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New Delhi: India has strongly condemned an attack on one of its commercial vessels that sank in the Red Sea off Yemen on Tuesday, describing the incident as an unprovoked strike on a defenceless ship and that repeated assaults on commercial shipping in the region must end.&nbsp;The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.&nbsp;“India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel,” he stated.&nbsp;“The safety of our people is our supreme priority &amp; I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munir-protege-mohsin-naqvi-s-claim-of-unearthing-huge-scam-triggers-tremors-in-pakistan-s-power-corridors-1785869067161">Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors</a>&nbsp;India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the sinking and the rescue of the 13 Indian nationals abroad.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We condemn the attack on the Indian flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya that sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen on August 4, 2026. All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued,” the MEA said in a statement.&nbsp;“Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew. We thank the Yemeni authorities for their support.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-pakistan-ex-us-general-says-pak-qatar-compromised-mediators-1785852825375">Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators</a>&nbsp;The ministry added that the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping were “deeply worrisome.”&nbsp;“The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” it said.&nbsp;Sonowal said he had instructed the Director General of Maritime Administration to take immediate steps with all agencies “to ensure the absolute security of Indian seafarers in the region and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-crackdown-on-digital-arrest-scams-setting-up-of-panel-1785857834849">Supreme Court orders crackdown on digital arrest scams, setting up of panel</a>&nbsp;The incident marks the first such attack on an Indian vessel (mechanized small vessel) in the Red Sea off Yemen, an area far from the Strait of Hormuz but long plagued by threats linked to Houthis.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Red Sea corridor, a vital artery for global trade between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal, has grown increasingly concerned for commercial shipping. Any disruption there forces vessels onto the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, driving up insurance premiums, voyage times and overall costs for operators and consumers alike.

The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the sinking and the rescue of the 13 Indian nationals abroad.

New Delhi: India has strongly condemned an attack on one of its commercial vessels that sank in the Red Sea off Yemen on Tuesday, describing the incident as an unprovoked strike on a defenceless ship and that repeated assaults on commercial shipping in the region must end. The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. “India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel,” he stated. “The safety of our people is our supreme priority & I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha.” Also Read: Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the sinking and the rescue of the 13 Indian nationals abroad. “We condemn the attack on the Indian flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya that sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen on August 4, 2026. All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued,” the MEA said in a statement. “Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew. We thank the Yemeni authorities for their support.” Also Read: Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators The ministry added that the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping were “deeply worrisome.” “The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” it said. Sonowal said he had instructed the Director General of Maritime Administration to take immediate steps with all agencies “to ensure the absolute security of Indian seafarers in the region and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.” Also Read: Supreme Court orders crackdown on digital arrest scams, setting up of panel The incident marks the first such attack on an Indian vessel (mechanized small vessel) in the Red Sea off Yemen, an area far from the Strait of Hormuz but long plagued by threats linked to Houthis. The Red Sea corridor, a vital artery for global trade between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal, has grown increasingly concerned for commercial shipping. Any disruption there forces vessels onto the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, driving up insurance premiums, voyage times and overall costs for operators and consumers alike.

The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the sinking and the rescue of the 13 Indian nationals abroad.

Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued

Days after making a shocking assertion that the governance system in Pakistan has “collapsed”, the country’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, who is a blue-eyed boy of army chief Asim Munir, has dropped another bombshell. Naqvi claims to have unearthed the “biggest scam” in Pakistan’s history and said judges, politicians, and officials were all part of it.&nbsp;While Naqvi did not disclose any names involved in the scam, his back-to-back sensational remarks have triggered speculation about whether a major power shake-up is coming up in Pakistan.&nbsp;Naqvi, known to be close to Munir, strongly underlined that action would be taken against “every person” responsible.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-pakistan-ex-us-general-says-pak-qatar-compromised-mediators-1785852825375">Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators</a>&nbsp;“I don’t think there has ever been such a massive scam in the history of Pakistan, where judges, bureaucrats, politicians and bankers were all involved,” Naqvi told reporters.&nbsp;“For 21 years, bribes were paid, and people kept taking it. We will go after each and every person responsible,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 After declaring Pakistan’s system “completely collapsed”, Mohsin Naqvi drops another bombshell. “I don’t think there has ever been such a massive scam in the history of Pakistan, where judges, bureaucrats, politicians and bankers were all involved. For 21 years, money was… <a href="https://t.co/FCIUWiiORM">pic.twitter.com/FCIUWiiORM</a>&mdash; OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) <a href="https://x.com/OsintTV/status/2084287863366037709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Analysts say that Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), did not mention the military, indicating that his remark was directed at the civilian machinery.&nbsp;Naqvi has always enjoyed the backing of Asim Munir and is believed to be a close relative of the army chief, which was the likely reason why Munir picked him as his special representative for mediation between the US and Iran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-crackdown-on-digital-arrest-scams-setting-up-of-panel-1785857834849">Supreme Court orders crackdown on digital arrest scams, setting up of panel</a>&nbsp;<h2>Is Munir propping up Naqvi to send a broader message?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Munir, who already enjoys unbridled power in Pakistan, is propping up Naqvi to send a broader message to Sharif.&nbsp;As challenges of Balochistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir mount for Munir, he could seek to further consolidate his hold by backing Naqvi for a bigger political role.&nbsp;Naqvi first made his intentions clear at the Pakistan Economic Summit last week where he said that the country’s governance system had collapsed. His remark was largely seen as a veiled swipe at PM Shehbaz Sharif.Naqvi also called for creating new administrative units or provinces to improve accountability and access to justice.&nbsp;His views were promptly backed by the military spokesperson, who said that an administrative reset was required not only for improving governance but also from a security standpoint.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arrogance-leads-to-destruction-mk-stalin-slams-cm-vijay-over-son-udhayanidhi-s-arrest-1785846477229">‘Arrogance leads to destruction’: MK Stalin slams CM Vijay over son Udhayanidhi’s arrest</a>&nbsp;It has been argued over the years that Pakistan’s existing provinces are too large and centralised to govern effectively.But, Pakistan’s major political parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), resist any alteration for their own political reasons.PML-N and the PPP derive their electoral strength from Punjab and Sindh provinces, respectively. Thus, any change to provincial boundaries is likely to affect political control.&nbsp;<h2>Defence minister Khawaja Asif shows mirror to Naqvi</h2>&nbsp;Naqvi’s remarks were countered by defence minister Khawaja Asif. Asif said that Naqvi had been in a “very powerful post” for the past three years, but in several matters, he was not even answerable to the prime minister.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-moves-supreme-court-against-karnataka-for-failing-to-release-cauvery-water-1785767442231">Tamil Nadu moves Supreme Court against Karnataka for failing to release Cauvery water</a>&nbsp;“If someone with such authority and influence still raises complaints, then other cabinet members should go home,” Asif said.&nbsp;He also criticised Naqvi saying he hardly attends cabinet meetings and was present only two or three times.&nbsp;“Naqvi sahib, begin the change in the system with your ministry,” Asif said, adding, “As an example, bring about a revolution in the PCB. Cricket fans are not satisfied with PCB’s performance.”&nbsp;The exchange turned out to be a rare display of division at the top of Pakistan’s power structure.As Naqvi is promising action against powerful figures, including judges and politicians alike, a power shake-up seems to be looming in Pakistan.

Pakistan's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, who is a blue-eyed boy of army chief Asim Munir, did not disclose any names involved in the scam, his back-to-back sensational remarks have triggered speculation about whether a major power shake-up is coming up in Pakistan.

Days after making a shocking assertion that the governance system in Pakistan has “collapsed”, the country’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, who is a blue-eyed boy of army chief Asim Munir, has dropped another bombshell. Naqvi claims to have unearthed the “biggest scam” in Pakistan’s history and said judges, politicians, and officials were all part of it. While Naqvi did not disclose any names involved in the scam, his back-to-back sensational remarks have triggered speculation about whether a major power shake-up is coming up in Pakistan. Naqvi, known to be close to Munir, strongly underlined that action would be taken against “every person” responsible. Also Read: Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators “I don’t think there has ever been such a massive scam in the history of Pakistan, where judges, bureaucrats, politicians and bankers were all involved,” Naqvi told reporters. “For 21 years, bribes were paid, and people kept taking it. We will go after each and every person responsible,” he added.

Pakistan's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, who is a blue-eyed boy of army chief Asim Munir, did not disclose any names involved in the scam, his back-to-back sensational remarks have triggered speculation about whether a major power shake-up is coming up in Pakistan.

Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors

Ever felt frustrated over the toxic culture at your workplace? Well, this has reportedly become a key issue for staff connected to the French prime minister's office. Now, the Paris public prosecutor has opened a preliminary inquiry into alleged workplace bullying.&nbsp;The trigger for this probe was a woman who handled issues related to correspondence for the prime minister’s office.&nbsp;According to reports, she tried to take her own life in April by throwing herself under a train, but a commuter saved her life.&nbsp;After her attempted suicide, she reportedly filed a complaint against alleged harassment.&nbsp;Her lawyer told the media that her client was no longer invited to meetings and was often mocked at.&nbsp;Now, the French prime minister's services comprise 50 departments, directorates, and missions and accounts for around three thousand five hundred employees.&nbsp;Since October last year, reports indicate that the PM’s services have seen two suicides, two suicide attempts, and one mysterious death.&nbsp;To be clear though, none of these persons directly worked with French PM Sebastien Lecornu.&nbsp;But, what are the reasons for this crisis?&nbsp;Toxic workplace culture has come under the scanner.&nbsp;For instance, one complaint made to the Paris state prosecutor in June cited institutional bullying in certain departments.&nbsp;It reportedly claimed that this factor was behind one of the suicide attempts.&nbsp;The other issue being talked about is the instability of government which resulted in frequent staffing cuts and management changes.&nbsp;In the last two years alone, France has had four prime ministers—Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, Fran-Swa Bayru, and Sebastien Lecornu.&nbsp;In wake of the suicide crisis, the French prime minister’s services have stepped in.&nbsp;While expressing full respect and support to colleagues and their families, senior officials stressed that psychological welfare was a constant priority for the PM’s services.&nbsp;They added that a specialist audit on workplace wellbeing would be conducted.&nbsp;This is not all.&nbsp;They also revealed that an inquiry was underway in three specific cases—one of an attempted suicide and two suicides.

