23, comes amid growing concerns about Khan’s health and follows recent developments involving a court-directed medical examination. The 73-year-old former Pakistan captain has been in custody for more than three years. The latest letter comes six months after an initial appeal signed by 14 former international captains. Seven additional former captains have now joined the group. In their latest communication to Sharif, the former cricketers stressed that their intervention was motivated by their shared history with Khan on the cricket field and was not intended to interfere in Pakistan’s political affairs. "Dear Prime Minister, six months ago, fourteen former international cricket captains wrote to you and the Pakistani government appealing for humane treatment and proper medical care for Imran Khan. We wrote then not as politicians, but as former colleagues and rivals who share a bond forged on the cricket field, one that transcends the borders and disputes that too often divide countries. We write again now, joined by seven further former captains, because of what has reportedly just occurred," they wrote. The former captains pointed to a Pakistan Supreme Court order directing that Khan be moved to a hospital for examination by a medical board that would include his personal physicians and his sister, Dr Uzma Khan. The court had also restored weekly family visits. "Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered that Imran Khan be transferred to a hospital for examination by a medical board that was to include his own personal physicians and his sister, Dr Uzma Khan. The Court also reinstated weekly family visits. These were very welcome steps," the letter said. Also Read: Crowd favourite An Se-Young clinches her second title at BWF World Championships However, the signatories expressed concern over what they described as the subsequent handling of the medical examination. "Concerningly, Mr Khan's hospital stay lasted only a few hours. He was examined by a state-appointed team rather than the board the Court had directed, declared 'medically fit,' and returned to Adiala Jail before that board could complete its work. His family and legal team say this falls short of what the court ordered," it added. The former captains made three specific requests in their renewed appeal. First, they called for the medical board ordered by the Supreme Court to be allowed to carry out a full and independent assessment of Khan’s health, including concerns about reported loss of vision in his right eye. Second, they urged authorities to implement the weekly family visits restored by the court without interruptions or administrative delays. Third, they called for any medical treatment recommended following the assessment to be provided without delay. The group reiterated that it was not attempting to take a position on Pakistan’s domestic political or legal disputes. "We're not asking Pakistan for anything unusual, just that a court order most countries would take for granted is actually carried out. We do not presume to adjudicate Pakistan's domestic legal processes. That is not our place, and it was not the spirit in which we wrote in February," they wrote. The former captains then formally restated their demands: "But we do ask, again, respectfully: 1. That the medical board directed by the Supreme Court, including Mr Khan's own doctors, be permitted to complete a full and independent assessment of his health, particularly the reported loss of vision in his right eye. 2. That the weekly family visits reinstated by the Court be honoured without interruption or administrative delay," the letter stated. They followed this with their third request for Khan to receive any treatment deemed necessary after the medical assessment. "3. That whatever the outcome of that medical assessment, the treatment recommended by it be provided without delay. Imran Khan is 73 years old and has now spent more than three years in custody," they wrote. The former cricketers said that regardless of the legal and political issues surrounding Khan’s case, completing a court-ordered medical process should be viewed as a basic matter of fairness and dignity. "Whatever the legal and political arguments surrounding his case, the basic decency of ensuring a court-ordered medical process is actually completed is not, in our view, a controversial request. It is one we believe every nation that plays this game would recognise as fair." The letter ended with a call for a swift resolution and respectful treatment of the former Pakistan captain. "We hope this matter can be resolved expeditiously and with the dignity Mr Imran Khan deserves. Yours in cricket," the former captains added. Who signed the appeal? The signatories include prominent former captains from England, Australia, India, the West Indies, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. England is represented by Michael Atherton, Michael Brearley, Sir Alastair Cook, David Gower, Nasser Hussain and Sir Andrew Strauss. Australia’s signatories include Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Kim Hughes and Stephen Waugh. India is represented by Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar. The other prominent names include former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd, former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga and former New Zealand captain John Wright.

21 former cricket captains, including Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, urge Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to ensure Imran Khan gets medical care and dignity

'Humane treatment and proper medical care': Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev among 21 former captains to appeal Pak PM for Imran Khan

There is growing talk about whether US President Donald Trump will announce a national emergency ahead of the November midterm elections, mainly focused on noncitizen voting and foreign interference in the polls. He has declined to rule it out, while his allies and surrogates are increasingly promoting the idea. The concern stems in part from Trump's repeated claims that the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Joe Biden, was stolen.<h2>Why it looks like Trump might declare an election-related emergency</h2>In July, during a national address, Trump warned that US elections remain vulnerable to foreign manipulation.&nbsp;When broadcaster Wayne Allyn Root asked Trump whether he would declare a national security emergency for elections, the US president said: “Let me just say, stranger things have happened, OK? I’ll leave it at that.” This marked a departure from remarks Trump made in February, when he said he did not intend to declare an emergency to influence the midterms.<h2>SAVE America Act as a “national emergency”</h2>The SAVE America Act, or Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, is a proposed legislation that seeks to require documentary proof of US citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The 2026 version of the Act, introduced in the Senate by Republican Mike Lee, is aimed at amending the National Voter Registration Act to require proof of citizenship for voter registration.The Trump administration has described the SAVE America Act as a “national emergency” and has pushed for its passage. Related proposals have also sought restrictions on mail-in voting and voter identification requirements.Meanwhile, a national emergency first declared in 2018 concerning foreign interference in US elections and efforts to undermine confidence in the electoral system has continued to be in force. The 2018 emergency was established by Executive Order 13848, which focused on the threat of foreign interference in US elections and provided authorities, including sanctions, to respond to such activity. But it does not give the president a general power to rewrite domestic election rules or take over election administration.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-us-could-see-migrant-invasion-of-spain-if-democrats-win-midterms-1785523077087">Trump warns US could see migrant ‘invasion’ of Spain if Democrats win midterms</a><h2>Trump allies and surrogates are pushing the national emergency idea</h2>Steve Bannon has been talking up an election-related emergency. The former Trump aide predicted Trump would declare an emergency on national security grounds to protect elections.“It’s coming. It’s coming. Just block the last week of August out. It’s coming,” he said.“We need a National Security Emergency about the midterm elections immediately – this is a powerful predicate for that,” Bannon told CNN on the night of Trump's national address in July.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/race-to-win-midterms-election-triggers-a-redistricting-war-in-the-united-states-1777392890698/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/race-to-win-midterms-election-triggers-a-redistricting-war-in-the-united-states-1777392890698/embed</a><h2>ICE agents and National Guard at US polling stations?</h2>Bannon has pointed to the possible deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or the National Guard at polling places. Wayne Allyn Root, meanwhile, has suggested that an emergency declaration could provide a way for Trump to pursue measures such as voter ID checks, proof of citizenship and restrictions on mail-in ballots if Congress failed to pass the SAVE America Act.Election-deniers in the Trump camp have also been promoting a draft executive order that has been circulating since last year. The order would declare a national emergency over alleged foreign interference through voting machines and mail ballots.Some supporters have even claimed the order is “sitting on his desk” and would give Trump “king-like powers”, according to reporting in The Guardian and elsewhere.Former Trump White House counsel Ty Cobb has warned that ICE agents at polling places could become “a virtual certainty”, potentially alongside National Guard deployments. He said such measures could intimidate minority and immigrant voters and facilitate attempts to seize voting machines.<h2>Critics claim Trump is laying groundwork for a national security emergency declaration</h2>Critics believe Trump is building momentum for such a declaration. Former White House counsel-turned-Trump critic Ty Cobb claimed that Trump's July speech was designed “to add the predicate that he needs to declare an emergency at or about the time of the elections.”Election lawyer Aria Branch said the administration was “trying to lay the groundwork to declare some sort of emergency to nationalise elections”, adding that Trump is “looking for any opportunity to do that”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-us-could-see-migrant-invasion-of-spain-if-democrats-win-midterms-1785523077087">Trump says he ‘doesn’t care about midterms’, claims Iran desperate for deal</a><h2>Noncitizen voting claims fuel the argument for a national emergency</h2>The White House Government Transparency Task Force has recently released declassified documents making claims about alleged election vulnerabilities. The allegations include foreign access to voter-registration data and vulnerabilities in voting infrastructure. The White House said the released intelligence shows that countries including China, Russia, Iran and North Korea have the capability to compromise US election infrastructure.The documents have also been used by the administration to support claims about foreign interference in US elections. The administration highlighted a New Jersey software error that resulted in 6,600 noncitizens being registered to vote, although fewer than 400 actually voted.The US Census Bureau subsequently claimed that a preliminary matching exercise had identified 24,000 noncitizens who voted in the 2020 election from 128 million records. &nbsp;But David Becker, founder and executive director of the Center for Election Innovation &amp; Research, said the analysis “fails the laugh test”.Another claim came from the Department of Homeland Security, which said 278,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in federal elections. The methodology and level of confidence behind that figure were not disclosed. Branch said the narrative surrounding noncitizen voting was “just completely unfounded, and it’s really just to stoke fear and lay the groundwork for future action.”That future action, critics fear, could include a declaration of national emergency.<h2>What emergency powers would actually allow Trump to do</h2>The National Emergencies Act of 1976 allows a president to declare a national emergency by proclamation and specify the statutory powers being activated. A declaration does not itself create unlimited new presidential powers but activates authorities that Congress has already provided under specific laws.The president must notify Congress and publish the declaration. Congress can attempt to terminate an emergency through a joint resolution, although a presidential veto can block that effort unless Congress obtains the necessary majority to override it.Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the president must identify an “unusual and extraordinary threat” involving a foreign source to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the US.&nbsp;<h2>When it comes to elections, the states call the shots, a lot of the time</h2>There is no general emergency clause in the US Constitution that gives the president unlimited powers. A president cannot simply use an emergency declaration to take over state-run elections, impose nationwide voter-ID requirements, ban mail voting, seize voting machines or postpone federal elections without a separate legal basis.The US Constitution assigns key responsibility for administering elections to the states, while Congress has authority to alter rules governing federal elections.Even an emergency declaration would therefore not allow Trump to simply “nationalise” the electoral system.&nbsp;Courts have already blocked some of Trump's election-related executive actions.<h2>What could be cited as grounds for an emergency ahead of the midterms?</h2>Supporters of an election-focused emergency have pointed to alleged foreign interference from China, Venezuela and Iran. They have also cited alleged vulnerabilities in voting machines and mail ballots, noncitizen voting and election-related disinformation.The existing emergency concerning foreign interference in US elections is particularly relevant to the debate because it already provides the administration with certain authorities to address foreign threats. But it does not amount to a general authorisation to rewrite US election law.Santiago Mayer of Voters of Tomorrow, a voter advocacy group, said the aim was to turn out enough voters so that “no matter what he pulls, it won’t succeed”.Any declaration or attempt to expand federal control over elections would likely trigger immediate legal challenges. The courts would then play a central role in deciding whether any actions taken by the Trump administration were authorised by federal law and consistent with the US Constitution.

Some of Donald Trump's allies as well as critics think the US president might declare a national emergency ahead of the midterm elections. Foreign interference and noncitizen voting are the possible excuses  

There is growing talk about whether US President Donald Trump will announce a national emergency ahead of the November midterm elections, mainly focused on noncitizen voting and foreign interference in the polls. He has declined to rule it out, while his allies and surrogates are increasingly promoting the idea. The concern stems in part from Trump's repeated claims that the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Joe Biden, was stolen. Why it looks like Trump might declare an election-related emergency In July, during a national address, Trump warned that US elections remain vulnerable to foreign manipulation. When broadcaster Wayne Allyn Root asked Trump whether he would declare a national security emergency for elections, the US president said: “Let me just say, stranger things have happened, OK? I’ll leave it at that.” This marked a departure from remarks Trump made in February, when he said he did not intend to declare an emergency to influence the midterms. SAVE America Act as a “national emergency” The SAVE America Act, or Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, is a proposed legislation that seeks to require documentary proof of US citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The 2026 version of the Act, introduced in the Senate by Republican Mike Lee, is aimed at amending the National Voter Registration Act to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. The Trump administration has described the SAVE America Act as a “national emergency” and has pushed for its passage. Related proposals have also sought restrictions on mail-in voting and voter identification requirements. Meanwhile, a national emergency first declared in 2018 concerning foreign interference in US elections and efforts to undermine confidence in the electoral system has continued to be in force. The 2018 emergency was established by Executive Order 13848, which focused on the threat of foreign interference in US elections and provided authorities, including sanctions, to respond to such activity. But it does not give the president a general power to rewrite domestic election rules or take over election administration. Also read: Trump warns US could see migrant ‘invasion’ of Spain if Democrats win midterms Trump allies and surrogates are pushing the national emergency idea Steve Bannon has been talking up an election-related emergency. The former Trump aide predicted Trump would declare an emergency on national security grounds to protect elections. “It’s coming. It’s coming. Just block the last week of August out. It’s coming,” he said. “We need a National Security Emergency about the midterm elections immediately – this is a powerful predicate for that,” Bannon told CNN on the night of Trump's national address in July. https://www.wionews.com/videos/race-to-win-midterms-election-triggers-a-redistricting-war-in-the-united-states-1777392890698/embed ICE agents and National Guard at US polling stations? Bannon has pointed to the possible deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or the National Guard at polling places. Wayne Allyn Root, meanwhile, has suggested that an emergency declaration could provide a way for Trump to pursue measures such as voter ID checks, proof of citizenship and restrictions on mail-in ballots if Congress failed to pass the SAVE America Act. Election-deniers in the Trump camp have also been promoting a draft executive order that has been circulating since last year. The order would declare a national emergency over alleged foreign interference through voting machines and mail ballots. Some supporters have even claimed the order is “sitting on his desk” and would give Trump “king-like powers”, according to reporting in The Guardian and elsewhere. Former Trump White House counsel Ty Cobb has warned that ICE agents at polling places could become “a virtual certainty”, potentially alongside National Guard deployments. He said such measures could intimidate minority and immigrant voters and facilitate attempts to seize voting machines. Critics claim Trump is laying groundwork for a national security emergency declaration Critics believe Trump is building momentum for such a declaration. Former White House counsel-turned-Trump critic Ty Cobb claimed that Trump's July speech was designed “to add the predicate that he needs to declare an emergency at or about the time of the elections.” Election lawyer Aria Branch said the administration was “trying to lay the groundwork to declare some sort of emergency to nationalise elections”, adding that Trump is “looking for any opportunity to do that”. Also read: Trump says he ‘doesn’t care about midterms’, claims Iran desperate for deal Noncitizen voting claims fuel the argument for a national emergency The White House Government Transparency Task Force has recently released declassified documents making claims about alleged election vulnerabilities. The allegations include foreign access to voter-registration data and vulnerabilities in voting infrastructure. The White House said the released intelligence shows that countries including China, Russia, Iran and North Korea have the capability to compromise US election infrastructure. The documents have also been used by the administration to support claims about foreign interference in US elections. The administration highlighted a New Jersey software error that resulted in 6,600 noncitizens being registered to vote, although fewer than 400 actually voted. The US Census Bureau subsequently claimed that a preliminary matching exercise had identified 24,000 noncitizens who voted in the 2020 election from 128 million records. But David Becker, founder and executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, said the analysis “fails the laugh test”. Another claim came from the Department of Homeland Security, which said 278,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in federal elections. The methodology and level of confidence behind that figure were not disclosed. Branch said the narrative surrounding noncitizen voting was “just completely unfounded, and it’s really just to stoke fear and lay the groundwork for future action.” That future action, critics fear, could include a declaration of national emergency. What emergency powers would actually allow Trump to do The National Emergencies Act of 1976 allows a president to declare a national emergency by proclamation and specify the statutory powers being activated. A declaration does not itself create unlimited new presidential powers but activates authorities that Congress has already provided under specific laws. The president must notify Congress and publish the declaration. Congress can attempt to terminate an emergency through a joint resolution, although a presidential veto can block that effort unless Congress obtains the necessary majority to override it. Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the president must identify an “unusual and extraordinary threat” involving a foreign source to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the US. When it comes to elections, the states call the shots, a lot of the time There is no general emergency clause in the US Constitution that gives the president unlimited powers. A president cannot simply use an emergency declaration to take over state-run elections, impose nationwide voter-ID requirements, ban mail voting, seize voting machines or postpone federal elections without a separate legal basis. The US Constitution assigns key responsibility for administering elections to the states, while Congress has authority to alter rules governing federal elections. Even an emergency declaration would therefore not allow Trump to simply “nationalise” the electoral system. Courts have already blocked some of Trump's election-related executive actions. What could be cited as grounds for an emergency ahead of the midterms? Supporters of an election-focused emergency have pointed to alleged foreign interference from China, Venezuela and Iran. They have also cited alleged vulnerabilities in voting machines and mail ballots, noncitizen voting and election-related disinformation. The existing emergency concerning foreign interference in US elections is particularly relevant to the debate because it already provides the administration with certain authorities to address foreign threats. But it does not amount to a general authorisation to rewrite US election law. Santiago Mayer of Voters of Tomorrow, a voter advocacy group, said the aim was to turn out enough voters so that “no matter what he pulls, it won’t succeed”. Any declaration or attempt to expand federal control over elections would likely trigger immediate legal challenges. The courts would then play a central role in deciding whether any actions taken by the Trump administration were authorised by federal law and consistent with the US Constitution.