The French prime minister's services comprise 50 departments, directorates, and missions and account for around three thousand five hundred employees. Since October last year, reports indicate that the PM’s services have seen two suicides, two suicide attempts, and one mysterious death.

Ever felt frustrated over the toxic culture at your workplace? Well, this has reportedly become a key issue for staff connected to the French prime minister's office. Now, the Paris public prosecutor has opened a preliminary inquiry into alleged workplace bullying. The trigger for this probe was a woman who handled issues related to correspondence for the prime minister’s office. According to reports, she tried to take her own life in April by throwing herself under a train, but a commuter saved her life. After her attempted suicide, she reportedly filed a complaint against alleged harassment. Her lawyer told the media that her client was no longer invited to meetings and was often mocked at. Now, the French prime minister's services comprise 50 departments, directorates, and missions and accounts for around three thousand five hundred employees. Since October last year, reports indicate that the PM’s services have seen two suicides, two suicide attempts, and one mysterious death. To be clear though, none of these persons directly worked with French PM Sebastien Lecornu. But, what are the reasons for this crisis? Toxic workplace culture has come under the scanner. For instance, one complaint made to the Paris state prosecutor in June cited institutional bullying in certain departments. It reportedly claimed that this factor was behind one of the suicide attempts. The other issue being talked about is the instability of government which resulted in frequent staffing cuts and management changes. In the last two years alone, France has had four prime ministers—Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, Fran-Swa Bayru, and Sebastien Lecornu. In wake of the suicide crisis, the French prime minister’s services have stepped in. While expressing full respect and support to colleagues and their families, senior officials stressed that psychological welfare was a constant priority for the PM’s services. They added that a specialist audit on workplace wellbeing would be conducted. This is not all. They also revealed that an inquiry was underway in three specific cases—one of an attempted suicide and two suicides.

The French prime minister's services comprise 50 departments, directorates, and missions and account for around three thousand five hundred employees. Since October last year, reports indicate that the PM’s services have seen two suicides, two suicide attempts, and one mysterious death.

Suicides in French PM’s staff raise furore, trigger preliminary inquiry | Gravitas

India on Tuesday condemned an attack on the commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank on the Red Sea. In a statement on the social media platform, Indian Union Minister of Ports, Shipping &amp; Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, informed that the vessel was attacked by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing the "vessel to capsize and sink." He also informed that there were no casualties and all 14 seafarers have been rescued by Yemen's coast guard.“India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel. The safety of our people is our supreme priority &amp; I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha,” said Sarbananda Sonowal in a post on the platform X.The vessel was a mechanised sailing ship and was hit by an unprovoked projectile strike near Yemeni waters. Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also condemned the attack on Indian commercial vessels and expressed serious concern, calling the development in the region “deeply worrisome”. It acknowledged the Yemeni authorities for their rescue effort and said that it is in close contact with the embassy in Riyadh for further developments.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-assembly-resolution-against-centre-mandatory-e20-petrol-rollout-1785858564045">Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's mandatory E20 petrol rollout</a>“The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” read the statement. The statement does not specify or hold anyone responsible for the attack.&nbsp;The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The National Resistance Forces are deployed along Yemen's western coast near the &nbsp;Strait and are led by Tareq Saleh, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council. On July 20, the Houthi group announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, in retaliation for a strike on Sanaa International Airport. The strait has been highly militarised against the backdrop of the US-Iran war. There have been repeated reports of attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait. It handles approximately 10 per cent of global maritime commerce.&nbsp;

India condemned the projectile attack on commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya in the Red Sea. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued safely.

India on Tuesday condemned an attack on the commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank on the Red Sea. In a statement on the social media platform, Indian Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, informed that the vessel was attacked by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing the "vessel to capsize and sink." He also informed that there were no casualties and all 14 seafarers have been rescued by Yemen's coast guard. “India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel. The safety of our people is our supreme priority & I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha,” said Sarbananda Sonowal in a post on the platform X. The vessel was a mechanised sailing ship and was hit by an unprovoked projectile strike near Yemeni waters. Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also condemned the attack on Indian commercial vessels and expressed serious concern, calling the development in the region “deeply worrisome”. It acknowledged the Yemeni authorities for their rescue effort and said that it is in close contact with the embassy in Riyadh for further developments. Also Read: Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's mandatory E20 petrol rollout “The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” read the statement. The statement does not specify or hold anyone responsible for the attack. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The National Resistance Forces are deployed along Yemen's western coast near the Strait and are led by Tareq Saleh, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council. On July 20, the Houthi group announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, in retaliation for a strike on Sanaa International Airport. The strait has been highly militarised against the backdrop of the US-Iran war. There have been repeated reports of attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait. It handles approximately 10 per cent of global maritime commerce.

India condemned the projectile attack on commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya in the Red Sea. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued safely.

India condemns attack on commercial vessel in Red Sea, 13 Indians rescued

Iran is considering allowing European nations to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. This is big deviation from Tehran's earlier stand that could lead to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and allow normal shipping in the waterway. It also opens up great prospects for peace negotiations with the US.&nbsp;In recent weeks Tehran has shown signs of easing its stand, said diplomats familiar with the matter to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;Iran’s foreign ministry hasn't yet responded on the matter to the media house.&nbsp;<h2>Rubio, Bessent hint at reaching deal to reopen Hormuz</h2>&nbsp;This comes amid US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠saying on Tuesday ​that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress ​on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz but no final agreement has been ‌reached.&nbsp;“There’s been progress made ​in those talks, but not finality yet. ⁠We’re hoping that ​will happen ​very ​shortly,” said Rubio to reporters ‌at ​the ​State Department.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-long-range-missile-stockpiles-iran-war-report-1785854932249">US Army exhausts 'virtually all' long-range missile stockpiles during Iran war</a>&nbsp;"There's a conversation and a negotiation that we are involved in between Oman and Iran on how more ships can be able to go through there safely in the short term," Rubio added.&nbsp;Earlier today, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also spoke about the possibility of US announce a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “today or tomorrow".&nbsp;Speaking to CBS Bessent said, "There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict."&nbsp;These remarks by Rubio and Bessent has shown a positive impact on the oil prices as they have dropped. The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, dropped five percent to $76.32 a barrel, while the cost of a barrel of brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, slid back below $80 a barrel.

This comes amid US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠saying on Tuesday ​that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress ​on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz.

Iran is considering allowing European nations to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. This is big deviation from Tehran's earlier stand that could lead to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and allow normal shipping in the waterway. It also opens up great prospects for peace negotiations with the US. In recent weeks Tehran has shown signs of easing its stand, said diplomats familiar with the matter to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity. Iran’s foreign ministry hasn't yet responded on the matter to the media house. Rubio, Bessent hint at reaching deal to reopen Hormuz This comes amid US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠saying on Tuesday that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz but no final agreement has been ‌reached. “There’s been progress made in those talks, but not finality yet. ⁠We’re hoping that will happen very shortly,” said Rubio to reporters ‌at the State Department. ALSO READ: US Army exhausts 'virtually all' long-range missile stockpiles during Iran war "There's a conversation and a negotiation that we are involved in between Oman and Iran on how more ships can be able to go through there safely in the short term," Rubio added. Earlier today, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also spoke about the possibility of US announce a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “today or tomorrow". Speaking to CBS Bessent said, "There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict." These remarks by Rubio and Bessent has shown a positive impact on the oil prices as they have dropped. The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, dropped five percent to $76.32 a barrel, while the cost of a barrel of brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, slid back below $80 a barrel.

This comes amid US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠saying on Tuesday ​that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress ​on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz.

Iran contemplates allowing Europe to clear mines in Strait of Hormuz for normal shipping: Report

For millions of Americans, a visit to the doctor has become a luxury they simply can't afford. A new survey reveals the staggering cost of healthcare that is forcing many Americans to delay treatment, skip appointments and even ration medicines.A survey of over 1,500 US adults by financial services firm JG Wentworth found that 92 per cent of those surveyed have delayed or avoided medical care because of the cost, with young adults being the worst affected. According to the study, more than 94 per cent of those aged 18 to 28 said they had put off treatment for financial reasons, followed by Americans between 29 and 44 years of age. The report says the findings highlight a growing disconnect between having health insurance and feeling financially protected. Rising medical bills are allegedly pushing many American families to postpone treatment, cut back on essential spending and fall into debt.<h2>Gender also plays a role</h2>According to the study, women are more likely than men to delay medical care, while age and insurance status further influence those decisions. According to a February 2026 analysis by healthcare marketplace Zocdoc, an uninsured visit to a doctor's office costs an average of 171 U.S. dollars across major U.S. cities.And the financial strain is widespread. Around 85 per cent of Americans say they carry medical debt. A February poll by American non-profit organisation KFF estimates total medical debt at 220 billion U.S. dollars, or nearly 960 U.S. dollars for every adult with medical debt.And the cost of delaying care is proving severe. A 2025 survey by the same American non-profit organisation found that nearly one in five adults said their health deteriorated after skipping a doctor's visit.Among people aged 64 and younger, that number jumps to 42 per cent. Prescription medicines are also becoming less affordable. Another study by the American non-profit organisation found 31 per cent of adults switched to over-the-counter medicines because prescription drugs were too expensive, while 19 percent admitted skipping doses or splitting pills to make their medication last longer. The Trump administration has proposed measures to bring down healthcare costs, including lowering prescription drug prices. Healthcare costs across the U.S. are also rising amid higher inflation. After easing to 2.4 per cent in February, inflation climbed to 4.2 per cent in May amid the Iran-U.S. war. Healthcare costs are further projected to continue rising across the U.S. through 2027, suggesting affordability will continue to remain a major concern for millions of Americans.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/92-of-us-adults-don-t-go-to-a-doctor-as-healthcare-is-too-expensive-1785865551445/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/92-of-us-adults-don-t-go-to-a-doctor-as-healthcare-is-too-expensive-1785865551445/embed</a>&nbsp;

A new survey found that 92% of Americans have delayed or avoided medical care because of rising healthcare costs, with young adults the hardest hit.

For millions of Americans, a visit to the doctor has become a luxury they simply can't afford. A new survey reveals the staggering cost of healthcare that is forcing many Americans to delay treatment, skip appointments and even ration medicines. A survey of over 1,500 US adults by financial services firm JG Wentworth found that 92 per cent of those surveyed have delayed or avoided medical care because of the cost, with young adults being the worst affected. According to the study, more than 94 per cent of those aged 18 to 28 said they had put off treatment for financial reasons, followed by Americans between 29 and 44 years of age. The report says the findings highlight a growing disconnect between having health insurance and feeling financially protected. Rising medical bills are allegedly pushing many American families to postpone treatment, cut back on essential spending and fall into debt. Gender also plays a role According to the study, women are more likely than men to delay medical care, while age and insurance status further influence those decisions. According to a February 2026 analysis by healthcare marketplace Zocdoc, an uninsured visit to a doctor's office costs an average of 171 U.S. dollars across major U.S. cities. And the financial strain is widespread. Around 85 per cent of Americans say they carry medical debt. A February poll by American non-profit organisation KFF estimates total medical debt at 220 billion U.S. dollars, or nearly 960 U.S. dollars for every adult with medical debt. And the cost of delaying care is proving severe. A 2025 survey by the same American non-profit organisation found that nearly one in five adults said their health deteriorated after skipping a doctor's visit. Among people aged 64 and younger, that number jumps to 42 per cent. Prescription medicines are also becoming less affordable. Another study by the American non-profit organisation found 31 per cent of adults switched to over-the-counter medicines because prescription drugs were too expensive, while 19 percent admitted skipping doses or splitting pills to make their medication last longer. The Trump administration has proposed measures to bring down healthcare costs, including lowering prescription drug prices. Healthcare costs across the U.S. are also rising amid higher inflation. After easing to 2.4 per cent in February, inflation climbed to 4.2 per cent in May amid the Iran-U.S. war. Healthcare costs are further projected to continue rising across the U.S. through 2027, suggesting affordability will continue to remain a major concern for millions of Americans. https://www.wionews.com/videos/92-of-us-adults-don-t-go-to-a-doctor-as-healthcare-is-too-expensive-1785865551445/embed

A new survey found that 92% of Americans have delayed or avoided medical care because of rising healthcare costs, with young adults the hardest hit.

Gravitas | 92% of US adults don't go to a doctor because healthcare is too expensive

The US Army has used up most of its ground-launched, long-range precision missile stockpiles in its five-month-long war with Iran. The primarily affected systems are surface-to-surface weapons, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM).&nbsp;According to two sources quoted by Reuters, the US Army has used up “virtually all” of its stockpile, raising questions about the degree of preparedness for future conflicts. If the US is to carry out further operations, then it has to rely on riskier, piloted bombing missions.Though the sources did not specify the number of munition US had left. When White House was asked about stockpile data, Trump said in a statement that the US had far more munitions than any country in the world and that it is greater than required.&nbsp;"Our defence companies ​are, at this moment, making more munitions than they have ever made before, in addition to expanding their plants and equipment at record levels," said Trump. However, neither Lockheed Martin, which makes the ATACMS and PrSMs, along with the anti-ballistic missile THAAD system, nor Raytheon, which makes Tomahawk missiles and Patriot interceptors, did not respond to queries about the stockpile.Pentagon Chief spokesperson Sean Parnell also reiterated Trump's words, “America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing. We have executed multiple successful operations across ​combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-fssai-banned-old-monk-antiquity-blue-liquor-brands-1785848658402">Why did FSSAI ban the sale of Old Monk, Antiquity Blue and other liquor brands?</a>Analysts suggest that artillery shells and a certain kind of missiles are being produced at record speed, but the Precision Strike Missiles, which are required for long-range strikes, were already in low supply before the war due to being a relatively new weapon platform. While the Army has said that ATACMS ​are being phased out and that production is shifting ⁠to the newer PrSM missiles. The Navy has burned through just under half, roughly 30-50 per cent of its global supply of ship- and submarine-launched Tomahawks.&nbsp;Last week, a report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies said that between February and July about 65 per cent of Patriot interceptors had been expended and that the number of THAAD ballistic missile interceptors in U.S. stockpiles was at least 38 per cent lower than at the start of the war. These are defensive systems which are effective against ballistic missiles.&nbsp;

The US Army has reportedly used up most of its long-range missile stockpiles during the five-month war with Iran, raising concerns over military preparedness.

The US Army has used up most of its ground-launched, long-range precision missile stockpiles in its five-month-long war with Iran. The primarily affected systems are surface-to-surface weapons, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). According to two sources quoted by Reuters, the US Army has used up “virtually all” of its stockpile, raising questions about the degree of preparedness for future conflicts. If the US is to carry out further operations, then it has to rely on riskier, piloted bombing missions. Though the sources did not specify the number of munition US had left. When White House was asked about stockpile data, Trump said in a statement that the US had far more munitions than any country in the world and that it is greater than required. "Our defence companies are, at this moment, making more munitions than they have ever made before, in addition to expanding their plants and equipment at record levels," said Trump. However, neither Lockheed Martin, which makes the ATACMS and PrSMs, along with the anti-ballistic missile THAAD system, nor Raytheon, which makes Tomahawk missiles and Patriot interceptors, did not respond to queries about the stockpile. Pentagon Chief spokesperson Sean Parnell also reiterated Trump's words, “America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing. We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests.” Also Read: Why did FSSAI ban the sale of Old Monk, Antiquity Blue and other liquor brands? Analysts suggest that artillery shells and a certain kind of missiles are being produced at record speed, but the Precision Strike Missiles, which are required for long-range strikes, were already in low supply before the war due to being a relatively new weapon platform. While the Army has said that ATACMS are being phased out and that production is shifting ⁠to the newer PrSM missiles. The Navy has burned through just under half, roughly 30-50 per cent of its global supply of ship- and submarine-launched Tomahawks. Last week, a report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies said that between February and July about 65 per cent of Patriot interceptors had been expended and that the number of THAAD ballistic missile interceptors in U.S. stockpiles was at least 38 per cent lower than at the start of the war. These are defensive systems which are effective against ballistic missiles.

The US Army has reportedly used up most of its long-range missile stockpiles during the five-month war with Iran, raising concerns over military preparedness.

US Army exhausts 'virtually all' long-range missile stockpiles during Iran war

US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠on Tuesday said ​that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress ​on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz but no final agreement has been ‌reached.&nbsp;“There’s been progress made ​in those talks, but not finality yet. ⁠We’re hoping that ​will happen ​very ​shortly,” Rubio ​told reporters ‌at ​the ​State Department.&nbsp;He claimed that some commercial vessels have managed to transit the Strait, though there were efforts to block their passage.&nbsp;"There's a conversation and a negotiation that we are involved in between Oman and Iran on how more ships can be able to go through there safely in the short term," said Rubio.&nbsp;Earlier Tuesday, &nbsp;Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there is a possibility that US could announce a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “today or tomorrow".&nbsp;Speaking to CBS Bessent said, "There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict."&nbsp;And when asked whether Iran would be allowed to charge a toll, Bessent said “It would be freedom of movement".&nbsp;<h2>Oil prices plunge</h2>&nbsp;As soon as Bessent and Rubio made the announcement oil prices tumbled. The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, dropped five percent to $76.32 a barrel, while the cost of a barrel of brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, slid back below $80 a barrel.&nbsp;This was the biggest drop for both contracts since 13 July.&nbsp;

US secretary of state Marco Rubio claimed that some commercial vessels have managed to transit the Strait, though there were efforts to block their passage.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠on Tuesday said that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz but no final agreement has been ‌reached. “There’s been progress made in those talks, but not finality yet. ⁠We’re hoping that will happen very shortly,” Rubio told reporters ‌at the State Department. He claimed that some commercial vessels have managed to transit the Strait, though there were efforts to block their passage. "There's a conversation and a negotiation that we are involved in between Oman and Iran on how more ships can be able to go through there safely in the short term," said Rubio. Earlier Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there is a possibility that US could announce a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “today or tomorrow". Speaking to CBS Bessent said, "There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict." And when asked whether Iran would be allowed to charge a toll, Bessent said “It would be freedom of movement". Oil prices plunge As soon as Bessent and Rubio made the announcement oil prices tumbled. The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, dropped five percent to $76.32 a barrel, while the cost of a barrel of brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, slid back below $80 a barrel. This was the biggest drop for both contracts since 13 July.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio claimed that some commercial vessels have managed to transit the Strait, though there were efforts to block their passage.