Some of Donald Trump's allies as well as critics think the US president might declare a national emergency ahead of the midterm elections. Foreign interference and noncitizen voting are the possible excuses &nbsp;

Will Trump declare national emergency to 'nationalise' midterm elections? Critics think so, and supporters want him to

Nvidia and other firms have raised AI chip prices as surging demand for artificial intelligence hardware pushes up memory costs in what is being described in the media as ‘RAMageddon’ or ‘RAMpocalypse’. Memory costs are now squeezing Indian IT firms, data-centre operators and electronics makers. A global shortage of DRAM or Dynamic Random-Access Memory and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) is deepening. The memory crisis that began in 2025 intensified in 2026. Memory prices rose sharply as chipmakers redirected capacity towards more profitable AI-related products.<h2>AI turns up the heat: Rise of HBM chips</h2>High-bandwidth memory (HBM) multi-stack chips are fast gaining ground over traditional RAM in AI systems. HBM is estimated to account for more than a fifth of DRAM wafer input among major suppliers. Producing the equivalent amount of HBM memory can require roughly three to four times the wafer capacity used for conventional DDR5 chips.Hyperscalers including Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta are securing large volumes of HBM and server DRAM for AI training and inference. Such long-term supply agreements and open-ended orders have led to a squeeze in memory availability.Memory makers like Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have shifted capacity towards HBM and high-capacity server memory. These three companies together control about 95 per cent of the DRAM market. Their shift in priorities has left less capacity for PCs, smartphones, gaming consoles and conventional enterprise hardware.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-banned-its-best-chips-from-china-renting-them-is-still-legal-1787169656437">US banned its best chips from China. Renting them is still legal</a><h2>Prices are surging for memory</h2>Conventional DRAM contract prices jumped by about 90-98 per cent quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of 2026. Overall DRAM and NAND prices have risen by 200-400 per cent in some segments since the shortage intensified.For instance, retail DDR5 memory kits that used to sell for about $80-250 in mid-2025 are now worth $300-650 or more. Server DRAM lead times have also exceeded 40 weeks.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chip-workers-gain-higher-pay-status-security-in-south-korea-1786083318916/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/chip-workers-gain-higher-pay-status-security-in-south-korea-1786083318916/embed</a><h2>The supply squeeze is unlikely to disappear quickly</h2>Chip fabrication plants can cost up to $20 billion and take years to reach full production. This is the reson why US firms are locking in supplies, signing multi-year contracts and passing on higher costs to consumers by raising prices.Besides Nvidia raising prices for AI chips, firms like Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, HP and HPE have increased prices on their phones, computers, &nbsp;gaming consoles and servers by up to 15 per cent. Others that have recently raised prices include Asus and Cisco.&nbsp;Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have also announced substantial increases for DRAM and HBM as they prioritise higher-margin products.<h2>Indian IT sector feels the squeeze of memory crisis</h2>Indian technology companies are facing the impact in the form of costlier hardware, data centres and infrastructure. They are trying to adjust to the situation with various strategies. For instance, Tech Mahindra avoided guaranteeing fixed memory and chip prices to customers. HCL Technologies is investing $350 million in data-centre capacity.The consumer market is feeling the pressure too. Smartphone shipments in India fell by about 10 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026. The sub-Rs 20,000 segment is particularly hit, due to the squeeze in hardware availability.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anthropic-has-stacked-71-billion-in-chip-lease-debt-in-60-days-and-kept-it-off-its-books-1786631219409">Anthropic has stacked $71 billion in chip-lease debt in 60 days and kept it off its books</a>&nbsp;India is also trying to reduce its dependence on imported chips and chip components. The India Semiconductor Mission is backing further investment in semiconductors and memory-related infrastructure. Micron has begun commercial production at its assembly-and-test facility in Gujarat. &nbsp;Projected investment in India's data-centre ecosystem has crossed $200 billion.For Indian IT firms, the challenge is not limited to the price of a memory chip. The rising cost is hitting servers, data centres, smartphones and AI infrastructure as demand for computing capacity soars.

High demand for AI compute is causing a global crunch in memory. Chip costs are rising, which is leading to higher prices for all tech products, both software and hardware. Indian IT firms, data centres and electronics makers are tackling higher costs as supply tightens.

Nvidia and other firms have raised AI chip prices as surging demand for artificial intelligence hardware pushes up memory costs in what is being described in the media as ‘RAMageddon’ or ‘RAMpocalypse’. Memory costs are now squeezing Indian IT firms, data-centre operators and electronics makers. A global shortage of DRAM or Dynamic Random-Access Memory and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) is deepening. The memory crisis that began in 2025 intensified in 2026. Memory prices rose sharply as chipmakers redirected capacity towards more profitable AI-related products. AI turns up the heat: Rise of HBM chips High-bandwidth memory (HBM) multi-stack chips are fast gaining ground over traditional RAM in AI systems. HBM is estimated to account for more than a fifth of DRAM wafer input among major suppliers. Producing the equivalent amount of HBM memory can require roughly three to four times the wafer capacity used for conventional DDR5 chips. Hyperscalers including Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta are securing large volumes of HBM and server DRAM for AI training and inference. Such long-term supply agreements and open-ended orders have led to a squeeze in memory availability. Memory makers like Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have shifted capacity towards HBM and high-capacity server memory. These three companies together control about 95 per cent of the DRAM market. Their shift in priorities has left less capacity for PCs, smartphones, gaming consoles and conventional enterprise hardware. Also read: US banned its best chips from China. Renting them is still legal Prices are surging for memory Conventional DRAM contract prices jumped by about 90-98 per cent quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of 2026. Overall DRAM and NAND prices have risen by 200-400 per cent in some segments since the shortage intensified. For instance, retail DDR5 memory kits that used to sell for about $80-250 in mid-2025 are now worth $300-650 or more. Server DRAM lead times have also exceeded 40 weeks. https://www.wionews.com/videos/chip-workers-gain-higher-pay-status-security-in-south-korea-1786083318916/embed The supply squeeze is unlikely to disappear quickly Chip fabrication plants can cost up to $20 billion and take years to reach full production. This is the reson why US firms are locking in supplies, signing multi-year contracts and passing on higher costs to consumers by raising prices. Besides Nvidia raising prices for AI chips, firms like Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, HP and HPE have increased prices on their phones, computers, gaming consoles and servers by up to 15 per cent. Others that have recently raised prices include Asus and Cisco. Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have also announced substantial increases for DRAM and HBM as they prioritise higher-margin products. Indian IT sector feels the squeeze of memory crisis Indian technology companies are facing the impact in the form of costlier hardware, data centres and infrastructure. They are trying to adjust to the situation with various strategies. For instance, Tech Mahindra avoided guaranteeing fixed memory and chip prices to customers. HCL Technologies is investing $350 million in data-centre capacity. The consumer market is feeling the pressure too. Smartphone shipments in India fell by about 10 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026. The sub-Rs 20,000 segment is particularly hit, due to the squeeze in hardware availability. Also read: Anthropic has stacked $71 billion in chip-lease debt in 60 days and kept it off its books India is also trying to reduce its dependence on imported chips and chip components. The India Semiconductor Mission is backing further investment in semiconductors and memory-related infrastructure. Micron has begun commercial production at its assembly-and-test facility in Gujarat. Projected investment in India's data-centre ecosystem has crossed $200 billion. For Indian IT firms, the challenge is not limited to the price of a memory chip. The rising cost is hitting servers, data centres, smartphones and AI infrastructure as demand for computing capacity soars.

High demand for AI compute is causing a global crunch in memory. Chip costs are rising, which is leading to higher prices for all tech products, both software and hardware. Indian IT firms, data centres and electronics makers are tackling higher costs as supply tightens.

RAMageddon: Memory cost crisis squeezes IT firms as AI demand fuels global chip crunch

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi dismissed on Sunday dismissed reports of renewed US threats of sanctions a repeat of old scenario. He called it the “bullying” of US politics and said that the new measures would fail to defeat Iran. Speaking to the Iranian state media IRIB he said that the US has no choice but to “speak respectfully to the Iranian people”.Describing what he said as "repetitive scenarios", Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, "The fact that they have returned to the same old plans after the military operations and the fact that we are doing this and that shows that they are desperate. They cannot think of any solution against the great nation of Iran, and they are constantly putting repetitive plans into action."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-invited-makkah-defence-pact-saudi-turkey-pakistan-1787485962086">Iran reportedly invited to join Makkah Defence Pact amid Saudi-Houthi tensions</a>US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is holding a press conference on Monday, is expected to announce &nbsp;"the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran. US President Donald Trump has warned of any economic consequences against any country that provides “any type of lifeline to Iran”."We have never been afraid. All of their actions - whether blockades or other military moves they have made - have failed, and this new issue of theirs will fail as well," Araghchi said.According to Iranian Parliament ⁠speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Tehran had received "numerous messages" from neighbouring countries about establishing new regional security arrangements and economic cooperation. Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, would visit Tehran on Monday as part of efforts to restore peace and security in the ‌region.&nbsp;Trump said on Friday that Iran wants to make a deal, "but they're not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion." Trump said the campaign would amount to "Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale" and called on US allies to join Washington in isolating Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed expected new US sanctions as “bullying”, saying Washington’s repeated pressure tactics against Tehran will fail.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi dismissed on Sunday dismissed reports of renewed US threats of sanctions a repeat of old scenario. He called it the “bullying” of US politics and said that the new measures would fail to defeat Iran. Speaking to the Iranian state media IRIB he said that the US has no choice but to “speak respectfully to the Iranian people”. Describing what he said as "repetitive scenarios", Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, "The fact that they have returned to the same old plans after the military operations and the fact that we are doing this and that shows that they are desperate. They cannot think of any solution against the great nation of Iran, and they are constantly putting repetitive plans into action." Also Read: Iran reportedly invited to join Makkah Defence Pact amid Saudi-Houthi tensions US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is holding a press conference on Monday, is expected to announce "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran. US President Donald Trump has warned of any economic consequences against any country that provides “any type of lifeline to Iran”. "We have never been afraid. All of their actions - whether blockades or other military moves they have made - have failed, and this new issue of theirs will fail as well," Araghchi said. According to Iranian Parliament ⁠speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Tehran had received "numerous messages" from neighbouring countries about establishing new regional security arrangements and economic cooperation. Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, would visit Tehran on Monday as part of efforts to restore peace and security in the ‌region. Trump said on Friday that Iran wants to make a deal, "but they're not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion." Trump said the campaign would amount to "Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale" and called on US allies to join Washington in isolating Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed expected new US sanctions as “bullying”, saying Washington’s repeated pressure tactics against Tehran will fail.