Progress made ​in talks for reopening Hormuz, says Rubio; oil prices plunge

A cryptographic scheme designed to withstand quantum computers had been picked over by expert cryptographers worldwide for roughly two years without anyone finding a serious flaw. An unreleased Anthropic model found one in about 60 hours.&nbsp;What Was Found&nbsp;Anthropic disclosed that its Claude Mythos Preview model identified a previously unknown weakness in HAWK, a digital signature scheme submitted as a candidate in the US National Institute of Standards and Technology's post-quantum cryptography evaluation process.&nbsp;The finding is mathematical rather than a software bug. The model identified a nontrivial automorphism — a structural symmetry — in the lattice mathematics that HAWK's security depends on. That symmetry enables a faster enumeration attack, cutting the cost of recovering HAWK's smallest key from roughly 2^64 operations to 2^38.&nbsp;The practical consequence for the scheme is that HAWK's key sizes would need to roughly double to deliver the level of security its designers intended. Separately, the model also improved a known attack against a weakened variant of AES, the encryption standard used across the internet.&nbsp;What It Does Not Mean&nbsp;This is important to state clearly, because the finding is easy to overstate: no deployed encryption has been broken, and no software needs to be changed.&nbsp;HAWK is a candidate standard undergoing evaluation, not a deployed system — it is not protecting anyone's data today. The AES result applies to a deliberately weakened version used for research, not the full-strength algorithm securing live traffic. Anthropic itself framed the results as improving understanding of the security margins in modern cryptographic designs rather than as breaking anything in production.&nbsp;Why It Matters Anyway&nbsp;The significance lies in the process, not the immediate security impact.&nbsp;Post-quantum cryptography candidates are subjected to years of adversarial review precisely because the cost of standardising a flawed scheme is catastrophic — it would be deployed globally, then discovered to be broken. That review process is the discipline's central safeguard, and it depends on the assumption that if a serious structural weakness exists, sustained expert attention will surface it.&nbsp;HAWK received that attention for two years. The weakness was there the entire time. A machine found it in under three days.&nbsp;That inverts a long-standing assumption about where AI is useful in security. AI has been positioned largely as a defensive tool — scanning code, flagging anomalies, patching known vulnerability classes at scale. Finding a novel mathematical attack against a scheme built by expert cryptographers and vetted by their peers is a different capability entirely: original adversarial reasoning in a domain where human expertise was considered the hard constraint.&nbsp;The Wider Context&nbsp;The disclosure arrives in the same period that Google restricted its Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber model — a system that autonomously finds vulnerabilities and writes working exploits — to governments and trusted partners only, citing the technology's dual-use nature.&nbsp;The pattern across both is the same. AI systems are now capable enough at offensive security work that the labs building them are treating the capability itself as the sensitive asset. For cryptography specifically, the implication cuts in both directions: every candidate scheme now needs to survive machine review as well as human review — and whoever runs that review first has a considerable advantage.

Anthropic's unreleased Claude Mythos Preview found a previously unknown weakness in HAWK, a NIST post-quantum signature candidate, cutting attack cost from 2^64 to 2^38 operations. HAWK had survived two years of expert review. No deployed encryption is affected.

A cryptographic scheme designed to withstand quantum computers had been picked over by expert cryptographers worldwide for roughly two years without anyone finding a serious flaw. An unreleased Anthropic model found one in about 60 hours. What Was Found Anthropic disclosed that its Claude Mythos Preview model identified a previously unknown weakness in HAWK, a digital signature scheme submitted as a candidate in the US National Institute of Standards and Technology's post-quantum cryptography evaluation process. The finding is mathematical rather than a software bug. The model identified a nontrivial automorphism — a structural symmetry — in the lattice mathematics that HAWK's security depends on. That symmetry enables a faster enumeration attack, cutting the cost of recovering HAWK's smallest key from roughly 2^64 operations to 2^38. The practical consequence for the scheme is that HAWK's key sizes would need to roughly double to deliver the level of security its designers intended. Separately, the model also improved a known attack against a weakened variant of AES, the encryption standard used across the internet. What It Does Not Mean This is important to state clearly, because the finding is easy to overstate: no deployed encryption has been broken, and no software needs to be changed. HAWK is a candidate standard undergoing evaluation, not a deployed system — it is not protecting anyone's data today. The AES result applies to a deliberately weakened version used for research, not the full-strength algorithm securing live traffic. Anthropic itself framed the results as improving understanding of the security margins in modern cryptographic designs rather than as breaking anything in production. Why It Matters Anyway The significance lies in the process, not the immediate security impact. Post-quantum cryptography candidates are subjected to years of adversarial review precisely because the cost of standardising a flawed scheme is catastrophic — it would be deployed globally, then discovered to be broken. That review process is the discipline's central safeguard, and it depends on the assumption that if a serious structural weakness exists, sustained expert attention will surface it. HAWK received that attention for two years. The weakness was there the entire time. A machine found it in under three days. That inverts a long-standing assumption about where AI is useful in security. AI has been positioned largely as a defensive tool — scanning code, flagging anomalies, patching known vulnerability classes at scale. Finding a novel mathematical attack against a scheme built by expert cryptographers and vetted by their peers is a different capability entirely: original adversarial reasoning in a domain where human expertise was considered the hard constraint. The Wider Context The disclosure arrives in the same period that Google restricted its Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber model — a system that autonomously finds vulnerabilities and writes working exploits — to governments and trusted partners only, citing the technology's dual-use nature. The pattern across both is the same. AI systems are now capable enough at offensive security work that the labs building them are treating the capability itself as the sensitive asset. For cryptography specifically, the implication cuts in both directions: every candidate scheme now needs to survive machine review as well as human review — and whoever runs that review first has a considerable advantage.

Anthropic disclosed that its unreleased Claude Mythos Preview model discovered a previously unknown mathematical weakness in HAWK, a candidate post-quantum signature scheme under evaluation by NIST, reducing the cost of attacking its smallest key from 2^64 operations to 2^38. HAWK had already survived roughly two years of scrutiny by human cryptographers. No deployed encryption is affected.

Claude Mythos found a flaw in 60 hours that cryptographers missed for 2 years

Three days after a Chinese laboratory gave away the largest AI model ever released for free, OpenAI cut its prices by up to 80 per cent.&nbsp;The Cuts&nbsp;On July 30, OpenAI reduced pricing on its two lower-cost GPT-5.6 models by as much as 80 per cent. The entry-level GPT-5.6 Luna now costs 20 cents per million input tokens.&nbsp;That figure is worth pausing on. Frontier-class language model access cost dollars per million tokens as recently as last year. Twenty cents per million is approaching the price of bandwidth — the point at which the model itself stops being a meaningful line item in most applications' cost structures.&nbsp;Alongside the price cuts, OpenAI granted roughly 100,000 researchers free access to its frontier models through 2027.&nbsp;The Timing&nbsp;The context is Kimi K3. On July 27, Moonshot AI released the full weights of its 2.8-trillion-parameter model for free public download — the largest open-weight AI release in history, and one that had already topped coding leaderboards during its API-only period.&nbsp;A free, downloadable model of that capability sets a hard ceiling on what anyone can charge for comparable performance. A developer who can self-host Kimi K3 pays only for the hardware to run it. OpenAI cutting to 20 cents per million tokens is a direct response to that arithmetic: at a low enough price, renting from OpenAI becomes cheaper and simpler than self-hosting a 1.4-terabyte model.&nbsp;The free researcher access serves a parallel purpose. Open weights are especially attractive to academic and research users, who often lack budget but shape which tools the next generation of engineers learns on. Giving 100,000 researchers free frontier access through 2027 defends precisely the constituency most likely to migrate to a free Chinese alternative.&nbsp;The Broader Collapse In Prices&nbsp;The July price war has been unusually compressed. OpenAI's GPT-5.6 family launched starting at $1 per million tokens. Meta entered the paid market for the first time with Muse Spark 1.1 at $1.25 input and $4.25 output, roughly a quarter of what rivals charged. Anthropic launched Claude Opus 5 at $5 and $25 while simultaneously retreating on Fable 5 pricing under competitive pressure. Kimi K3 undercut all of them, then removed the price entirely.&nbsp;Within a single month, the going rate for frontier-class AI has fallen by roughly an order of magnitude.&nbsp;Who Absorbs The Cost&nbsp;Falling prices are unambiguously good for developers and users. The question is who pays for them.&nbsp;OpenAI has raised its projected compute spending through 2030 to approximately $750 billion, and its chief financial officer has privately raised concerns about the company's ability to honour those contracts if revenue does not keep pace. Nvidia is reportedly in talks to guarantee some $250 billion of financing for OpenAI's Ohio data centre campus, in part because OpenAI cannot secure an investment-grade credit rating on its own.&nbsp;Cutting per-token prices by 80 per cent while committing to those obligations narrows the path considerably. It works if volume grows fast enough that lower margins on far more usage still clears the bill. It fails if the volume arrives more slowly than the data centre leases come due — and the competitor forcing the price down is a company giving its model away for nothing.

OpenAI cut prices on its lower-cost GPT-5.6 models by up to 80% on July 30, dropping GPT-5.6 Luna to 20 cents per million input tokens, and gave 100,000 researchers free frontier access through 2027 — three days after Kimi K3's free weight release.

Three days after a Chinese laboratory gave away the largest AI model ever released for free, OpenAI cut its prices by up to 80 per cent. The Cuts On July 30, OpenAI reduced pricing on its two lower-cost GPT-5.6 models by as much as 80 per cent. The entry-level GPT-5.6 Luna now costs 20 cents per million input tokens. That figure is worth pausing on. Frontier-class language model access cost dollars per million tokens as recently as last year. Twenty cents per million is approaching the price of bandwidth — the point at which the model itself stops being a meaningful line item in most applications' cost structures. Alongside the price cuts, OpenAI granted roughly 100,000 researchers free access to its frontier models through 2027. The Timing The context is Kimi K3. On July 27, Moonshot AI released the full weights of its 2.8-trillion-parameter model for free public download — the largest open-weight AI release in history, and one that had already topped coding leaderboards during its API-only period. A free, downloadable model of that capability sets a hard ceiling on what anyone can charge for comparable performance. A developer who can self-host Kimi K3 pays only for the hardware to run it. OpenAI cutting to 20 cents per million tokens is a direct response to that arithmetic: at a low enough price, renting from OpenAI becomes cheaper and simpler than self-hosting a 1.4-terabyte model. The free researcher access serves a parallel purpose. Open weights are especially attractive to academic and research users, who often lack budget but shape which tools the next generation of engineers learns on. Giving 100,000 researchers free frontier access through 2027 defends precisely the constituency most likely to migrate to a free Chinese alternative. The Broader Collapse In Prices The July price war has been unusually compressed. OpenAI's GPT-5.6 family launched starting at $1 per million tokens. Meta entered the paid market for the first time with Muse Spark 1.1 at $1.25 input and $4.25 output, roughly a quarter of what rivals charged. Anthropic launched Claude Opus 5 at $5 and $25 while simultaneously retreating on Fable 5 pricing under competitive pressure. Kimi K3 undercut all of them, then removed the price entirely. Within a single month, the going rate for frontier-class AI has fallen by roughly an order of magnitude. Who Absorbs The Cost Falling prices are unambiguously good for developers and users. The question is who pays for them. OpenAI has raised its projected compute spending through 2030 to approximately $750 billion, and its chief financial officer has privately raised concerns about the company's ability to honour those contracts if revenue does not keep pace. Nvidia is reportedly in talks to guarantee some $250 billion of financing for OpenAI's Ohio data centre campus, in part because OpenAI cannot secure an investment-grade credit rating on its own. Cutting per-token prices by 80 per cent while committing to those obligations narrows the path considerably. It works if volume grows fast enough that lower margins on far more usage still clears the bill. It fails if the volume arrives more slowly than the data centre leases come due — and the competitor forcing the price down is a company giving its model away for nothing.