Iran dismisses new US sanctions threat as ‘bullying’, says measures will fail

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday (Aug 23) said the country is facing “many problems." This statement comes as an acknowledgement of the hardships citizens face amid tensions with the United States. The latter is looking to slam the nation with a new wave of sanctions in a bid to isolate Tehran’s economy. "I understand we have many problems in society right now. We are trying to prevent these as much as we can," Pezeshkian said in a speech broadcast on state television.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-s-great-retreat-from-bombing-iran-to-stone-age-to-porous-sanctions-1787338814205/embed">https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-s-great-retreat-from-bombing-iran-to-stone-age-to-porous-sanctions-1787338814205/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that actions by US President Donald Trump have placed the Islamic Republic in a "full-scale economic, military, and security war" involving "the most crushing and terrifying sanctions". The fresh punitive measures follow recent vows from Washington to engineer the economic "collapse" of the Iranian government, coming nearly six months after the onset of regional military hostilities. The sanctions hit an economy already battered by severe internal turmoil. Severe inflation, sharp currency fluctuations, and eroding purchasing power have fueled repeated public unrest in recent years. Late last December, protests over the rising cost of living swiftly expanded into widespread demonstrations against political leadership. The Iranian government has faced several mass protests in recent years, often triggered by economic hardships. These have also led to inflation and exchange rate swings, leading to declining purchasing power.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-numerous-neighbours-seek-new-security-ties-amid-ongoing-war-with-us-1787403202326">Iran says 'numerous' neighbours seek new security ties amid ongoing war with US</a>&nbsp;The official fallout from those demonstrations remains bitterly disputed, Iranian officials acknowledged over 3,000 deaths during the unrest, attributing the violence to covert operations by the US and Israel. Foreign-based non-governmental organisations stated that state security forces engaged in a broad, violent crackdown that killed thousands. Despite the converging external and internal crises, Pezeshkian pledged that his administration would focus on domestic stability and economic relief. "We are striving with all our hearts to overcome inflation, livelihood problems, unemployment, and to secure the future of the people, so that they can live with dignity and pride," he stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian admits the country faces severe economic and security crises amid mounting U.S. sanctions, declaring Iran is in a "full-scale war." 

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday (Aug 23) said the country is facing “many problems." This statement comes as an acknowledgement of the hardships citizens face amid tensions with the United States. The latter is looking to slam the nation with a new wave of sanctions in a bid to isolate Tehran’s economy. "I understand we have many problems in society right now. We are trying to prevent these as much as we can," Pezeshkian said in a speech broadcast on state television. https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-s-great-retreat-from-bombing-iran-to-stone-age-to-porous-sanctions-1787338814205/embed He added that actions by US President Donald Trump have placed the Islamic Republic in a "full-scale economic, military, and security war" involving "the most crushing and terrifying sanctions". The fresh punitive measures follow recent vows from Washington to engineer the economic "collapse" of the Iranian government, coming nearly six months after the onset of regional military hostilities. The sanctions hit an economy already battered by severe internal turmoil. Severe inflation, sharp currency fluctuations, and eroding purchasing power have fueled repeated public unrest in recent years. Late last December, protests over the rising cost of living swiftly expanded into widespread demonstrations against political leadership. The Iranian government has faced several mass protests in recent years, often triggered by economic hardships. These have also led to inflation and exchange rate swings, leading to declining purchasing power. Also read: Iran says 'numerous' neighbours seek new security ties amid ongoing war with US The official fallout from those demonstrations remains bitterly disputed, Iranian officials acknowledged over 3,000 deaths during the unrest, attributing the violence to covert operations by the US and Israel. Foreign-based non-governmental organisations stated that state security forces engaged in a broad, violent crackdown that killed thousands. Despite the converging external and internal crises, Pezeshkian pledged that his administration would focus on domestic stability and economic relief. "We are striving with all our hearts to overcome inflation, livelihood problems, unemployment, and to secure the future of the people, so that they can live with dignity and pride," he stated.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian admits the country faces severe economic and security crises amid mounting U.S. sanctions, declaring Iran is in a "full-scale war."

"Many problems": Iran’s President acknowledges mounting domestic challenges as US tensions escalate

The four astronauts who made history aboard the Artemis II lunar flyby mission are set to receive the United States’ highest space honour, NASA has announced. Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will receive the Congressional Space Medal of Honor on 28 August at a ceremony at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.&nbsp;According to NASA, only 30 astronauts have previously received the prestigious honor. The recipients include Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon, and John Glenn, who became the first American to orbit Earth before later serving four terms in the US Senate. Despite the medal’s name, the four Artemis II astronauts were selected by President Donald Trump after NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recommended them for the award.&nbsp;The Artemis II crew made history during their 10-day mission, which began on 1 April. The astronauts traveled farther from Earth than any humans before them, surpassing the distance record set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970. During their journey around the Moon, Wiseman, Glover, Koch and Hansen reached 252,756 miles (406,771km) from Earth. That exceeded Apollo 13’s previous record of 248,655 miles and marked another major milestone in the US effort to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.&nbsp;Reflecting on the mission after the crew safely returned to Earth, Wiseman said: “This was not easy,” Wiseman said to reporters after the Artemis II mission safely ended with a textbook splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. “Before you launch, it feels like it’s the greatest dream on Earth. And when you’re out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends. It’s a special thing to be a human, and it’s a special thing to be on planet Earth.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ramageddon-memory-cost-crisis-squeezes-it-firms-as-ai-demand-fuels-global-chip-crunch-1787487274970">RAMageddon: Memory cost crisis squeezes IT firms as AI demand fuels global chip crunch</a>&nbsp;The medal ceremony is taking place four months after Trump welcomed the Artemis II astronauts to the White House. During that event, the president, who turned 80 in June, praised the crew and said: “I would have had no trouble making it, I’m physically very, very good.” NASA has listed the ceremony as beginning at 11am, with a livestream of the event available through NASA’s website. The recognition comes as the Trump administration seeks significant reductions to NASA’s budget. The administration has proposed a 23% overall cut to NASA funding for the 2027 fiscal year, which begins on 1 October, including a proposed 46% reduction in space science spending.&nbsp;However, a House commerce, justice and science subcommittee led by Trump’s Republican Party has advanced an alternative NASA funding proposal that would preserve several science programmes targeted for cuts by the administration. The Congressional Space Medal of Honor has previously been awarded to astronauts who died in the Apollo 1 fire and in the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters, as well as other pioneering spacefarers.&nbsp;Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken were the most recent astronauts selected for the honor before the Artemis II crew. In 2020, Hurley and Behnken became the first astronauts to launch into orbit aboard a commercial spacecraft. They received their medals in 2023 during the presidency of Joe Biden.

Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will receive the Congressional Space Medal of Honor on 28 August

The four astronauts who made history aboard the Artemis II lunar flyby mission are set to receive the United States’ highest space honour, NASA has announced. Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will receive the Congressional Space Medal of Honor on 28 August at a ceremony at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. According to NASA, only 30 astronauts have previously received the prestigious honor. The recipients include Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon, and John Glenn, who became the first American to orbit Earth before later serving four terms in the US Senate. Despite the medal’s name, the four Artemis II astronauts were selected by President Donald Trump after NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recommended them for the award. The Artemis II crew made history during their 10-day mission, which began on 1 April. The astronauts traveled farther from Earth than any humans before them, surpassing the distance record set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970. During their journey around the Moon, Wiseman, Glover, Koch and Hansen reached 252,756 miles (406,771km) from Earth. That exceeded Apollo 13’s previous record of 248,655 miles and marked another major milestone in the US effort to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. Reflecting on the mission after the crew safely returned to Earth, Wiseman said: “This was not easy,” Wiseman said to reporters after the Artemis II mission safely ended with a textbook splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. “Before you launch, it feels like it’s the greatest dream on Earth. And when you’re out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends. It’s a special thing to be a human, and it’s a special thing to be on planet Earth.” Also Read: RAMageddon: Memory cost crisis squeezes IT firms as AI demand fuels global chip crunch The medal ceremony is taking place four months after Trump welcomed the Artemis II astronauts to the White House. During that event, the president, who turned 80 in June, praised the crew and said: “I would have had no trouble making it, I’m physically very, very good.” NASA has listed the ceremony as beginning at 11am, with a livestream of the event available through NASA’s website. The recognition comes as the Trump administration seeks significant reductions to NASA’s budget. The administration has proposed a 23% overall cut to NASA funding for the 2027 fiscal year, which begins on 1 October, including a proposed 46% reduction in space science spending. However, a House commerce, justice and science subcommittee led by Trump’s Republican Party has advanced an alternative NASA funding proposal that would preserve several science programmes targeted for cuts by the administration. The Congressional Space Medal of Honor has previously been awarded to astronauts who died in the Apollo 1 fire and in the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters, as well as other pioneering spacefarers. Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken were the most recent astronauts selected for the honor before the Artemis II crew. In 2020, Hurley and Behnken became the first astronauts to launch into orbit aboard a commercial spacecraft. They received their medals in 2023 during the presidency of Joe Biden.

Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will receive the congressional space medal of honour

Artemis II crew to receive congressional space medal of honour from President Trump

Iran has been invited to join the Makkah Defence Pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan on August 7. The development was reported by Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen, and it is being considered by Tehran reported Pakistan’s SAMAA TV. Iran's Foreign Ministry is yet to confirm that it has received an invitation to join the mutual defence agreement.&nbsp;"Iran has received an invitation to join the Mecca Agreement, and the matter is under review," said Mehdi Rahimi, head of the Iranian parliament's Khaneh Mellat news agency. He added that the countries in the region are moving towards seeking "a regional security umbrella," and "a victory for Iran, because it has been calling for this for a long time."However, the details of the invitation remain foggy, as Rahimi did not mention which country had extended the invitation, and no country has officially confirmed the development. The Makkah Defence Pact signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a NATO-like mutual defense stipualtion and, under which an attack on one country will be considered an attack on all. Turkey has previously publicly expressed that it wants Egypt to join the agreement. Pakistan has also maintained that it does not want the Defence Pact to be an “exclusive club”. But the pact does not establish a NATO-style integrated military command and contains very few specific military commitments.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-850-million-payment-outstanding-un-dues-1787478462717">US to make $850mn payment out of its $4bn+ outstanding UN dues</a>Tehran had been cautious in responding to the coalition, and it seeks a regional security umbrella outside of Washington's influence. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on August 10 that Tehran had "no reason for concern" over the establishment of the alliance.While the pact is born out of the chaos of the US-Iran war, regional analysts and Israeli security officials perceive the primary objective of the alliance as working as a deterrent against Israel's aggression. The pact is effectively the polar opposite of the pre-war vision of a US-brokered "New Middle East" where normalisation with Israel was the central requirement.&nbsp;Houthis are preparing to seize land along the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which would allow them to threaten the vital shipping artery. Saudi Arabia relies entirely on Red Sea ports to export its oil amid the Hormuz crisis. So Iran’s reported invitation to the pact is highly paradoxical, as the Houthis represent the most immediate test to the alliance. It is unclear how comfortable a Sunni monarch will be with a Shia militant group on its border. For such an inclusion to work, both Riyadh and Tehran would have to reach a compromise on Yemen and the Houthis and trade concrete concessions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran has reportedly been invited to join the Makkah Defence Pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, as Tehran considers a regional security framework.

Iran has been invited to join the Makkah Defence Pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan on August 7. The development was reported by Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen, and it is being considered by Tehran reported Pakistan’s SAMAA TV. Iran's Foreign Ministry is yet to confirm that it has received an invitation to join the mutual defence agreement. "Iran has received an invitation to join the Mecca Agreement, and the matter is under review," said Mehdi Rahimi, head of the Iranian parliament's Khaneh Mellat news agency. He added that the countries in the region are moving towards seeking "a regional security umbrella," and "a victory for Iran, because it has been calling for this for a long time." However, the details of the invitation remain foggy, as Rahimi did not mention which country had extended the invitation, and no country has officially confirmed the development. The Makkah Defence Pact signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a NATO-like mutual defense stipualtion and, under which an attack on one country will be considered an attack on all. Turkey has previously publicly expressed that it wants Egypt to join the agreement. Pakistan has also maintained that it does not want the Defence Pact to be an “exclusive club”. But the pact does not establish a NATO-style integrated military command and contains very few specific military commitments. Also Read: US to make $850mn payment out of its $4bn+ outstanding UN dues Tehran had been cautious in responding to the coalition, and it seeks a regional security umbrella outside of Washington's influence. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on August 10 that Tehran had "no reason for concern" over the establishment of the alliance. While the pact is born out of the chaos of the US-Iran war, regional analysts and Israeli security officials perceive the primary objective of the alliance as working as a deterrent against Israel's aggression. The pact is effectively the polar opposite of the pre-war vision of a US-brokered "New Middle East" where normalisation with Israel was the central requirement. Houthis are preparing to seize land along the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which would allow them to threaten the vital shipping artery. Saudi Arabia relies entirely on Red Sea ports to export its oil amid the Hormuz crisis. So Iran’s reported invitation to the pact is highly paradoxical, as the Houthis represent the most immediate test to the alliance. It is unclear how comfortable a Sunni monarch will be with a Shia militant group on its border. For such an inclusion to work, both Riyadh and Tehran would have to reach a compromise on Yemen and the Houthis and trade concrete concessions.

Iran has reportedly been invited to join the Makkah Defence Pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, as Tehran considers a regional security framework.

Iran reportedly invited to join Makkah Defence Pact amid Saudi-Houthi tensions

More than 50 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks aimed at creating unrest were carried out across Thailand’s insurgency-hit southern provinces, according to the country’s military. Two people were injured in the attacks, which targeted a local government office, a convenience store and a stolen vehicle, among other locations. Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command said the incidents occurred between 20:00 local time (13:00 GMT) and midnight on Saturday across the southern border provinces. Most of the attacks were reported in Narathiwat, while others took place in neighbouring Yala and Pattani.&nbsp;The Bangkok Post reported that two women were injured when a bomb exploded in Muang district of Narathiwat. Several telecommunications towers were also set on fire, while security officials warned residents not to approach or touch suspicious objects. Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in Narathiwat, which was lifted on Sunday morning. No additional attacks had been reported by Sunday. No group has claimed responsibility for the coordinated arson attacks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asim-munir-iran-visit-us-iran-tensions-1787483096575">Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir to visit Iran to revive stalled US-Iran talks</a>&nbsp;Thailand’s southernmost provinces have faced a long-running insurgency since 2004. The conflict is rooted in tensions between the Buddhist-majority Thai state and the Muslim-majority population of the southern border region, where rebels have sought greater autonomy. More than 7,000 people have been killed in the violence. The insurgency is primarily led by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).&nbsp;Peace talks facilitated by Malaysia began in 2013 but have repeatedly stalled amid changes of government in Bangkok and internal divisions within both sides of the conflict. In July, five soldiers were killed in a gun and bomb attack at a checkpoint in Narathiwat, prompting authorities to postpone a planned dialogue process.&nbsp;Thai media have reported that insurgents frequently target security personnel and government buildings, sometimes ahead of visits by senior officials to the region. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and members of his cabinet are scheduled to visit Hat Yai in southern Songkhla province next week for a two-day trip. The delegation is expected to discuss investment projects, flood prevention and security issues.