OpenAI cut the price of its two lower-cost GPT-5.6 models by as much as 80 per cent on July 30, dropping GPT-5.6 Luna to 20 cents per million input tokens, and gave roughly 100,000 researchers free access to its frontier models through 2027. The cuts land three days after Moonshot AI released Kimi K3's full weights for free download.

OpenAI just cut prices by 80%, 3 days after China gave its best model away free

US President Donald Trump seemed to have snubbed Pakistan, as he notably left it out while naming countries facilitating the US-Iran talks, unlike previously when he used to laud Pakistani leadership and its role in brokering ceasefire. Trump paused the plans for a major strike on Iran to pursue diplomacy.&nbsp;“We’re talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar,” Trump said without naming Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, there was more embarrassment in store for Islamabad as retired US General Jack Keane accused Pakistan and Qatar of being “compromised” as mediators and favouring Iran “at the expense of the US.”&nbsp;Keane criticised Pakistan and Qatar and described them as “compromised” intermediaries that favour Iran over the United States.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-signs-deal-to-boost-production-of-patriot-thaad-missile-interceptor-systems-1785769944181">US signs deal to boost production of Patriot, THAAD missile interceptor systems</a>&nbsp;Keane, who supports Trump and serves as chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, told Fox News that relying on the two countries for diplomacy has weakened Washington’s position in negotiations with Iran.&nbsp;“It is well known in the Middle East region by our intelligence services, by all the players, that the Pakistanis and the Qataris are compromised because they favour Iran at the expense of the United States,” Keane said.&nbsp;“This is historical; this is not new. And yet they’re the mediators.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gen. Jack Keane just dropped a truth bomb this morning on FOX: Our intelligence services know the Pakistani and Qatari mediators “are compromised because they favor Iran at the expense of the United States.” They have misled the Trump administration about Tehran’s real… <a href="https://t.co/fGuDOo7V4n">pic.twitter.com/fGuDOo7V4n</a>&mdash; Gerald Posner (@geraldposner) <a href="https://x.com/geraldposner/status/2084315447722201225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Keane’s comments come after US President Donald Trump decided to pursue diplomatic engagement with Iran instead of launching a planned “massive” military strike.&nbsp;Keane questioned whether Pakistan and Qatar, involved in facilitating communication between Tehran and Washington in a bid to prevent a broader regional conflict, could act as impartial mediators since they have close ties with Iran.He added that using such intermediaries risks giving Washington an inaccurate picture of Iran’s intentions and weakens US leverage during negotiations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-on-right-now-trump-says-he-wants-to-give-iran-every-last-chance-before-decapitation-1785783992389">‘Talks on right now’: Trump says he wants to give Iran ‘every last chance before decapitation’</a><h2>Ex-general also criticises Saudi Arabia</h2>&nbsp;Keane also criticised Saudi Arabia, claiming the kingdom encouraged the US to continue negotiations with Iran instead of taking military action.&nbsp;He claimed Saudi Arabia denied the US access to its airbases and airspace for potential US strikes during discussions over possible operations and instead encouraged diplomatic negotiations.&nbsp;He said Riyadh chose to protect its own territory and energy infrastructure while depending on the US and Israel for regional security.“The Saudis are not willing to sacrifice to rid the Middle East region of Iran’s aggression,” Keane said, calling the approach “shameful” given the longstanding security relationship between Washington and Riyadh.&nbsp;“They’re willing for us to make that sacrifice, for sure. They’re willing for Israel to make that sacrifice, for sure,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-oil-firms-made-too-much-money-off-high-prices-during-iran-conflict-1785788623578">Trump says US oil firms made ‘too much money’ off high prices during Iran conflict</a>&nbsp;The retired general’s comments assume significance as a debate is on within US policy and defence circles over the best approach to dealing with Iran, with some favouring diplomacy and others suggesting stronger military action.&nbsp;Trump on Monday described his latest offer of talks as Iran’s “last chance” after shelving what he called a major attack on the country.“I want to give them every last chance before decapitation,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Retired US General Jack Keane accused Pakistan and Qatar of being “compromised” as mediators and favouring Iran at the expense of the US. Use of such intermediaries risks giving an inaccurate picture of Iran’s intentions and weakens US leverage during negotiations, he added.

US President Donald Trump seemed to have snubbed Pakistan, as he notably left it out while naming countries facilitating the US-Iran talks, unlike previously when he used to laud Pakistani leadership and its role in brokering ceasefire. Trump paused the plans for a major strike on Iran to pursue diplomacy. “We’re talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar,” Trump said without naming Pakistan. Moreover, there was more embarrassment in store for Islamabad as retired US General Jack Keane accused Pakistan and Qatar of being “compromised” as mediators and favouring Iran “at the expense of the US.” Keane criticised Pakistan and Qatar and described them as “compromised” intermediaries that favour Iran over the United States. Also Read: US signs deal to boost production of Patriot, THAAD missile interceptor systems Keane, who supports Trump and serves as chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, told Fox News that relying on the two countries for diplomacy has weakened Washington’s position in negotiations with Iran. “It is well known in the Middle East region by our intelligence services, by all the players, that the Pakistanis and the Qataris are compromised because they favour Iran at the expense of the United States,” Keane said. “This is historical; this is not new. And yet they’re the mediators.”

Retired US General Jack Keane accused Pakistan and Qatar of being “compromised” as mediators and favouring Iran at the expense of the US. Use of such intermediaries risks giving an inaccurate picture of Iran’s intentions and weakens US leverage during negotiations, he added.

Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators

British maritime agency UKMTO said that an "unknown projectile" struck a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that it occurred at 2 a.m. local time, 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Al Khasab in Oman. The report of an attack on a cargo vessel was made as both the US and Iran made conflicting claims about holding talks. The vessel has been identified as Liberian-flagged MV Minoan Pioneer. It reportedly caused a complete blackout on the ship.&nbsp;"The ⁠projectile reportedly struck the engine room, while a fire broke out ‌in the accommodation area. The crew are fighting the fire and require assistance, while the third engineer ‌is reported missing," Reuters reported, quoting British maritime risk management group Vanguard as saying separately.CBS News reported that the vessel was owned by a Greek Maritime firm, Modion Maritime Management SA. It was coming from Sohar in Oman and broadcasting that it was heading to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, a short journey up the coast. On Sunday, it turned off its transponder, which allows it to be tracked. There is no detail about the projectile that struck the vessel.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-drops-300-feet-turbulence-14-injured-1785840678702">Air India Phuket-Delhi flight drops 300 feet mid-air, 14 injured</a>The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since mid-July 2026 after a brief June ceasefire completely collapsed. The town of Al Khasab sits at the tip of Hormuz, closed to the southern corridor, which lies in Oman's territorial waters.Trump said on Monday that talks have resumed despite denial from Iran. Whether “Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking,” Trump maintained. Trump had earlier threatened to launch a “fireworks” but later stopped following advice from Gulf leaders. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said Tuesday that mediation efforts were underway with all parties. “We’re looking into a diplomatic solution,” he said during a briefing. He did not elaborate or mention the conflicting statements from the US and Iran about direct talks. "We can confirm that the efforts are still ongoing with all parties," adding that negotiations were focused on a short-term resolution that would help us reignite the talks and go back to the mediation efforts in its totality."&nbsp;

A cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, causing a fire and blackout as US-Iran tensions and diplomatic efforts continue.

British maritime agency UKMTO said that an "unknown projectile" struck a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that it occurred at 2 a.m. local time, 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Al Khasab in Oman. The report of an attack on a cargo vessel was made as both the US and Iran made conflicting claims about holding talks. The vessel has been identified as Liberian-flagged MV Minoan Pioneer. It reportedly caused a complete blackout on the ship. "The ⁠projectile reportedly struck the engine room, while a fire broke out ‌in the accommodation area. The crew are fighting the fire and require assistance, while the third engineer ‌is reported missing," Reuters reported, quoting British maritime risk management group Vanguard as saying separately. CBS News reported that the vessel was owned by a Greek Maritime firm, Modion Maritime Management SA. It was coming from Sohar in Oman and broadcasting that it was heading to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, a short journey up the coast. On Sunday, it turned off its transponder, which allows it to be tracked. There is no detail about the projectile that struck the vessel. Also Read: Air India Phuket-Delhi flight drops 300 feet mid-air, 14 injured The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since mid-July 2026 after a brief June ceasefire completely collapsed. The town of Al Khasab sits at the tip of Hormuz, closed to the southern corridor, which lies in Oman's territorial waters. Trump said on Monday that talks have resumed despite denial from Iran. Whether “Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking,” Trump maintained. Trump had earlier threatened to launch a “fireworks” but later stopped following advice from Gulf leaders. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said Tuesday that mediation efforts were underway with all parties. “We’re looking into a diplomatic solution,” he said during a briefing. He did not elaborate or mention the conflicting statements from the US and Iran about direct talks. "We can confirm that the efforts are still ongoing with all parties," adding that negotiations were focused on a short-term resolution that would help us reignite the talks and go back to the mediation efforts in its totality."

A cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, causing a fire and blackout as US-Iran tensions and diplomatic efforts continue.