More than 50 coordinated arson attacks hit southern Thailand, injuring two people and targeting government offices, shops and telecom towers

More than 50 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks aimed at creating unrest were carried out across Thailand’s insurgency-hit southern provinces, according to the country’s military. Two people were injured in the attacks, which targeted a local government office, a convenience store and a stolen vehicle, among other locations. Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command said the incidents occurred between 20:00 local time (13:00 GMT) and midnight on Saturday across the southern border provinces. Most of the attacks were reported in Narathiwat, while others took place in neighbouring Yala and Pattani. The Bangkok Post reported that two women were injured when a bomb exploded in Muang district of Narathiwat. Several telecommunications towers were also set on fire, while security officials warned residents not to approach or touch suspicious objects. Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in Narathiwat, which was lifted on Sunday morning. No additional attacks had been reported by Sunday. No group has claimed responsibility for the coordinated arson attacks. Also Read: Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir to visit Iran to revive stalled US-Iran talks Thailand’s southernmost provinces have faced a long-running insurgency since 2004. The conflict is rooted in tensions between the Buddhist-majority Thai state and the Muslim-majority population of the southern border region, where rebels have sought greater autonomy. More than 7,000 people have been killed in the violence. The insurgency is primarily led by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN). Peace talks facilitated by Malaysia began in 2013 but have repeatedly stalled amid changes of government in Bangkok and internal divisions within both sides of the conflict. In July, five soldiers were killed in a gun and bomb attack at a checkpoint in Narathiwat, prompting authorities to postpone a planned dialogue process. Thai media have reported that insurgents frequently target security personnel and government buildings, sometimes ahead of visits by senior officials to the region. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and members of his cabinet are scheduled to visit Hat Yai in southern Songkhla province next week for a two-day trip. The delegation is expected to discuss investment projects, flood prevention and security issues.

More than 50 coordinated arson attacks hit Thailand’s insurgency-hit south, injuring two people and prompting a curfew in Narathiwat

Over 50 arson attacks reported across Thailand’s insurgency-hit south. What's happening

Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir will be in Tehran on Monday, said Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil ‌Baghaei toady, in a statement released according to a statement by the ministry. Two Pakistani sources also confirmed the development to Reuters. According to Baghaei, this is Pakistan's attempt to continue efforts to strengthen peace and security in the region. Pakistan has been playing the mediator role between the US and Iran.&nbsp;Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that he held a call with Asim Munir and discussed "regional developments and effective ways to strengthen peace, stability and security in West Asia," according to a post by the Iranian government on X. Trump has publicly referred to Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, as his "favourite field marshal" on multiple public occasions.Egypt's Foreign Ministry said that top diplomats for Egypt and Iran discussed efforts to bring Tehran and Washington to the negotiating table. Iran also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke to Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, about “Iran’s view of ongoing developments, the course of negotiations and their challenges."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-850-million-payment-outstanding-un-dues-1787478462717">US to make $850mn payment out of its $4bn+ outstanding UN dues</a>The deal known as the Memorandum of Understanding that US President Donald Trump signed in June set an ambitious 60-day deadline for ending the war with Iran and reaching an accord on its nuclear program. That period ended last week, but the two sides remain far apart, with no signs of compromise on the crucial issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, vital to global shipping.&nbsp;Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended a recent memorandum of understanding as the best way for the country to move beyond what he described as a situation of “neither war nor peace.”&nbsp;Trump continues to claim that the Strait of Hormuz is a US territory. Meanwhile, the hard-line new leader of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, threatened Tehran’s neighbours against joining the new US effort to hurt Iran’s economy. “If (Trump) wants to do something, we will retaliate in a seismic manner,” he said in an interview with the state broadcaster that aired Saturday.

Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir is set to visit Tehran as Islamabad continues mediation efforts between Iran and the US amid tensions over negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir will be in Tehran on Monday, said Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil ‌Baghaei toady, in a statement released according to a statement by the ministry. Two Pakistani sources also confirmed the development to Reuters. According to Baghaei, this is Pakistan's attempt to continue efforts to strengthen peace and security in the region. Pakistan has been playing the mediator role between the US and Iran. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that he held a call with Asim Munir and discussed "regional developments and effective ways to strengthen peace, stability and security in West Asia," according to a post by the Iranian government on X. Trump has publicly referred to Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, as his "favourite field marshal" on multiple public occasions. Egypt's Foreign Ministry said that top diplomats for Egypt and Iran discussed efforts to bring Tehran and Washington to the negotiating table. Iran also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke to Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, about “Iran’s view of ongoing developments, the course of negotiations and their challenges." Also Read: US to make $850mn payment out of its $4bn+ outstanding UN dues The deal known as the Memorandum of Understanding that US President Donald Trump signed in June set an ambitious 60-day deadline for ending the war with Iran and reaching an accord on its nuclear program. That period ended last week, but the two sides remain far apart, with no signs of compromise on the crucial issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, vital to global shipping. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended a recent memorandum of understanding as the best way for the country to move beyond what he described as a situation of “neither war nor peace.” Trump continues to claim that the Strait of Hormuz is a US territory. Meanwhile, the hard-line new leader of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, threatened Tehran’s neighbours against joining the new US effort to hurt Iran’s economy. “If (Trump) wants to do something, we will retaliate in a seismic manner,” he said in an interview with the state broadcaster that aired Saturday.

Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir is set to visit Tehran as Islamabad continues mediation efforts between Iran and the US amid tensions over negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir to visit Iran to revive stalled US-Iran talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the idea of holding national elections during the ongoing full-scale war with Russia. He argued that such a move would pose as a threat to Ukraine’s existence and internal stability.&nbsp;"I believe that in a war like this, elections as such are a huge risk. Elections right now are a tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine," Zelensky said during a press briefing on Sunday (Aug 22).&nbsp;The statement by Zelensky came after former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, called for a mechanism to hold wartime elections arguing that Ukraine faced a crisis of governance since Russia's invasion in 2022.&nbsp;In fact Fedorov was removed from office after six months of releasing a video in which he allegedly called for an election that has been put off because of the Russian invasion. Yevhenii Khmara was approved as Ukraine's new defence minister by the parliament on Wednesday (Aug 19).&nbsp;ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-man-over-accusation-of-aiding-us-israel-during-anti-govt-protests-more-details-inside-1787476203065"> Iran executes man over accusation of aiding US, Israel during anti-govt protests: More details inside</a>&nbsp;In the video posted on YouTube Fedorov says "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia.""We must find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to renew its full democratic process even in the conditions of a long war,' he further said.&nbsp;Zelesnky while rejecting the idea of elections argued that no partners have come forward with a solid idea to conduct them safely and legitimately and that holding a vote is impossible under the current security conditions, as Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in a ceasefire.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Zelensky also said that ⁠Russia is planning to mobilise an additional 300,000 troops for its war ‌effort after ⁠parliamentary elections in September for &nbsp;⁠capturing the rest ⁠of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The statement by Zelensky came after former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, called for a mechanism to hold wartime elections arguing that Ukraine faced a crisis of governance since Russia's invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the idea of holding national elections during the ongoing full-scale war with Russia. He argued that such a move would pose as a threat to Ukraine’s existence and internal stability. "I believe that in a war like this, elections as such are a huge risk. Elections right now are a tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine," Zelensky said during a press briefing on Sunday (Aug 22). The statement by Zelensky came after former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, called for a mechanism to hold wartime elections arguing that Ukraine faced a crisis of governance since Russia's invasion in 2022. In fact Fedorov was removed from office after six months of releasing a video in which he allegedly called for an election that has been put off because of the Russian invasion. Yevhenii Khmara was approved as Ukraine's new defence minister by the parliament on Wednesday (Aug 19). ALSO READ: Iran executes man over accusation of aiding US, Israel during anti-govt protests: More details inside In the video posted on YouTube Fedorov says "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia." "We must find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to renew its full democratic process even in the conditions of a long war,' he further said. Zelesnky while rejecting the idea of elections argued that no partners have come forward with a solid idea to conduct them safely and legitimately and that holding a vote is impossible under the current security conditions, as Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Zelensky also said that ⁠Russia is planning to mobilise an additional 300,000 troops for its war ‌effort after ⁠parliamentary elections in September for ⁠capturing the rest ⁠of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

The statement by Zelensky came after former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, called for a mechanism to hold wartime elections arguing that Ukraine faced a crisis of governance since Russia's invasion in 2022.

Zelensky rejects idea of holding national election, calls it a 'huge risk'

US has announced that it will pay $850 million of roughly $5 billion in outstanding UN dues. The largest payment of the Trump administration to the global body, since it criticised the UN for not living up to its potential and slashed funding to many of its agencies. The US State Department has laid out plans to send $725 million to the regular UN budget, and $125 million toward UN peacekeeping operations in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo.The allocation of funds comes ahead of an expected speech by US President Donald Trump to the UN General Assembly in New York next month.It was mentioned in the August 4 State Department notification letter to Congress. US official said any payment will be contingent on the continued reform of the organisation.&nbsp;“Over the past six months, the United States has achieved historic reforms across the UN- reforms long considered impossible - including the first real budget cut in UN history, resulting in nearly ​one billion in cuts,” said a US State Official to Reuters.Earlier this year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the organisation faced &nbsp;"imminent financial collapse" due to unpaid contributions from the member states.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-ncr-pm25-outside-sources-cstep-study-1787248088811">Delhi pollution not a city-only problem: 72% of NCR PM2.5 linked to sources beyond local emissions, study finds</a>According to a Reuters report, the UN had been counting on collecting 90 per cent of its dues from 193 member states. According to Reuters, a UN report shows that roughly 129 nations have paid in full as of August 18, 2026.&nbsp;The $725 million would be less than 20 per cent of the more than $4 billion that the UN said in ​May that the United States owed. It owes more than $2.04 billion toward the regular budget, $2.2 billion for current and past peacekeeping missions and $44 million for UN tribunals."If the US does not make further payments, it will likely lose its voting rights ‌in January," said Eugene Chen, a former UN official. Under Article 19 of the UN Charter, a member state loses its voting rights in the General Assembly if its arrears exceed two years in annual fees. He said that this recent transfer would allow the UN to pay salaries and stay afloat for a period. US contributes around 22 per cent of the UN regular budget; China is second, at roughly 20 per cent. Both the US and China have not paid their dues in full.&nbsp;

The US plans to pay $850 million toward its roughly $5 billion in outstanding UN dues, including $725 million for the regular budget and $125 million for peacekeeping

US has announced that it will pay $850 million of roughly $5 billion in outstanding UN dues. The largest payment of the Trump administration to the global body, since it criticised the UN for not living up to its potential and slashed funding to many of its agencies. The US State Department has laid out plans to send $725 million to the regular UN budget, and $125 million toward UN peacekeeping operations in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The allocation of funds comes ahead of an expected speech by US President Donald Trump to the UN General Assembly in New York next month. It was mentioned in the August 4 State Department notification letter to Congress. US official said any payment will be contingent on the continued reform of the organisation. “Over the past six months, the United States has achieved historic reforms across the UN- reforms long considered impossible - including the first real budget cut in UN history, resulting in nearly one billion in cuts,” said a US State Official to Reuters. Earlier this year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the organisation faced "imminent financial collapse" due to unpaid contributions from the member states. Also Read: Delhi pollution not a city-only problem: 72% of NCR PM2.5 linked to sources beyond local emissions, study finds According to a Reuters report, the UN had been counting on collecting 90 per cent of its dues from 193 member states. According to Reuters, a UN report shows that roughly 129 nations have paid in full as of August 18, 2026. The $725 million would be less than 20 per cent of the more than $4 billion that the UN said in May that the United States owed. It owes more than $2.04 billion toward the regular budget, $2.2 billion for current and past peacekeeping missions and $44 million for UN tribunals. "If the US does not make further payments, it will likely lose its voting rights ‌in January," said Eugene Chen, a former UN official. Under Article 19 of the UN Charter, a member state loses its voting rights in the General Assembly if its arrears exceed two years in annual fees. He said that this recent transfer would allow the UN to pay salaries and stay afloat for a period. US contributes around 22 per cent of the UN regular budget; China is second, at roughly 20 per cent. Both the US and China have not paid their dues in full.

The US plans to pay $850 million toward its roughly $5 billion in outstanding UN dues, including $725 million for the regular budget and $125 million for peacekeeping

US to make $850mn payment out of its $4bn+ outstanding UN dues

Iran executed a man on Sunday (August 23) accused of carrying a chainsaw during January anti-government protests. He was charged with acting as an agent of the United States and Israel. The judiciary stated that the accused, identified as Majid Adineh, had been convicted of "operational action in favour of hostile groups" in nationwide rallies that erupted late last year. He is among several individuals executed in connection with the unrest, which stemmed from economic hardships in Iran. According to a report published Sunday by the judiciary's Mizan Online outlet, Adineh faced charges of deliberate arson, along with gathering and collusion to commit crimes against the country's internal security. "Based on numerous documents and evidence in the case and the defendant's statements, the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death and confiscation of all his property." His appeal was rejected, with the Supreme Court affirming the original ruling, and the sentence was carried out on Sunday morning, per Mizan.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-850-million-payment-outstanding-un-dues-1787478462717">US to make $850mn payment out of its $4bn+ outstanding UN dues</a><h3>Unrest began in 2025</h3>Mizan also reported that Adineh and a second suspect were detained on January 9 in Alborz province, located west of Tehran, and were found in possession of a handgun, ammunition, two stun guns, two canisters of tear gas, a battery-powered chainsaw, and gasoline. The unrest began in late December over frustration with rising costs of living, but quickly escalated into broader demonstrations against the government, reaching their height on January 8 and 9. Iranian officials say the violence resulted in over 3,000 deaths, blaming the bloodshed on what they characterised as terrorism directed by the US and Israel.&nbsp;Ever since the Middle East war begans the number of executions in Iran has rosed. A good number of the executions have been connected to the protests, with other cases related to the war. Iran Human Rights NGO , based in Norway, revealed that authorities has executed at least 1,639 people last year, a record high since 1989. Amnesty International confirmed that Iran conducts the second most executions of any country, after China.

 According to a report published Sunday by the judiciary's Mizan Online outlet, Adineh faced charges of deliberate arson, along with gathering and collusion to commit crimes against the country's internal security.

Iran executed a man on Sunday (August 23) accused of carrying a chainsaw during January anti-government protests. He was charged with acting as an agent of the United States and Israel. The judiciary stated that the accused, identified as Majid Adineh, had been convicted of "operational action in favour of hostile groups" in nationwide rallies that erupted late last year. He is among several individuals executed in connection with the unrest, which stemmed from economic hardships in Iran. According to a report published Sunday by the judiciary's Mizan Online outlet, Adineh faced charges of deliberate arson, along with gathering and collusion to commit crimes against the country's internal security. "Based on numerous documents and evidence in the case and the defendant's statements, the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death and confiscation of all his property." His appeal was rejected, with the Supreme Court affirming the original ruling, and the sentence was carried out on Sunday morning, per Mizan. Also read: US to make $850mn payment out of its $4bn+ outstanding UN dues Unrest began in 2025 Mizan also reported that Adineh and a second suspect were detained on January 9 in Alborz province, located west of Tehran, and were found in possession of a handgun, ammunition, two stun guns, two canisters of tear gas, a battery-powered chainsaw, and gasoline. The unrest began in late December over frustration with rising costs of living, but quickly escalated into broader demonstrations against the government, reaching their height on January 8 and 9. Iranian officials say the violence resulted in over 3,000 deaths, blaming the bloodshed on what they characterised as terrorism directed by the US and Israel. Ever since the Middle East war begans the number of executions in Iran has rosed. A good number of the executions have been connected to the protests, with other cases related to the war. Iran Human Rights NGO , based in Norway, revealed that authorities has executed at least 1,639 people last year, a record high since 1989. Amnesty International confirmed that Iran conducts the second most executions of any country, after China.

&nbsp;According to a report published Sunday by the judiciary's Mizan Online outlet, Adineh faced charges of deliberate arson, along with gathering and collusion to commit crimes against the country's internal security.

Iran executes man over accusation of aiding US, Israel during anti-govt protests: More details inside

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan is at the centre of a major controversy between his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the government. As the confrontation between the two sides continues over Khan’s health concerns and treatment in prison, the issue has grabbed international attention, becoming a humanitarian concern. The recent tensions flared after Khan was taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for a brief medical examination instead of being transferred to the private Shifa International Hospital, despite a court order. His party members and the Pakistani government have accused each other of violating the court order. Here’s all you need to know about the controversy.<h2>Imran Khan health concerns</h2>Amid claims of his deteriorating health in jail, the 73-year-old’s lawyers told the Supreme Court in February that Khan has lost 85 per cent of the vision in his right eye. He alleged that despite him complaining about his eye problem since October 2025, the jail authorities took no action. However, the Pakistan government has disputed the severity of his condition. Khan’s family and lawyers have also sought access to his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, and sought his involvement in treatment.<h2>What did Supreme Court order say?</h2>In a major turning point, the Supreme Court delivered an order on August 18, directing the government to move Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours.“We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation of the state, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of persons in custody,” the court ordered. “A prisoner does not, by reason of his incarceration, cease to be entitled to humane treatment and necessary medical care.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-back-in-jail-after-court-ordered-hospital-visit-amid-health-concerns-1787281243352">Imran Khan back in jail after court ordered hospital visit amid health concerns</a>Under the court order, Khan was to be provided a multidisciplinary medical assessment involving an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician. His personal doctor was also to be involved. The court also ordered regular family meetings and telephone contact with his sons.However, the government challenged the ruling, questioning the move to a private hospital, arguing that an inmate should receive ordinary treatment at government facilities.<h2>What happened during the transfer?</h2>On Saturday (Aug 22), Khan was taken out of jail to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for a brief medical examination instead of being transferred to the private Shifa International Hospital, as directed by the top court. Moreover, rather than being admitted to the hospital for treatment, Khan was taken back to the prison after the medical tests within a few hours, prompting PTI to express outrage.According to a Dawn report, tight security measures were undertaken outside the Shifa International Hospital during Khan’s move. Pitras Bukhari Road and Service Road South had been cordoned off while hundreds of law enforcement personnel were also deployed in and around the hospital premises.<h2>PTI alleges violation of court order</h2>PTI moved the Supreme Court against the government, alleging that authorities violated its order on the medical transfer of jailed party founder Imran Khan. PTI legal adviser Naeem Panjutha said the petition seeks action against senior government officials, including the prime minister, law minister and information minister.“The petition seeks action against the prime minister, law minister, information minister” and other government officials, Panjutha said, adding that the party has also sought Khan’s treatment at the private hospital specified by the court.<h2>Sister claims ‘torture in prison’</h2>Khan’s sister Uzma Khan, who was present during his examination at PIMS, told reporters that her brother appeared physically fit but claimed he had told her that he was “being repeatedly tortured in prison”.“He repeatedly told me, ‘I have been subjected to injustice. I am being severely tortured.’ He mentioned that another doctor had visited and stated that his health was deteriorating due to a lack of human contact. He said he has had no reading material or TV for ten months,” Uzma said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-hospital-row-pti-accuses-pakistan-govt-of-defying-sc-order-1787392816002">Imran Khan hospital row: PTI accuses Pakistan govt of defying SC order</a>Updating on his health condition, she added, “He showed me that only a small trace of haemorrhage remained in his eyes, which would clear up after the injection. However, the doctor mentioned that follow-up injections would also be required as a preventive measure. His vision had improved, though not to 100 per cent.”<h2>Government blames PTI</h2>The Pakistani government on Saturday (Aug 22) blamed PTI for the transfer to the state-run facility instead of the private one ordered by the Supreme Court, citing heavy presence of party members outside the Shifa International Hospital.“Contempt has definitely happened,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said. “Wasn't it PTI who did it? Didn't they violate the court order?”Speaking at a press conference, he said, “If somebody is in contempt, it is Imran Khan’s sister and his party... The prisoner’s family was in contempt. His party was in contempt by gathering people and creating issues for the authorities.”He insisted that the government fulfilled the court order by taking Khan to a medical checkup in the presence of his sister and doctors from the Shifa hospital.<h2>Zac Goldsmith writes to UK Foreign Secretary</h2>The controversy has also reached Britain. In a letter dated August 21, Conservative peer Zac Goldsmith, Khan’s former brother-in-law, urged UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to intervene with the Pakistan government over treatment of Khan.“Without a meaningful intervention, the Pakistani govt will undoubtedly kill off Imran Khan simply because they know that for as long as he lives, he is a threat to their power and corruption,” he alleged.Goldsmith previously raised Khan’s imprisonment in the UK Parliament and urged greater diplomatic pressure on Islamabad. UK ministers have said Pakistan must respect fundamental freedoms, humane detention and access to appropriate medical treatment.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Please write to your MP and ask them to lobby Govt to get off the fence and actively object to this cruelty. You can find your MP’s name and details here: <a href="https://t.co/E53epH1g4Z">https://t.co/E53epH1g4Z</a> Without a meaningful intervention, the Pakistani govt will undoubtedly kill off <a href="https://x.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a>… <a href="https://t.co/0JLkgynUl0">https://t.co/0JLkgynUl0</a>&mdash; Zac Goldsmith (@ZacGoldsmith) <a href="https://x.com/ZacGoldsmith/status/2091044909834748126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why was Khan imprisoned?</h2>The 73-year-old has been serving a 14-year prison sentence since August 2023 after he was charged with corruption and other crimes. Khan, who was found guilty of concealing details of Toshakhana gifts, has insisted that the charges were politically motivated. He was also found guilty in a $259 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. However, while being held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, reports have emerged about his health concerns, with his party members, family and supporters expressing outrage.Khan served as the prime minister from 2018 to 2022. He was ousted in a no-confidence vote when the country was facing a political crisis fuelled by tensions between his government and the military establishment. He was arrested in May 2023, triggering nationwide protests.&nbsp;

Imran Khan’s prison treatment has sparked a political storm after authorities took him to a government hospital despite a Supreme Court order for private hospital treatment. Here’s all you need to know about the controversy.

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan is at the centre of a major controversy between his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the government. As the confrontation between the two sides continues over Khan’s health concerns and treatment in prison, the issue has grabbed international attention, becoming a humanitarian concern. The recent tensions flared after Khan was taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for a brief medical examination instead of being transferred to the private Shifa International Hospital, despite a court order. His party members and the Pakistani government have accused each other of violating the court order. Here’s all you need to know about the controversy. Imran Khan health concerns Amid claims of his deteriorating health in jail, the 73-year-old’s lawyers told the Supreme Court in February that Khan has lost 85 per cent of the vision in his right eye. He alleged that despite him complaining about his eye problem since October 2025, the jail authorities took no action. However, the Pakistan government has disputed the severity of his condition. Khan’s family and lawyers have also sought access to his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, and sought his involvement in treatment. What did Supreme Court order say? In a major turning point, the Supreme Court delivered an order on August 18, directing the government to move Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours. “We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation of the state, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of persons in custody,” the court ordered. “A prisoner does not, by reason of his incarceration, cease to be entitled to humane treatment and necessary medical care.” Also read | Imran Khan back in jail after court ordered hospital visit amid health concerns Under the court order, Khan was to be provided a multidisciplinary medical assessment involving an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician. His personal doctor was also to be involved. The court also ordered regular family meetings and telephone contact with his sons. However, the government challenged the ruling, questioning the move to a private hospital, arguing that an inmate should receive ordinary treatment at government facilities. What happened during the transfer? On Saturday (Aug 22), Khan was taken out of jail to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for a brief medical examination instead of being transferred to the private Shifa International Hospital, as directed by the top court. Moreover, rather than being admitted to the hospital for treatment, Khan was taken back to the prison after the medical tests within a few hours, prompting PTI to express outrage. According to a Dawn report, tight security measures were undertaken outside the Shifa International Hospital during Khan’s move. Pitras Bukhari Road and Service Road South had been cordoned off while hundreds of law enforcement personnel were also deployed in and around the hospital premises. PTI alleges violation of court order PTI moved the Supreme Court against the government, alleging that authorities violated its order on the medical transfer of jailed party founder Imran Khan. PTI legal adviser Naeem Panjutha said the petition seeks action against senior government officials, including the prime minister, law minister and information minister. “The petition seeks action against the prime minister, law minister, information minister” and other government officials, Panjutha said, adding that the party has also sought Khan’s treatment at the private hospital specified by the court. Sister claims ‘torture in prison’ Khan’s sister Uzma Khan, who was present during his examination at PIMS, told reporters that her brother appeared physically fit but claimed he had told her that he was “being repeatedly tortured in prison”. “He repeatedly told me, ‘I have been subjected to injustice. I am being severely tortured.’ He mentioned that another doctor had visited and stated that his health was deteriorating due to a lack of human contact. He said he has had no reading material or TV for ten months,” Uzma said. Also read | Imran Khan hospital row: PTI accuses Pakistan govt of defying SC order Updating on his health condition, she added, “He showed me that only a small trace of haemorrhage remained in his eyes, which would clear up after the injection. However, the doctor mentioned that follow-up injections would also be required as a preventive measure. His vision had improved, though not to 100 per cent.” Government blames PTI The Pakistani government on Saturday (Aug 22) blamed PTI for the transfer to the state-run facility instead of the private one ordered by the Supreme Court, citing heavy presence of party members outside the Shifa International Hospital. “Contempt has definitely happened,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said. “Wasn't it PTI who did it? Didn't they violate the court order?” Speaking at a press conference, he said, “If somebody is in contempt, it is Imran Khan’s sister and his party... The prisoner’s family was in contempt. His party was in contempt by gathering people and creating issues for the authorities.” He insisted that the government fulfilled the court order by taking Khan to a medical checkup in the presence of his sister and doctors from the Shifa hospital. Zac Goldsmith writes to UK Foreign Secretary The controversy has also reached Britain. In a letter dated August 21, Conservative peer Zac Goldsmith, Khan’s former brother-in-law, urged UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to intervene with the Pakistan government over treatment of Khan. “Without a meaningful intervention, the Pakistani govt will undoubtedly kill off Imran Khan simply because they know that for as long as he lives, he is a threat to their power and corruption,” he alleged. Goldsmith previously raised Khan’s imprisonment in the UK Parliament and urged greater diplomatic pressure on Islamabad. UK ministers have said Pakistan must respect fundamental freedoms, humane detention and access to appropriate medical treatment.

Imran Khan’s prison treatment has sparked a political storm after authorities took him to a government hospital despite a Supreme Court order for private hospital treatment. Here’s all you need to know about the controversy.

Why is Imran Khan’s prison treatment causing a political storm in Pakistan? WION Decodes

Iran is putting pressure on Qatar to relocate detained Iranian pilots from their recent holding site on the water to a hospital facility on dry land, according to media reports. Iran’s Armed Forces committee head Mohammad Baqerzadeh, tasked with locating missing personnel, has claimed that the health of the pilots is deteriorating. He noted that pilots are confined at a waterborne location, calling it a “poor physical condition.”<h3>Qatar denies claim</h3>Noting the current detention site is inadequate for the pilots’ needs, Baqerzadeh appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross to dispatch an air ambulance to Qatar, with the focus of quick transfer of sick and wounded detainees back to Iranian soil. Meanwhile, Qatar refused last week over allegations of keeping any Iranian pilots, claiming that they had violated Qatari airspace earlier this year, responding to attempts to make contact. As per several media reports, Doha claimed that it had been in contact with Iran to hand over one pilot’s remains and had invited Tehran to review search and rescue operations in detail; however, it had received no response.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-issues-no-more-warning-for-canada-after-carney-s-dollar-for-dollar-threat-jd-vance-mocks-him-in-leaked-audio-1787467008597">Trump issues 'no more' warning for Canada after Carney's 'dollar for dollar' threat; JD Vance mocks him in leaked audio</a> Foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said Qatari rescue teams had conducted a thorough search for the three missing aviators, had already arranged for one pilot's remains to be handed over to Iran, and had invited an Iranian team back in April to be briefed on the search efforts, an invitation Tehran never acted on. In his most recent remarks, Baqerzadeh welcomed Qatar's decision to admit a team of Iranian experts and urged Doha to extend them full cooperation. He had earlier stated that an Iranian Air Force expert and fact-finding team had been waiting for months for permission to enter Qatar, and accused Qatari officials of repeatedly stalling the investigation.