Cargo vessel hit by 'unknown projectile' in Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman

Rumours claiming that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to resign have gained traction online after a senior cleric alleged that the president had repeatedly threatened to step down. The speculation resurfaced after remarks by Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi, a senior Iranian cleric whose sister is married to the brother of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. In a video released on Monday (Aug 3), Kharrazi claimed Pezeshkian had threatened to resign “28 times” but stopped after being warned that any future resignation would be accepted.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pezeshkian-says-iran-is-not-seeking-to-expand-or-continue-war-with-us-calls-it-a-disease-1785827862818">Pezeshkian says Iran is ‘not seeking to expand or continue’ war with US, calls it a ‘disease’</a>&nbsp;Quoting Khamenei, Kharrazi said: “If he resigns one more time, I will approve it. I will write ‘approved’ underneath it, and that will be the end of it.” He added: “Pezeshkian no longer dares. They all backed down,” Iran International reported. The comments quickly fuelled speculation that the Iranian president was preparing to leave office.<h2>‘If I resign…’</h2>Meanwhile, Pezeshkian rejected the claims during a preview of an interview scheduled to air on Iranian state television on Tuesday (Aug 4). “We are fully coordinated with the military forces. I will not resign, and I will stand firm,” Pezeshkian said. “If I resign, I will formally announce that I have resigned.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-not-having-negotiations-with-us-iran-denies-trump-s-claim-says-working-with-oman-on-temporary-hormuz-shipping-route-1785750172437">‘We are not having negotiations with US’: Iran denies Trump’s claim, says working with Oman on temporary Hormuz shipping route</a>&nbsp;His office also strongly denied Kharrazi’s allegations. Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy for communications and information at the president’s office, described the resignation claims as “baseless and an outright lie.”&nbsp;In a post on X, Tabatabaei said, “A sinister alliance of deceitful agitators and proponents of extremism and incompetence has targeted sacred unity and national cohesion.” “Two years after their defeat at the ballot box, they are still seeking revenge against the will of the people. They have become puppets of Iran’s enemies. It is deplorable,” he added.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his office have firmly denied rumours of his resignation, calling claims made by cleric Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi "baseless lies" meant to undermine national unity.  

Rumours claiming that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to resign have gained traction online after a senior cleric alleged that the president had repeatedly threatened to step down. The speculation resurfaced after remarks by Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi, a senior Iranian cleric whose sister is married to the brother of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. In a video released on Monday (Aug 3), Kharrazi claimed Pezeshkian had threatened to resign “28 times” but stopped after being warned that any future resignation would be accepted. Also read: Pezeshkian says Iran is ‘not seeking to expand or continue’ war with US, calls it a ‘disease’ Quoting Khamenei, Kharrazi said: “If he resigns one more time, I will approve it. I will write ‘approved’ underneath it, and that will be the end of it.” He added: “Pezeshkian no longer dares. They all backed down,” Iran International reported. The comments quickly fuelled speculation that the Iranian president was preparing to leave office. ‘If I resign…’ Meanwhile, Pezeshkian rejected the claims during a preview of an interview scheduled to air on Iranian state television on Tuesday (Aug 4). “We are fully coordinated with the military forces. I will not resign, and I will stand firm,” Pezeshkian said. “If I resign, I will formally announce that I have resigned.” Also read: ‘We are not having negotiations with US’: Iran denies Trump’s claim, says working with Oman on temporary Hormuz shipping route His office also strongly denied Kharrazi’s allegations. Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy for communications and information at the president’s office, described the resignation claims as “baseless and an outright lie.” In a post on X, Tabatabaei said, “A sinister alliance of deceitful agitators and proponents of extremism and incompetence has targeted sacred unity and national cohesion.” “Two years after their defeat at the ballot box, they are still seeking revenge against the will of the people. They have become puppets of Iran’s enemies. It is deplorable,” he added.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his office have firmly denied rumours of his resignation, calling claims made by cleric Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi "baseless lies" meant to undermine national unity. &nbsp;

Is Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian resigning? Here’s what we know about the ongoing controversy

Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting accused Al Jazeera of "yellow journalism" for its coverage of violence during the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) elections. Users in Pakistan reported that access to the Qatari broadcaster's website had been blocked, though there is no formal government directive on this. This came days after a Pakistani general warned against Afghanistan-India ties, asking the Muslim-majority neighbour not to associate with 'kafirs', or disbelievers. But Al Jazeera is a channel from Qatar, a Muslim-majority nation with which Pakistan has traditionally enjoyed friendly relations. So it is not about ‘’kafirs". Then what is it?<h2>Kafir narrative punctured: Criticism of Pakistan is the problem</h2>On July 31, Pakistan Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said: "Allah Almighty has made it very clear — do not take the kafirs [disbelievers] as your friends or protectors. If you do so, then you are no longer among the Muslims." Reacting to recent remarks by an Afghan Taliban minister that India and Afghanistan shared the same DNA, Chaudhry framed the relationship as one of master and slave. "RSS-BJP are masters, Taliban their slaves," he said, referring to India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological fountainhead, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).This is typical Pakistan, invoking a religious binary to explain geopolitical rivalries and casting itself as the defender of the Muslim world confronting hostile, non-Muslim adversaries.But none of this matters when Pakistan is killing or suppressing its own people, from PoJK to the regions along its border with Afghanistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.If Pakistan can restrict, vilify, and delegitimise reporting by one of the most influential media organisations in the Islamic world, then kafirs are not its problem; scrutiny is.<h2>Don't kill the messenger: Nothing wrong with Al Jazeera reporting on PoJK violence</h2>The recent protests and their violent suppression in PoJK followed allegations of electoral irregularities and unrest surrounding the polls in the territory, which New Delhi does not recognise as part of Pakistan, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir, including areas under Pakistan's illegal occupation, are inalienable parts of India.Pakistan could have responded with fact-based arguments addressing the substance of Al Jazeera's reportage through transparency or independent verification. Instead, its Ministry of Information and Broadcasting accused the broadcaster of "selective reporting" from "handpicked polling stations". It alleged that Al Jazeera had used "scripted statements" to serve "external actors with vested interests".It amounted to questioning, and then 'killing', the messenger rather than addressing the events on the ground, and asing the crucial question: Why are people in PoJK unhappy?There was no transparent, publicly notified prohibition on Al Jazeera issued by either the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) or the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at the time of writing this.&nbsp; Instead, users reported that Al Jazeera's website had become inaccessible, suggesting an unofficial or extra-legal restriction rather than a formally declared ban.<h2>A Chinese model of digital censorship architecture: Pakistan's 'little Great Firewall'</h2>By the time you read this, access to the Al Jazeera website may well have been restored. And that is precisely the problem. In recent years, this has become a familiar pattern in Pakistan's digital censorship regime: websites disappear without formal orders, only to reappear later without explanation, making accountability almost impossible.That censorship is possible because Pakistan now has one of South Asia's — and perhaps the world's — most sophisticated systems of internet control, increasingly modelled on China's approach to censorship.Under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), further strengthened through subsequent amendments, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) can block online content on broad and vaguely defined grounds such as "national security", "public order", or even the "glory of Islam".To facilitate this, Pakistan has deployed a Web Monitoring System, initially built around technology supplied by Sandvine.This has been expanded with capabilities comparable to China's internet filtering system, commonly referred to as the Great Firewall.&nbsp; Much like the Chinese model, Pakistan now possesses the technological capability to block URLs, filter keywords, inspect internet traffic through deep packet inspection, and compel online platforms to remove content within prescribed timelines.&nbsp; Circumventing these restrictions has become increasingly difficult because of VPN registration requirements and tighter licensing frameworks.<h2>Journalism, monitored: Pakistan's multipronged attack on media</h2>This digital control is reinforced by expanding bureaucratic oversight of journalism itself. The 2026 Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines mandate that all foreign correspondents, freelancers, and stringers operating in Pakistan register with the government and obtain prior No Objection Certificates (NOCs) before reporting from most parts of the country outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.As reporting on PoJK increased amid the violence that killed dozens, the government tightened the implementation of these guidelines and further restricted access to sensitive areas.Clearly, the objective is to manage and suppress narratives, not enable independent reporting.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pok-violence-escalates-67-dead-as-india-rejects-pakistan-s-polls-as-a-cosmetic-exercise-gravitas-1785260044466">PoK violence escalates: 67 dead as India rejects Pakistan's polls as a 'cosmetic exercise' | Gravitas</a><h2>Pakistan's media blackouts are nothing new: Remember the Osama raid?</h2>The curbs on Al Jazeera are nothing new. Remember the Abbottabad raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011? That single operation exposed the fact that the world's most wanted terrorist had been living for years inside Pakistan, close to a major military academy, raising uncomfortable questions that Islamabad struggled to answer for years.When the US Navy SEALs entered Pakistani territory to eliminate the al-Qaeda chief behind the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Pakistan asked international broadcasters, including CNN, the BBC, Al Jazeera, Fox News, Voice of America, and Sky News, to halt live reporting and leave the area.Radio Mashaal was suspended in 2018 after being accused of anti-Pakistan reporting. The BBC has periodically faced restrictions. Local broadcasters such as Geo News have repeatedly been suspended or taken off air. Indian television channels remain banned. Numerous digital platforms critical of the government have been blocked or throttled.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-leaders-unite-to-condemn-crackdown-on-pok-protesters-call-for-dialogue-1785399859433">J&amp;K leaders unite to condemn crackdown on PoK protesters, call for dialogue</a><h2>Press freedom: A 'very serious' problem in Pakistan</h2>Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), placing it in the "Very Serious" category. Freedom House classifies Pakistan as only "Partly Free" overall, while rating its internet environment as "Not Free".Military influence over the media, legal intimidation, digital censorship, enforced disappearances of journalists, and restrictions on independent reporting all contribute to these dubious distinctions.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pok-erupts-against-pakistan-protest-leader-declares-kashmir-is-occupied-territory-1784093238306/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pok-erupts-against-pakistan-protest-leader-declares-kashmir-is-occupied-territory-1784093238306/embed</a><h2>Is external criticism ‘anti-Muslim’ for Pakistan?</h2>The Pakistani establishment — comprising the government, military, and intelligence apparatus — often invokes Islam as the defining faultline separating Pakistan from India.External criticism is frequently portrayed as an extension of prejudice against a Muslim state. Such religious framing collapses when critical reporting on Pakistan originates not from New Delhi, London, or Washington, but from Doha.Al Jazeera's reporting is not the work of a "kafir" state pursuing an anti-Islam agenda.<h2>So what's the moral of this story?</h2>States that are uncomfortable with independent journalism resort to crackdowns regardless of ideology, religion, or the geography of their critics.Discredit the reporter, question the channel's motives, invoke national security, tighten access, and restrict the flow of information.Pakistan's handling of Al Jazeera demonstrates precisely this instinct. It reveals that the Pakistani establishment's objection is not to criticism from non-Muslim countries.It is to criticism itself. It is about inconvenient truths.&nbsp;DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of WION.