Doha claimed that it had been in contact with Iran to hand over one pilot’s remains and had invited Tehran to review search and rescue operations in detail; however, it had received no response.

Iran is putting pressure on Qatar to relocate detained Iranian pilots from their recent holding site on the water to a hospital facility on dry land, according to media reports. Iran’s Armed Forces committee head Mohammad Baqerzadeh, tasked with locating missing personnel, has claimed that the health of the pilots is deteriorating. He noted that pilots are confined at a waterborne location, calling it a “poor physical condition.” Qatar denies claim Noting the current detention site is inadequate for the pilots’ needs, Baqerzadeh appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross to dispatch an air ambulance to Qatar, with the focus of quick transfer of sick and wounded detainees back to Iranian soil. Meanwhile, Qatar refused last week over allegations of keeping any Iranian pilots, claiming that they had violated Qatari airspace earlier this year, responding to attempts to make contact. As per several media reports, Doha claimed that it had been in contact with Iran to hand over one pilot’s remains and had invited Tehran to review search and rescue operations in detail; however, it had received no response. Also read: Trump issues 'no more' warning for Canada after Carney's 'dollar for dollar' threat; JD Vance mocks him in leaked audio Foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said Qatari rescue teams had conducted a thorough search for the three missing aviators, had already arranged for one pilot's remains to be handed over to Iran, and had invited an Iranian team back in April to be briefed on the search efforts, an invitation Tehran never acted on. In his most recent remarks, Baqerzadeh welcomed Qatar's decision to admit a team of Iranian experts and urged Doha to extend them full cooperation. He had earlier stated that an Iranian Air Force expert and fact-finding team had been waiting for months for permission to enter Qatar, and accused Qatari officials of repeatedly stalling the investigation.

Doha claimed that it had been in contact with Iran to hand over one pilot’s remains and had invited Tehran to review search and rescue operations in detail; however, it had received no response.

Iran says detained pilots' health deteriorating, urges Qatar to move them from sea site to hospital

US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have traded sharp accusations over stalled trade negotiations, with Trump renewing his “51st state” jibe and accusing Canada of seeking benefits without becoming a US state. Carney, meanwhile, called the proposed US terms “uneconomic” and “unfair”, saying Ottawa would retaliate with matching tariffs.&nbsp;This comes at the backdrop of leaked audio of US Vice President JD Vance from a private event in which he reportedly mocked Canada's Carney for trying to “out-tough” US President Trump. According to the Canadian Press, Vance is heard in the audio telling a room of supporters in Southampton, New York, that Carney is a “very sweet guy” and that he gets along with him well. But he also says Carney “comes in and puffs his chest out and says: ‘I’m going to, like, out-tough Donald Trump.’ Vance adds: “It’s hilarious because Carney presents this as some victory for Canada when fundamentally, like, they climb down on a lot of issues.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/direct-violation-canada-pm-mark-carney-breaks-silence-as-trump-orders-new-50-tariff-on-canadian-goods-1784599795502">'Direct violation...': Canada PM Mark Carney breaks silence as Trump orders new 50% tariff on Canadian goods</a><h2>What Carney said?</h2>Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday (Aug 22)said that he walked away because of a 'bad trade deal' and vowed to slap retaliatory tariffs on the US. Carney claimed that the US proposed new terms that were "uneconomic" and "unfair" and said that they undermined the net benefits for Canada. He accused US President Donald Trump of launching a trade "war" and said, “You're at war when you get attacked. We got attacked.” "We cannot accept what they've offered, and we will not give what they've asked," Carney said. Carney stated that Ottawa will respond with a "dollar for dollar" move to match the 50 per cent tariff imposed by Trump.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hot-mic-moment-trump-calls-canadian-pm-carney-mr-president-at-peace-summit-at-least-i-didn-t-call-you-a-governor-1760412035954">Hot mic MOMENT! Trump calls Canadian PM Carney ‘Mr President’ at peace summit: ‘At least I didn’t call you a governor’</a><h2>What Trump said?</h2>After Carney's statement, Trump took to social media to renew his 51st state jibe. The US president also accused Canada of asking too much. "Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260823/image-1787473384552.png"></figure>

Leaked audio reportedly captures US Vice-President JD Vance mocking Canadian PM Mark Carney over trade negotiations. Carney said Canada rejected an unfair US deal and vowed retaliatory tariffs, while Donald Trump renewed his 51st-state jibe and criticised Canada.

US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have traded sharp accusations over stalled trade negotiations, with Trump renewing his “51st state” jibe and accusing Canada of seeking benefits without becoming a US state. Carney, meanwhile, called the proposed US terms “uneconomic” and “unfair”, saying Ottawa would retaliate with matching tariffs. This comes at the backdrop of leaked audio of US Vice President JD Vance from a private event in which he reportedly mocked Canada's Carney for trying to “out-tough” US President Trump. According to the Canadian Press, Vance is heard in the audio telling a room of supporters in Southampton, New York, that Carney is a “very sweet guy” and that he gets along with him well. But he also says Carney “comes in and puffs his chest out and says: ‘I’m going to, like, out-tough Donald Trump.’ Vance adds: “It’s hilarious because Carney presents this as some victory for Canada when fundamentally, like, they climb down on a lot of issues.” Also Read: 'Direct violation...': Canada PM Mark Carney breaks silence as Trump orders new 50% tariff on Canadian goods What Carney said? Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday (Aug 22)said that he walked away because of a 'bad trade deal' and vowed to slap retaliatory tariffs on the US. Carney claimed that the US proposed new terms that were "uneconomic" and "unfair" and said that they undermined the net benefits for Canada. He accused US President Donald Trump of launching a trade "war" and said, “You're at war when you get attacked. We got attacked.” "We cannot accept what they've offered, and we will not give what they've asked," Carney said. Carney stated that Ottawa will respond with a "dollar for dollar" move to match the 50 per cent tariff imposed by Trump. Also Read: Hot mic MOMENT! Trump calls Canadian PM Carney ‘Mr President’ at peace summit: ‘At least I didn’t call you a governor’ What Trump said? After Carney's statement, Trump took to social media to renew his 51st state jibe. The US president also accused Canada of asking too much. "Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Leaked audio reportedly captures US Vice-President JD Vance mocking Canadian PM Mark Carney over trade negotiations. Carney said Canada rejected an unfair US deal and vowed retaliatory tariffs, while Donald Trump renewed his 51st-state jibe and criticised Canada.

Trump issues 'no more' warning for Canada after Carney's 'dollar for dollar' threat; JD Vance mocks him in leaked audio

The headquarters of the UN-designated terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, has been fully restored and is once again operational, more than a year after it was damaged in Indian air strikes under counter-terror "Operation Sindoor". Operation Sindoor targeted multiple sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu &amp; Kashmir in response to a deadly 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam. These sites were seen as part of terror infrastructure in Pakistan.&nbsp;Images and intelligence assessments indicate that the Markaz Subhanallah complex, previously left in ruins, has undergone extensive reconstruction. Damaged domes have been rebuilt, and the central hall has been refurbished with new plaster, paint and marble flooring. Craters caused by precision munitions have been filled and the structure repaired.&nbsp;Adjacent buildings, including residential quarters linked to the group’s leadership, were demolished and replaced with new construction. According to intelligence sources, the Pakistani authorities channelled approximately 25 crore Pakistani rupees to JeM in cash instalments. Of this sum, around 11 crore rupees were allocated specifically to the renovation of the main hall. Located on the outskirts of Bahawalpur in Pakistan’s Punjab province, the compound has been described by security analysts as a key centre for recruitment, training and planning by the terror group JeM.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/did-goldy-brar-kill-khalistani-terrorist-nijjar-in-canada-alleged-leaked-audio-reveals-shocking-confession-1787467122269">Did Goldy Brar kill Khalistani terrorist Nijjar in Canada? Alleged leaked audio reveals shocking confession</a>&nbsp;JeM founder Masood Azhar is reported to remain sidelined by illness. Day-to-day control of the Bahawalpur facility has passed to his brothers, Talha Al-Saif and Mohinuddin Aurangzeb (also known as Ammar Alvi). Azhar and another brother, Rauf Asghar, are believed to be living under protection in Nawabshah, Sindh province.&nbsp;India has long highlighted to the international community that Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to the terror group JeM, which has been responsible for several high-profile attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp; The reconstruction of the Bahawalpur complex comes amid tense ties between India and Pakistan. Indian side has previously pointed to the site as evidence of Pakistan’s failure to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.

India has long highlighted to the international community that Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to the terror group JeM, which has been responsible for several high-profile attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama terror attack

The headquarters of the UN-designated terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, has been fully restored and is once again operational, more than a year after it was damaged in Indian air strikes under counter-terror "Operation Sindoor". Operation Sindoor targeted multiple sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir in response to a deadly 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam. These sites were seen as part of terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Images and intelligence assessments indicate that the Markaz Subhanallah complex, previously left in ruins, has undergone extensive reconstruction. Damaged domes have been rebuilt, and the central hall has been refurbished with new plaster, paint and marble flooring. Craters caused by precision munitions have been filled and the structure repaired. Adjacent buildings, including residential quarters linked to the group’s leadership, were demolished and replaced with new construction. According to intelligence sources, the Pakistani authorities channelled approximately 25 crore Pakistani rupees to JeM in cash instalments. Of this sum, around 11 crore rupees were allocated specifically to the renovation of the main hall. Located on the outskirts of Bahawalpur in Pakistan’s Punjab province, the compound has been described by security analysts as a key centre for recruitment, training and planning by the terror group JeM. Also read: Did Goldy Brar kill Khalistani terrorist Nijjar in Canada? Alleged leaked audio reveals shocking confession JeM founder Masood Azhar is reported to remain sidelined by illness. Day-to-day control of the Bahawalpur facility has passed to his brothers, Talha Al-Saif and Mohinuddin Aurangzeb (also known as Ammar Alvi). Azhar and another brother, Rauf Asghar, are believed to be living under protection in Nawabshah, Sindh province. India has long highlighted to the international community that Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to the terror group JeM, which has been responsible for several high-profile attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The reconstruction of the Bahawalpur complex comes amid tense ties between India and Pakistan. Indian side has previously pointed to the site as evidence of Pakistan’s failure to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.

India has long highlighted to the international community that Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to the terror group JeM, which has been responsible for several high-profile attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama terror attack

Pak terror group Jaish's Bahawalpur terror compound, destroyed by India during Operation Sindoor, restored

Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar has admitted to killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in an alleged leaked audio clip, which has gone viral on social media. In the audio, Brar is heard saying that Nijjar was targeted over his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and encouraging young people to sell drugs. Nijjar’s killing in Jun 2023 had soured relations between India and Canada after Ottawa accused Indian government agents of being involved in carrying out the murder.“Those who groomed and incited 16-to-17-year-olds to sell drugs... Those who blackmailed young people into selling drugs and becoming informants... Nijjar supported and strengthened these individuals so that he could use them when necessary,” Brar allegedly says in the clip, which appears to be a recorded conversation with Khalistani terrorist Paramjit Singh Pamma. The authenticity of the clip could not be verified by WION.In the audio, Brar also claimed Nijjar was supporting people who allegedly encouraged young people to sell drugs and act as informants.“That’s why we, my team and I, had to kill Nijjar, because these people were using young people to sell drugs. Everyone has to face the consequences of their actions,” Brar was quoted as saying.<h2>Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing</h2>Nijjar, who founded the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was shot dead outside a Sikh cultural centre in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. His killing triggered a major diplomatic rift between India and Canada after then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a possible link between Indian government agents and the murder. India rejected the allegation as “absurd” and “motivated” and has consistently denied involvement in Nijjar’s killing.Relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have shown signs of improvement since Mark Carney became Canada’s prime minister, with both sides resuming law-enforcement discussions and working to rebuild diplomatic ties. Carney met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis in June, marking a significant step towards easing tensions between the two countries.In July, Canadian investigators said they had found no evidence linking Indian government officials to Nijjar’s murder. RCMP deputy commissioner Lisa Moreland said, “There’s no evidence to suggest through this organised crime investigation and the charges and the indictment laid forward that Indian officials were charged or involved.”The latest audio claim comes amid continued scrutiny of Nijjar’s killing and its impact on India-Canada relations.

A leaked audio clip allegedly features Goldy Brar claiming responsibility for Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. The claim, unverified independently, comes amid improving India-Canada ties under PM Mark Carney.

Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar has admitted to killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in an alleged leaked audio clip, which has gone viral on social media. In the audio, Brar is heard saying that Nijjar was targeted over his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and encouraging young people to sell drugs. Nijjar’s killing in Jun 2023 had soured relations between India and Canada after Ottawa accused Indian government agents of being involved in carrying out the murder. “Those who groomed and incited 16-to-17-year-olds to sell drugs... Those who blackmailed young people into selling drugs and becoming informants... Nijjar supported and strengthened these individuals so that he could use them when necessary,” Brar allegedly says in the clip, which appears to be a recorded conversation with Khalistani terrorist Paramjit Singh Pamma. The authenticity of the clip could not be verified by WION. In the audio, Brar also claimed Nijjar was supporting people who allegedly encouraged young people to sell drugs and act as informants. “That’s why we, my team and I, had to kill Nijjar, because these people were using young people to sell drugs. Everyone has to face the consequences of their actions,” Brar was quoted as saying. Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing Nijjar, who founded the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was shot dead outside a Sikh cultural centre in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. His killing triggered a major diplomatic rift between India and Canada after then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a possible link between Indian government agents and the murder. India rejected the allegation as “absurd” and “motivated” and has consistently denied involvement in Nijjar’s killing. Relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have shown signs of improvement since Mark Carney became Canada’s prime minister, with both sides resuming law-enforcement discussions and working to rebuild diplomatic ties. Carney met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis in June, marking a significant step towards easing tensions between the two countries. In July, Canadian investigators said they had found no evidence linking Indian government officials to Nijjar’s murder. RCMP deputy commissioner Lisa Moreland said, “There’s no evidence to suggest through this organised crime investigation and the charges and the indictment laid forward that Indian officials were charged or involved.” The latest audio claim comes amid continued scrutiny of Nijjar’s killing and its impact on India-Canada relations.

A leaked audio clip allegedly features Goldy Brar claiming responsibility for Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. The claim, unverified independently, comes amid improving India-Canada ties under PM Mark Carney.

Did Goldy Brar kill Khalistani terrorist Nijjar in Canada? Alleged leaked audio reveals shocking confession

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Aug 22) said that the India-Bangladesh relationship can work if it meets the “test of mutual interest.” The statement comes after Dhaka linked Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to New Delhi to the extradition of former premier Sheikh Hasina&nbsp;In a session at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar responded to a question on the Tarique Rahman government’s demand for extraditing Hasina by declining to go into the discussions between India and Bangladesh on this issue. He said that India does not expect its neighbours to only do what is in New Delhi’s interest, though bilateral relations work smoothly when the two sides find common ground. "What I can tell you is for any relationship to work, it has to meet the test of mutual interest. It has to work for them, it has to work for us,” he said. “I am also realistic, I’m not expecting neighbours to do only what’s in my interest. There has to be a fair degree, a reasonable degree of my recognising and respecting what is their interest, just as I expect them also to do so,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-pm-tarique-rahman-s-india-visit-in-doubt-amid-hasina-extradition-demand-1786994131340">Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s India visit in doubt amid Hasina extradition demand</a>&nbsp;<blockquote>When the two sides find a “landing point” or “common ground”, the relationship works smoothly, Jaishankar said. “I would say this in respect of all neighbours, that [in] relationships, at the end of the day, there’s a mutuality which underpins that exercise,” he said.</blockquote>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-sheikh-hasina-wants-to-return-to-bangladesh-despite-death-sentence-and-what-it-means-for-india-wion-decodes-1784188338609">Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;India has invited Rahman for both a bilateral visit and to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in his capacity as chair of the BIMSTEC grouping. Last week, during a courtesy call by India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Dhaka, Dinesh Trivedi, on the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, the said issue was raised.&nbsp;According to a Bangladesh foreign ministry statement, the adviser told the high commissioner that “Bangladesh expects India’s cooperation.." including Sheikh Hasina who "can use Indian territory to deliver political speeches or carry out any activities aimed at creating instability inside Bangladesh.” He warned that such activities “could harm the positive progress of bilateral relations.”&nbsp;Hasina, who fled Bangladesh after her government was ousted in August 2024, is scheduled to address an event on 5 August at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club. Dhaka regards her as a fugitive and has previously pressed India not to allow her political activities from its soil. The Indian High Commissioner responded that he would “duly consider the matter, make the necessary inquiries, and remain vigilant on this issue,” the Bangladesh statement said.

S Jaishankar said India-Bangladesh ties must pass the “test of mutual interest” as Dhaka links Tarique Rahman’s India visit to Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. He also discussed Pakistan’s use of terrorism, the Makkah defence pact and stressed peace on the India-China border for stable ties.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Aug 22) said that the India-Bangladesh relationship can work if it meets the “test of mutual interest.” The statement comes after Dhaka linked Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to New Delhi to the extradition of former premier Sheikh Hasina In a session at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar responded to a question on the Tarique Rahman government’s demand for extraditing Hasina by declining to go into the discussions between India and Bangladesh on this issue. He said that India does not expect its neighbours to only do what is in New Delhi’s interest, though bilateral relations work smoothly when the two sides find common ground. "What I can tell you is for any relationship to work, it has to meet the test of mutual interest. It has to work for them, it has to work for us,” he said. “I am also realistic, I’m not expecting neighbours to do only what’s in my interest. There has to be a fair degree, a reasonable degree of my recognising and respecting what is their interest, just as I expect them also to do so,” he added. Also Read: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s India visit in doubt amid Hasina extradition demand When the two sides find a “landing point” or “common ground”, the relationship works smoothly, Jaishankar said. “I would say this in respect of all neighbours, that [in] relationships, at the end of the day, there’s a mutuality which underpins that exercise,” he said. Also Read: Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes India has invited Rahman for both a bilateral visit and to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in his capacity as chair of the BIMSTEC grouping. Last week, during a courtesy call by India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Dhaka, Dinesh Trivedi, on the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, the said issue was raised. According to a Bangladesh foreign ministry statement, the adviser told the high commissioner that “Bangladesh expects India’s cooperation.." including Sheikh Hasina who "can use Indian territory to deliver political speeches or carry out any activities aimed at creating instability inside Bangladesh.” He warned that such activities “could harm the positive progress of bilateral relations.” Hasina, who fled Bangladesh after her government was ousted in August 2024, is scheduled to address an event on 5 August at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club. Dhaka regards her as a fugitive and has previously pressed India not to allow her political activities from its soil. The Indian High Commissioner responded that he would “duly consider the matter, make the necessary inquiries, and remain vigilant on this issue,” the Bangladesh statement said.

S Jaishankar said India-Bangladesh ties must pass the “test of mutual interest” as Dhaka links Tarique Rahman’s India visit to Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. He also discussed Pakistan’s use of terrorism, the Makkah defence pact and stressed peace on the India-China border for stable ties.

When two sides find common ground...': India's EAM Jaishankar responds as Bangladesh links Hasina's extradition to PM Rahman's visit

A retired schoolteacher, his wife, daughter and 12-year-old son were found dead in a locked house in Rangpur city late last night, in a case police say remains unexplained. The bodies were recovered at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday from a house in the Daspara (Machhuapara) area of the city.The deceased were identified as retired Zilla School teacher Ganapati Chakraborty, 65; his wife Pritilata Chakraborty, 50; their daughter Agami Chakraborty Prarthi, 23; and son Priyam Chakraborty, 12.&nbsp;<h2>How the bodies were found</h2>The bodies of the mother and daughter were recovered from the staircase, while the father's body was found on the roof. The body of his son was found under a bed, according to Subir Chowdhury, in-charge of Rangpur Metropolitan CID.<h2>Police response</h2>OC Nazmul Kader of Kotwali Police Station said police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Detective Branch (DB) had started an investigation into the incident, adding: "For now, we have recovered the bodies of four people. We have not yet been able to establish any details about the incident."&nbsp;<h2>Family reaction</h2>Soma Chakraborty, Ganapati's niece, said she had last spoken to her uncle on Thursday afternoon. Describing arriving at the scene, she said: "After receiving the news on Saturday night, I came here and saw his body. The bodies of my aunt, sister and brother were also lying there. My uncle had no enemies." She added that after retiring from school, he had started working as a homeopathic practitioner.&nbsp;<h2>Status of the investigation</h2>No cause of death, motive, or manner of death (murder, suicide, or otherwise) has been officially confirmed. The bodies have reportedly been sent for autopsy, and forensic and CID teams are examining the scene.&nbsp;

A retired schoolteacher, his wife, daughter and 12-year-old son were found dead inside their locked home in Bangladesh’s Rangpur city. Police and CID have launched an investigation, but the cause, motive and manner of death remain unknown. The bodies have been sent for autopsy.

A retired schoolteacher, his wife, daughter and 12-year-old son were found dead in a locked house in Rangpur city late last night, in a case police say remains unexplained. The bodies were recovered at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday from a house in the Daspara (Machhuapara) area of the city. The deceased were identified as retired Zilla School teacher Ganapati Chakraborty, 65; his wife Pritilata Chakraborty, 50; their daughter Agami Chakraborty Prarthi, 23; and son Priyam Chakraborty, 12. How the bodies were found The bodies of the mother and daughter were recovered from the staircase, while the father's body was found on the roof. The body of his son was found under a bed, according to Subir Chowdhury, in-charge of Rangpur Metropolitan CID. Police response OC Nazmul Kader of Kotwali Police Station said police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Detective Branch (DB) had started an investigation into the incident, adding: "For now, we have recovered the bodies of four people. We have not yet been able to establish any details about the incident." Family reaction Soma Chakraborty, Ganapati's niece, said she had last spoken to her uncle on Thursday afternoon. Describing arriving at the scene, she said: "After receiving the news on Saturday night, I came here and saw his body. The bodies of my aunt, sister and brother were also lying there. My uncle had no enemies." She added that after retiring from school, he had started working as a homeopathic practitioner. Status of the investigation No cause of death, motive, or manner of death (murder, suicide, or otherwise) has been officially confirmed. The bodies have reportedly been sent for autopsy, and forensic and CID teams are examining the scene.

A retired schoolteacher, his wife, daughter and 12-year-old son were found dead inside their locked home in Bangladesh’s Rangpur city. Police and CID have launched an investigation, but the cause, motive and manner of death remain unknown. The bodies have been sent for autopsy.

Retired teacher, wife and two children found dead in locked Bangladesh's Rangpur house

The tensions between the UK and Russia over support to Ukraine in the war has escalated as the Kremlin has withdrawn its ambassador to the UK. Andrey Kelin, who served as the Russian ambassador to the UK for over seven years, left his diplomatic posting on July 21. Moscow has not submitted any candidates to the Foreign Office to replace him and embassy staff are understood to have no indication of when a successor might be appointed, UK based-The Times reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;This comes at the backdrop of UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham saying that the UK is continuing to “support Ukraine 100 per cent” after Moscow threatened consequences for the reported use of British drones for strikes deep into Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin also warned Ukraine of “opening Pandora’s box” after strikes killed at least 10 people in Russia. Earlier, the Russian embassy in London threatened unspecified “consequences.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-strikes-shopping-centre-in-kryvyi-rih-leaves-16-dead-1787389225507">Russia-Ukraine war: Russia strikes shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, leaves 16 dead</a>&nbsp;"He left Britain in the hope that a more constructive and respectful dialogue could eventually be restored, should the UK reconsider its policies towards our country,” a spokesman for the Russian embassy said, adding the Kremlin had not yet put forward a replacement candidate. “In the meantime, the embassy is headed by the chargé d’affaires.” Previously in June 2024, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, told reporters: “The issue of lowering the level of diplomatic relations is a standard practice for states that face unfriendly or hostile manifestations.” After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, diplomatic relations with Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia were also downgraded.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/zelensky-says-russian-strike-on-kryvyi-rig-kills-14-1787374827542">Zelensky Says Russian Strike on Kryvyi Rig Kills 14</a><h2>Putin's warning to Ukraine</h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Ukraine of a retaliatory campaign against its most sensitive economic sectors after Kyiv intensified drone strikes on Russian economic infrastructure, saying the attacks had “opened Pandora’s box”. On Saturday, Putin said that Russia would respond to Ukraine’s strikes: “The Kyiv regime set out to damage our economy. What did it do? It ⁠opened this ‌Pandora’s box itself. Well then, expect a ​response targeting ​your most sensitive economic sectors."

Russia has withdrawn its ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin, without naming a replacement, in a move that could signal a further downgrade in diplomatic ties. The decision comes amid rising tensions over Britain's support for Ukraine 

The tensions between the UK and Russia over support to Ukraine in the war has escalated as the Kremlin has withdrawn its ambassador to the UK. Andrey Kelin, who served as the Russian ambassador to the UK for over seven years, left his diplomatic posting on July 21. Moscow has not submitted any candidates to the Foreign Office to replace him and embassy staff are understood to have no indication of when a successor might be appointed, UK based-The Times reported. This comes at the backdrop of UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham saying that the UK is continuing to “support Ukraine 100 per cent” after Moscow threatened consequences for the reported use of British drones for strikes deep into Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin also warned Ukraine of “opening Pandora’s box” after strikes killed at least 10 people in Russia. Earlier, the Russian embassy in London threatened unspecified “consequences.” Also Read: Russia-Ukraine war: Russia strikes shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, leaves 16 dead "He left Britain in the hope that a more constructive and respectful dialogue could eventually be restored, should the UK reconsider its policies towards our country,” a spokesman for the Russian embassy said, adding the Kremlin had not yet put forward a replacement candidate. “In the meantime, the embassy is headed by the chargé d’affaires.” Previously in June 2024, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, told reporters: “The issue of lowering the level of diplomatic relations is a standard practice for states that face unfriendly or hostile manifestations.” After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, diplomatic relations with Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia were also downgraded. Also Read: Zelensky Says Russian Strike on Kryvyi Rig Kills 14 Putin's warning to Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Ukraine of a retaliatory campaign against its most sensitive economic sectors after Kyiv intensified drone strikes on Russian economic infrastructure, saying the attacks had “opened Pandora’s box”. On Saturday, Putin said that Russia would respond to Ukraine’s strikes: “The Kyiv regime set out to damage our economy. What did it do? It ⁠opened this ‌Pandora’s box itself. Well then, expect a response targeting your most sensitive economic sectors."

Russia has withdrawn its ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin, without naming a replacement, in a move that could signal a further downgrade in diplomatic ties. The decision comes amid rising tensions over Britain's support for Ukraine&nbsp;

Putin pulls ambassador from London as Russia-UK tensions escalate, warns Ukraine of opening 'pandora's box'

Amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar has experienced a heavy economic crisis, prompting the government to cut its spending. Qatar's government departments have reportedly experienced budget reductions of up to 30 per cent, while funding for overseas aid has been reduced by about 85 per cent. The crisis came as the country's economy heavily depends on liquefied natural gas revenues. Qatar's economy has been particularly hit due to the stoppage of its LNG production following damage linked to the conflict and difficulties shipping gas through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for its energy exports. These setbacks come amid a steep economic downturn for the country. The IMF projects Qatar's economy will contract by 8.6 per cent this year, the sharpest decline among the six Gulf states.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-chinese-humanoid-robots-beat-usain-bolt-s-100m-record-at-world-humanoid-robot-games-1787453863341">WATCH: Chinese humanoid robots beat Usain Bolt's 100m record at World Humanoid Robot Game</a>s<h3>Impact of Gulf economy</h3>While Qatar holds significant financial reserves, including the roughly $500 billion managed by the Qatar Investment Authority, officials and economists caution that a prolonged disruption could strain government finances further and force additional spending cuts. The broader Gulf economy has also felt the impact of the conflict, with energy exports, trade, tourism, and other sectors all disrupted. Qatar and Kuwait are especially vulnerable given how heavily they depend on the Strait of Hormuz for shipping energy. Despite the economic pressures, however, Qatari authorities confirmed that the country remained capable of managing the crisis and maintaining its long-term economic strategy, citing its experience in dealing with previous regional and global crises.