Pakistan's restrictions on Al Jazeera over PoJK election coverage expose a pattern of media censorship, internet control and narrative management. This has nothing to do with its 'kafir' rhetoric against critics, as the broadcaster is from Qatar, a fellow Muslim nation. 

Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting accused Al Jazeera of "yellow journalism" for its coverage of violence during the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) elections. Users in Pakistan reported that access to the Qatari broadcaster's website had been blocked, though there is no formal government directive on this. This came days after a Pakistani general warned against Afghanistan-India ties, asking the Muslim-majority neighbour not to associate with 'kafirs', or disbelievers. But Al Jazeera is a channel from Qatar, a Muslim-majority nation with which Pakistan has traditionally enjoyed friendly relations. So it is not about ‘’kafirs". Then what is it? Kafir narrative punctured: Criticism of Pakistan is the problem On July 31, Pakistan Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said: "Allah Almighty has made it very clear — do not take the kafirs [disbelievers] as your friends or protectors. If you do so, then you are no longer among the Muslims." Reacting to recent remarks by an Afghan Taliban minister that India and Afghanistan shared the same DNA, Chaudhry framed the relationship as one of master and slave. "RSS-BJP are masters, Taliban their slaves," he said, referring to India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological fountainhead, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This is typical Pakistan, invoking a religious binary to explain geopolitical rivalries and casting itself as the defender of the Muslim world confronting hostile, non-Muslim adversaries. But none of this matters when Pakistan is killing or suppressing its own people, from PoJK to the regions along its border with Afghanistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. If Pakistan can restrict, vilify, and delegitimise reporting by one of the most influential media organisations in the Islamic world, then kafirs are not its problem; scrutiny is. Don't kill the messenger: Nothing wrong with Al Jazeera reporting on PoJK violence The recent protests and their violent suppression in PoJK followed allegations of electoral irregularities and unrest surrounding the polls in the territory, which New Delhi does not recognise as part of Pakistan, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir, including areas under Pakistan's illegal occupation, are inalienable parts of India. Pakistan could have responded with fact-based arguments addressing the substance of Al Jazeera's reportage through transparency or independent verification. Instead, its Ministry of Information and Broadcasting accused the broadcaster of "selective reporting" from "handpicked polling stations". It alleged that Al Jazeera had used "scripted statements" to serve "external actors with vested interests". It amounted to questioning, and then 'killing', the messenger rather than addressing the events on the ground, and asing the crucial question: Why are people in PoJK unhappy? There was no transparent, publicly notified prohibition on Al Jazeera issued by either the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) or the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at the time of writing this. Instead, users reported that Al Jazeera's website had become inaccessible, suggesting an unofficial or extra-legal restriction rather than a formally declared ban. A Chinese model of digital censorship architecture: Pakistan's 'little Great Firewall' By the time you read this, access to the Al Jazeera website may well have been restored. And that is precisely the problem. In recent years, this has become a familiar pattern in Pakistan's digital censorship regime: websites disappear without formal orders, only to reappear later without explanation, making accountability almost impossible. That censorship is possible because Pakistan now has one of South Asia's — and perhaps the world's — most sophisticated systems of internet control, increasingly modelled on China's approach to censorship. Under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), further strengthened through subsequent amendments, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) can block online content on broad and vaguely defined grounds such as "national security", "public order", or even the "glory of Islam". To facilitate this, Pakistan has deployed a Web Monitoring System, initially built around technology supplied by Sandvine. This has been expanded with capabilities comparable to China's internet filtering system, commonly referred to as the Great Firewall. Much like the Chinese model, Pakistan now possesses the technological capability to block URLs, filter keywords, inspect internet traffic through deep packet inspection, and compel online platforms to remove content within prescribed timelines. Circumventing these restrictions has become increasingly difficult because of VPN registration requirements and tighter licensing frameworks. Journalism, monitored: Pakistan's multipronged attack on media This digital control is reinforced by expanding bureaucratic oversight of journalism itself. The 2026 Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines mandate that all foreign correspondents, freelancers, and stringers operating in Pakistan register with the government and obtain prior No Objection Certificates (NOCs) before reporting from most parts of the country outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. As reporting on PoJK increased amid the violence that killed dozens, the government tightened the implementation of these guidelines and further restricted access to sensitive areas. Clearly, the objective is to manage and suppress narratives, not enable independent reporting. Also read: PoK violence escalates: 67 dead as India rejects Pakistan's polls as a 'cosmetic exercise' | Gravitas Pakistan's media blackouts are nothing new: Remember the Osama raid? The curbs on Al Jazeera are nothing new. Remember the Abbottabad raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011? That single operation exposed the fact that the world's most wanted terrorist had been living for years inside Pakistan, close to a major military academy, raising uncomfortable questions that Islamabad struggled to answer for years. When the US Navy SEALs entered Pakistani territory to eliminate the al-Qaeda chief behind the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Pakistan asked international broadcasters, including CNN, the BBC, Al Jazeera, Fox News, Voice of America, and Sky News, to halt live reporting and leave the area. Radio Mashaal was suspended in 2018 after being accused of anti-Pakistan reporting. The BBC has periodically faced restrictions. Local broadcasters such as Geo News have repeatedly been suspended or taken off air. Indian television channels remain banned. Numerous digital platforms critical of the government have been blocked or throttled. Also read: J&K leaders unite to condemn crackdown on PoK protesters, call for dialogue Press freedom: A 'very serious' problem in Pakistan Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), placing it in the "Very Serious" category. Freedom House classifies Pakistan as only "Partly Free" overall, while rating its internet environment as "Not Free". Military influence over the media, legal intimidation, digital censorship, enforced disappearances of journalists, and restrictions on independent reporting all contribute to these dubious distinctions. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pok-erupts-against-pakistan-protest-leader-declares-kashmir-is-occupied-territory-1784093238306/embed Is external criticism ‘anti-Muslim’ for Pakistan? The Pakistani establishment — comprising the government, military, and intelligence apparatus — often invokes Islam as the defining faultline separating Pakistan from India. External criticism is frequently portrayed as an extension of prejudice against a Muslim state. Such religious framing collapses when critical reporting on Pakistan originates not from New Delhi, London, or Washington, but from Doha. Al Jazeera's reporting is not the work of a "kafir" state pursuing an anti-Islam agenda. So what's the moral of this story? States that are uncomfortable with independent journalism resort to crackdowns regardless of ideology, religion, or the geography of their critics. Discredit the reporter, question the channel's motives, invoke national security, tighten access, and restrict the flow of information. Pakistan's handling of Al Jazeera demonstrates precisely this instinct. It reveals that the Pakistani establishment's objection is not to criticism from non-Muslim countries. It is to criticism itself. It is about inconvenient truths. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of WION.

Pakistan's restrictions on Al Jazeera over PoJK election coverage expose a pattern of media censorship, internet control and narrative management. This has nothing to do with its 'kafir' rhetoric against critics, as the broadcaster is from Qatar, a fellow Muslim nation.&nbsp;

Pakistan 'blocks' Al Jazeera website over PoJK reportage: So it's not about 'kafirs', is it?

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (Aug 4) said Tehran has no intention of continuing or expanding the ongoing war, while reiterating that the country would defend its territory against any threat. Pezeshkian described conflict with the US as a "disease" and said Iran's priority was to protect its borders rather than prolong hostilities.&nbsp;"Conflict, whether in a neighbourhood, a city, a country or between countries, is a disease that has emerged. We will defend our boundaries, but we are not seeking to expand the war or continue it," he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-re-looking-for-creative-and-unconventional-ways-to-punish-iran-us-officer-s-alleged-email-to-troops-amid-nuke-talks-with-tehran-1785744006496">‘We’re looking for creative and unconventional ways to punish Iran’: US officer’s alleged email to troops amid nuke talks with Tehran</a>&nbsp;The Iranian president also linked the country's security to domestic unity, arguing that strengthening social cohesion would reduce the risk of foreign interference. "We must work under these circumstances to build a healthy society so that the enemy is not tempted to enter it, tear apart our social fabric and destroy it," he said.&nbsp;Separately, Pezeshkian dismissed speculation that he was planning to step down, saying he remained fully committed to his role and was working in coordination with Iran's armed forces."We are fully coordinated with the military forces. I will not resign, and I will stand firm. If I resign, I will formally announce that I have resigned," he said in a preview of an interview scheduled to air on Iranian state television.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-not-having-negotiations-with-us-iran-denies-trump-s-claim-says-working-with-oman-on-temporary-hormuz-shipping-route-1785750172437">‘We are not having negotiations with US’: Iran denies Trump’s claim, says working with Oman on temporary Hormuz shipping route</a>&nbsp;His comments came after senior cleric Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi claimed Pezeshkian had threatened to resign "28 times" but withdrew after being warned that any future resignation would be accepted.&nbsp;The remarks also follow a report by Iran International in May, which claimed Pezeshkian had submitted a resignation letter to the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alleging that his government had been sidelined from major decision-making while hardliners assumed greater control. Iranian authorities denied the report at the time.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Iran seeks to defend its borders rather than expand war with the US, calling conflict a "disease," while dismissing rumours that he plans to resign.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (Aug 4) said Tehran has no intention of continuing or expanding the ongoing war, while reiterating that the country would defend its territory against any threat. Pezeshkian described conflict with the US as a "disease" and said Iran's priority was to protect its borders rather than prolong hostilities. "Conflict, whether in a neighbourhood, a city, a country or between countries, is a disease that has emerged. We will defend our boundaries, but we are not seeking to expand the war or continue it," he said. Also read: ‘We’re looking for creative and unconventional ways to punish Iran’: US officer’s alleged email to troops amid nuke talks with Tehran The Iranian president also linked the country's security to domestic unity, arguing that strengthening social cohesion would reduce the risk of foreign interference. "We must work under these circumstances to build a healthy society so that the enemy is not tempted to enter it, tear apart our social fabric and destroy it," he said. Separately, Pezeshkian dismissed speculation that he was planning to step down, saying he remained fully committed to his role and was working in coordination with Iran's armed forces. "We are fully coordinated with the military forces. I will not resign, and I will stand firm. If I resign, I will formally announce that I have resigned," he said in a preview of an interview scheduled to air on Iranian state television. Also read: ‘We are not having negotiations with US’: Iran denies Trump’s claim, says working with Oman on temporary Hormuz shipping route His comments came after senior cleric Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi claimed Pezeshkian had threatened to resign "28 times" but withdrew after being warned that any future resignation would be accepted. The remarks also follow a report by Iran International in May, which claimed Pezeshkian had submitted a resignation letter to the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alleging that his government had been sidelined from major decision-making while hardliners assumed greater control. Iranian authorities denied the report at the time.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Iran seeks to defend its borders rather than expand war with the US, calling conflict a "disease," while dismissing rumours that he plans to resign.