The broader Gulf economy has also felt the impact of the conflict, with energy exports, trade, tourism, and other sectors all disrupted. Qatar and Kuwait are especially vulnerable given how heavily they depend on the Strait of Hormuz for shipping energy.

Amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar has experienced a heavy economic crisis, prompting the government to cut its spending. Qatar's government departments have reportedly experienced budget reductions of up to 30 per cent, while funding for overseas aid has been reduced by about 85 per cent. The crisis came as the country's economy heavily depends on liquefied natural gas revenues. Qatar's economy has been particularly hit due to the stoppage of its LNG production following damage linked to the conflict and difficulties shipping gas through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for its energy exports. These setbacks come amid a steep economic downturn for the country. The IMF projects Qatar's economy will contract by 8.6 per cent this year, the sharpest decline among the six Gulf states. Also read: WATCH: Chinese humanoid robots beat Usain Bolt's 100m record at World Humanoid Robot Games Impact of Gulf economy While Qatar holds significant financial reserves, including the roughly $500 billion managed by the Qatar Investment Authority, officials and economists caution that a prolonged disruption could strain government finances further and force additional spending cuts. The broader Gulf economy has also felt the impact of the conflict, with energy exports, trade, tourism, and other sectors all disrupted. Qatar and Kuwait are especially vulnerable given how heavily they depend on the Strait of Hormuz for shipping energy. Despite the economic pressures, however, Qatari authorities confirmed that the country remained capable of managing the crisis and maintaining its long-term economic strategy, citing its experience in dealing with previous regional and global crises.

The broader Gulf economy has also felt the impact of the conflict, with energy exports, trade, tourism, and other sectors all disrupted. Qatar and Kuwait are especially vulnerable given how heavily they depend on the Strait of Hormuz for shipping energy.

Qatar slashes budgets by up to 30% as US-Iran conflict shrinks economy

Latest News Today Live Updates: Iran has warned countries against joining US sanctions, saying nations participating in Washington’s economic pressure campaign will be considered enemies. Iranian official Mohsen Rezai threatened to target the interests of countries that support the US measures and warned that Tehran could strike American oil and economic companies in response. He said Iran had so far targeted only US military bases but had more options available. Rezai also issued a warning to Donald Trump, saying any further US action would trigger a confrontation “like an earthquake”. The warning comes as Washington pushes allies to isolate Iran’s economy amid escalating tensions across the Middle East.US President Donald Trump has again shared an image depicting the Strait of Hormuz as “US Territory”, drawing a sharp rebuke from Iran, which dismissed the claim as being far removed from reality. Trump had previously shared the same image on August 18, after saying he could soon claim the strategically vital waterway as US territory. Speaking at a police academy on Long Island on August 14, Trump had said: “Pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States.”A Hindu trader, Rakesh Kumar, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Balochistan on Friday, police confirmed on Saturday. The attackers allegedly entered his shop in Noshki Bazaar’s Qadirabad Stop area and opened fire when Kumar resisted. He died at the scene before police arrived and shifted his body to a district hospital for identification. Authorities have registered a case against the unidentified assailants and launched an investigation into the killing.In a surprising feat, a Chinese humanoid robot completed a 100-metre race in 9.39 seconds during a preliminary heat at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Saturday (August 22), surpassing the world-record pace set by Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt. The robot, named Tiangong Ultra, was developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre. Organisers said it won its heat during the opening of the second edition of the games.

Global luxury brands are facing a deepening sales slump in China, as the country’s campaign to tax offshore wealth sends ripples from stock markets to casino floors and dampens spending by the country’s richest consumers. Sales at the 25 biggest luxury labels in China dropped more than 10% in July, according to three research firms surveyed by Bloomberg that track industry data. That’s worse than the slowdown witnessed in June, and marks a sharp reversal from the brisk business seen earlier this year.

Luxury sales slump in China as tax crackdown hits wealthy shoppers

Lebanon’s economy is projected to shrink by 6.4 percent this year as conflict turns a brief post-crisis recovery into a sharp downturn, says the World Bank. The global lender’s Summer 2026 Lebanon Economic Monitor, titled A Conflict-Torn Economy, noted that the country entered the year on stronger footing after expanding by 4.2 percent in 2025, its highest real gross domestic product (GDP) growth since the 2019 financial collapse.

World Bank projects war-hit Lebanon’s economy to contract by 6.4 percent

The impact of the gas crisis that began on July 21 is spreading across the country’s industrial belts, with factories cutting production, shutting units and sending workers on leave. The latest deterioration follows the shutdown of Excelerate Energy’s LNG terminal after it ran out of inventory on Wednesday, further reducing gas availability in an already strained system. &nbsp;

Gas crunch deepens, factories bear brunt in Bangladesh

Some of Nvidia's opens new tab largest ​customers have been told prices of servers ‌containing its AI chips will rise by more than 15% in many cases, with memory chip costs ​soaring, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday. The price ​hikes will go into effect on systems ⁠shipped early next year and will impact ​systems including those with the flagship Vera Rubin ​and Grace Blackwell chips, the report added, citing people familiar with the process. The increases will depend on Nvidia's ​chip generation and memory configurations, they said.

Nvidia customers notified about AI-related price hikes above 15%

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Crazy footage from Japan as a powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes the area. The tremors look intense &lt;a href="https://t.co/I33aMbSNbI"&gt;pic.twitter.com/I33aMbSNbI&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) &lt;a href="https://x.com/surajit_ghosh2/status/2091254460966408589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 22, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Scary visuals emerge after 5.9 magnitude earthquake hits Japan

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;🇯🇵 JAPAN | M5.9 EARTHQUAKE STRIKES EASTERN JAPAN&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki Prefecture at around 2:00 AM local time on August 23 with strong tremors felt across parts of the Kanto region including Tokyo.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded a maximum… &lt;a href="https://t.co/JrWIABzLER"&gt;pic.twitter.com/JrWIABzLER&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; contentkikamii (@contentkikamii) &lt;a href="https://x.com/contentkikamii/status/2091392553224634844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 23, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Magnitude 5.9 earthquake strikes Japan, over 30 injured

Tensions between Assam and Meghalaya showed signs of easing after the August 19 violence in Shillong, with the two states agreeing to establish joint mechanisms to prevent further escalation. At a meeting held at the Koinadhara State Guest House on Saturday, both governments decided to complete the evacuation of Assam-bound passengers and vehicles stranded in Meghalaya within 48 hours.The meeting was led by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister S Dhar and Assam Minister Atul Bora, along with senior officials from both states. The discussions lasted more than three hours.Meghalaya expressed regret over the August 19 incident and assured Assam that strict action would be taken against those responsible. The President, Vice-President and General Secretary of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) have been arrested under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act. The two governments also agreed to strengthen coordination and work towards preventing similar incidents from escalating in the future.

Shillong violence: Assam, Meghalaya agree on peace mechanism, passenger evacuation

US President Donald Trump again shared an image calling the Strait of Hormuz calling it a "US Territory" even as Iran slammed him for making such claims stating it far from reality. Trump had first shared the same image on August 18, after previously declaring that he could soon claim the Strait of Hormuz as US territory. Speaking at a police academy on Long Island on August 14, Trump had said, “Pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States.”<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">Read more.</a>

Trump again claims Hormuz as 'new US territory' as top Iranian general slams America of 'betraying negotiations'

In a surprising development, a Chinese ‌humanoid robot ran 100 metres at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Saturday (August 22) in 9.39 seconds in a preliminary heat, faster than Jamaican sprinting great Usain Bolt. Organisers of the event confirmed that Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation ​Centre, won its heat at the opening of the second edition of the games.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-chinese-humanoid-robots-beat-usain-bolt-s-100m-record-at-world-humanoid-robot-games-1787453863341">Read more.</a>

WATCH: Chinese humanoid robots beat Usain Bolt's 100m record at World Humanoid Robot Games

Iran on Saturday (Aug 22) warned countries against joining the United States in imposing economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic, saying any government that participates in Washington’s campaign will be treated as an enemy. The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezai, issued the warning as US President Donald Trump’s administration stepped up pressure on allies to join efforts to isolate Tehran’s economy.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/confrontation-like-an-earthquake-iran-threatens-trump-warns-countries-backing-us-sanctions-1787454903260">Read more.</a>

‘Confrontation like an earthquake’: Iran threatens Trump, warns countries backing US sanctions

A Hindu trader identified as Rakesh Kumar was shot dead by unidentified armed men in Pakistan's Balochistan on Friday (Aug 21) and police confirmed the incident late on Saturday (Aug 22). According to reports, some armed men broke into Rakesh Kumar's shop in the Qadirabad Stop area of Noshki Bazaar. When Kumar tried to resist, the men opened fire and fled. Kumar was killed on the spot. When the police received the information, they rushed to the area and took the body to the district hospital, where the victim was identified as Rakesh Kumar. A case was then registered against the unidentified armed men.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/hindu-man-shot-dead-by-unidentified-gunmen-in-pakistan-s-balochistan-1787444730466">Read more.</a>

Hindu man shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan's Balochistan

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: Iran has warned countries against joining US sanctions, saying nations participating in Washington’s economic pressure campaign will be considered enemies. Iranian official Mohsen Rezai threatened to target the interests of countries that support the US measures and warned that Tehran could strike American oil and economic companies in response. He said Iran had so far targeted only US military bases but had more options available. Rezai also issued a warning to Donald Trump, saying any further US action would trigger a confrontation “like an earthquake”. The warning comes as Washington pushes allies to isolate Iran’s economy amid escalating tensions across the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has again shared an image depicting the Strait of Hormuz as “US Territory”, drawing a sharp rebuke from Iran, which dismissed the claim as being far removed from reality. Trump had previously shared the same image on August 18, after saying he could soon claim the strategically vital waterway as US territory. Speaking at a police academy on Long Island on August 14, Trump had said: “Pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States.” A Hindu trader, Rakesh Kumar, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Balochistan on Friday, police confirmed on Saturday. The attackers allegedly entered his shop in Noshki Bazaar’s Qadirabad Stop area and opened fire when Kumar resisted. He died at the scene before police arrived and shifted his body to a district hospital for identification. Authorities have registered a case against the unidentified assailants and launched an investigation into the killing. In a surprising feat, a Chinese humanoid robot completed a 100-metre race in 9.39 seconds during a preliminary heat at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Saturday (August 22), surpassing the world-record pace set by Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt. The robot, named Tiangong Ultra, was developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre. Organisers said it won its heat during the opening of the second edition of the games.

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.

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In a surprising development, a Chinese ‌humanoid robot ran 100 metres at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Saturday (August 22) in 9.39 seconds in a preliminary heat, faster than Jamaican sprinting great Usain Bolt. Organisers of the event confirmed that Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation ​Centre, won its heat at the opening of the second edition of the games. The robot left behind smartphone ​maker Honor's ‌humanoid robot 'Lightning' near the finish after falling behind early in the race. Lightning finished the race in 9.47 seconds, which is also faster than Bolt's record, who took 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Athletics Championships ​in Berlin.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chinese humanoid robot beats Usain Bolt’s 100m world record at the World Humanoid Robot Games<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/HumanoidRobot?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumanoidRobot</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/UsainBolt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UsainBolt</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WorldHumanoidRobotGames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldHumanoidRobotGames</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Robotics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Robotics</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Technology?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Technology</a> <a href="https://t.co/OUvxF1JzHS">pic.twitter.com/OUvxF1JzHS</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2091163635066532014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Tiangong's victory in Beijing last year</h3>Video of the robots from the event surfaced on social media, showing Tiangong Ultra in orange colour and Lightning in black-and-white running in the race. It is seen that 'Tiangong' fell soon after crossing the finish line, and 'Lightning' finished just after it. Tiangong veered wildly off course into the sidelines, sending onlookers scrambling out of the way, while Lightning collapsed and had to be carried off on a stretcher.&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' as top Iranian general slams America of ‘betraying negotiations’</a> Even so, the results marked a clear improvement on last year's inaugural games, where Tiangong Ultra had won the 100 metres in 21.50 seconds. Tiangong also claimed victory in the world's first humanoid robot half-marathon, held in Beijing last year. Earlier on Saturday, Chinese state media reported that Lightning had clocked a 100-metre run in 9.32 seconds during a preparatory test, reaching a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second. Lightning went on to win this year's humanoid half-marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, faster than the elite men's human world record pace. During the half-marathon, Lightning stood 169 cm tall with 95-cm legs; researchers later extended its legs by 10 cm, to 1.05 metres, ahead of the games, according to broadcaster CCTV.

Tiangong Ultra pulled ahead of Honor's robot 'Lightning' early on, though Lightning still finished in 9.47 seconds, also beating Bolt's 9.58-second record from the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

In a surprising development, a Chinese ‌humanoid robot ran 100 metres at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Saturday (August 22) in 9.39 seconds in a preliminary heat, faster than Jamaican sprinting great Usain Bolt. Organisers of the event confirmed that Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre, won its heat at the opening of the second edition of the games. The robot left behind smartphone maker Honor's ‌humanoid robot 'Lightning' near the finish after falling behind early in the race. Lightning finished the race in 9.47 seconds, which is also faster than Bolt's record, who took 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

Tiangong Ultra pulled ahead of Honor's robot 'Lightning' early on, though Lightning still finished in 9.47 seconds, also beating Bolt's 9.58-second record from the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

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