Pezeshkian says Iran is ‘not seeking to expand or continue’ war with US, calls it a ‘disease’

Wildfires burning on the outskirts of Spokane in the US state of Washington for a third consecutive day have destroyed at least 700 structures and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, officials said on Monday (Aug 3).&nbsp;According to incident officials, the cluster of three fires has become the highest firefighting priority in the United States, as dozens of major wildfires continue to burn across the drought-hit Pacific Northwest, worsening air quality across a vast region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-bans-al-jazeera-over-pok-protest-coverage-claims-qatar-outlet-is-doing-yellow-journalism-1785810837799">Pakistan 'bans' Al Jazeera over PoK protest coverage, claims Qatar outlet is doing 'yellow journalism'</a>&nbsp;The fires have scorched more than 8,000 acres since breaking out on Saturday in and around suburbs on the northern edge of Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city with a population of about 230,000. The city is located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, close to the Idaho border.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-was-probably-a-lab-leak-says-ex-white-house-covid-response-coordinator-what-to-know-about-the-debate-1785813045665">‘Covid-19 was probably a lab leak’, says ex-White House COVID response coordinator. What to know about the debate</a>&nbsp;Benjamin Cossel, spokesperson for the incident command centre, said around 64,000 people were under immediate evacuation orders as of Monday, a sharp increase from about 4,000 people a day earlier.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-re-looking-for-creative-and-unconventional-ways-to-punish-iran-us-officer-s-alleged-email-to-troops-amid-nuke-talks-with-tehran-1785744006496">‘We’re looking for creative and unconventional ways to punish Iran’: US officer’s alleged email to troops amid nuke talks with Tehran</a>&nbsp;Cossel said at least 700 structures, most of them homes and other residential buildings, had been destroyed by the fires. He added that aerial infrared surveys indicated another 400 structures, including homes, may have been damaged or destroyed, although assessments were still under way.&nbsp;Authorities continue to battle the fast-moving blazes as hot, dry conditions and strong winds complicate firefighting efforts across the region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-not-having-negotiations-with-us-iran-denies-trump-s-claim-says-working-with-oman-on-temporary-hormuz-shipping-route-1785750172437">‘We are not having negotiations with US’: Iran denies Trump’s claim, says working with Oman on temporary Hormuz shipping route</a>

Fast-moving wildfires near Spokane, Washington, have destroyed over 700 structures and forced 64,000 residents to evacuate. The three-fire cluster is currently the top U.S. firefighting priority.  

Wildfires burning on the outskirts of Spokane in the US state of Washington for a third consecutive day have destroyed at least 700 structures and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, officials said on Monday (Aug 3). According to incident officials, the cluster of three fires has become the highest firefighting priority in the United States, as dozens of major wildfires continue to burn across the drought-hit Pacific Northwest, worsening air quality across a vast region. Also read: Pakistan 'bans' Al Jazeera over PoK protest coverage, claims Qatar outlet is doing 'yellow journalism' The fires have scorched more than 8,000 acres since breaking out on Saturday in and around suburbs on the northern edge of Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city with a population of about 230,000. The city is located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, close to the Idaho border. Also read: ‘Covid-19 was probably a lab leak’, says ex-White House COVID response coordinator. What to know about the debate Benjamin Cossel, spokesperson for the incident command centre, said around 64,000 people were under immediate evacuation orders as of Monday, a sharp increase from about 4,000 people a day earlier. Also read: ‘We’re looking for creative and unconventional ways to punish Iran’: US officer’s alleged email to troops amid nuke talks with Tehran Cossel said at least 700 structures, most of them homes and other residential buildings, had been destroyed by the fires. He added that aerial infrared surveys indicated another 400 structures, including homes, may have been damaged or destroyed, although assessments were still under way. Authorities continue to battle the fast-moving blazes as hot, dry conditions and strong winds complicate firefighting efforts across the region. Also read: ‘We are not having negotiations with US’: Iran denies Trump’s claim, says working with Oman on temporary Hormuz shipping route

Fast-moving wildfires near Spokane, Washington, have destroyed over 700 structures and forced 64,000 residents to evacuate. The three-fire cluster is currently the top U.S. firefighting priority. &nbsp;

Spokane wildfires leave 700 structures destroyed, 64,000 under evacuation orders

The Paris state prosecutor has opened a preliminary inquiry into allegations of workplace bullying in French government departments following the attempted suicide of a staff member linked to services under the prime minister's office.&nbsp;According to a report by France Inter radio on Monday (Aug 3), two government employees working in different departments had died by suicide over the past year, while two others had attempted to take their own lives. It said complaints alleging workplace bullying had been raised.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-not-having-negotiations-with-us-iran-denies-trump-s-claim-says-working-with-oman-on-temporary-hormuz-shipping-route-1785750172437">‘We are not having negotiations with US’: Iran denies Trump’s claim, says working with Oman on temporary Hormuz shipping route</a>&nbsp;According to France Inter, a staff representative lodged a complaint with the Paris prosecutor in June over alleged bullying in certain government departments. The prosecutor has since opened a preliminary inquiry. A document seen by France Inter and AFP stated that the complaint alleged "presumed institutional bullying" had contributed to a staff member's suicide attempt.&nbsp;Alongside the prosecutor's inquiry, three internal government investigations have been launched. These cover both individual cases and wider concerns over workplace wellbeing.&nbsp;The allegations relate to a group of dozens of government departments and missions operating under the umbrella of the French prime minister's services. France Inter reported that the staff member at the centre of the preliminary inquiry worked in a department responsible for handling correspondence for the prime minister's office.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-re-looking-for-creative-and-unconventional-ways-to-punish-iran-us-officer-s-alleged-email-to-troops-amid-nuke-talks-with-tehran-1785744006496">‘We’re looking for creative and unconventional ways to punish Iran’: US officer’s alleged email to troops amid nuke talks with Tehran</a>&nbsp;The woman's lawyer, Christelle Mazza, told France Inter that her client had been excluded from the workplace. "My client had been made invisible. She was no longer invited to attend meetings, had been taken off the staff list, treated as if she was no one. She was mocked and jeered at as if it was playground bullying, ostracised," she said.&nbsp;Mazza also argued that instability in government following President Emmanuel Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call snap elections in June 2024 had worsened working conditions for staff.&nbsp;France had four prime ministers between June 2024 and June 2026: Gabriel Attal, who remained in a caretaker capacity, followed by Michel Barnier, François Bayrou and Sébastien Lecornu. No allegations of wrongdoing have been made against any of the prime ministers.&nbsp;In a statement, two senior officials from the prime minister's services expressed support for colleagues and the families affected by the suicides and attempted suicides. They said staff psychological welfare remained "a constant priority" and announced that a specialist audit on workplace wellbeing would be carried out.

Paris prosecutors have launched an inquiry into alleged institutional workplace bullying across French government departments following recent employee suicides and attempted suicides linked to services under the prime minister's office.



The Paris state prosecutor has opened a preliminary inquiry into allegations of workplace bullying in French government departments following the attempted suicide of a staff member linked to services under the prime minister's office. According to a report by France Inter radio on Monday (Aug 3), two government employees working in different departments had died by suicide over the past year, while two others had attempted to take their own lives. It said complaints alleging workplace bullying had been raised. Also read: ‘We are not having negotiations with US’: Iran denies Trump’s claim, says working with Oman on temporary Hormuz shipping route According to France Inter, a staff representative lodged a complaint with the Paris prosecutor in June over alleged bullying in certain government departments. The prosecutor has since opened a preliminary inquiry. A document seen by France Inter and AFP stated that the complaint alleged "presumed institutional bullying" had contributed to a staff member's suicide attempt. Alongside the prosecutor's inquiry, three internal government investigations have been launched. These cover both individual cases and wider concerns over workplace wellbeing. The allegations relate to a group of dozens of government departments and missions operating under the umbrella of the French prime minister's services. France Inter reported that the staff member at the centre of the preliminary inquiry worked in a department responsible for handling correspondence for the prime minister's office. Also read: ‘We’re looking for creative and unconventional ways to punish Iran’: US officer’s alleged email to troops amid nuke talks with Tehran The woman's lawyer, Christelle Mazza, told France Inter that her client had been excluded from the workplace. "My client had been made invisible. She was no longer invited to attend meetings, had been taken off the staff list, treated as if she was no one. She was mocked and jeered at as if it was playground bullying, ostracised," she said. Mazza also argued that instability in government following President Emmanuel Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call snap elections in June 2024 had worsened working conditions for staff. France had four prime ministers between June 2024 and June 2026: Gabriel Attal, who remained in a caretaker capacity, followed by Michel Barnier, François Bayrou and Sébastien Lecornu. No allegations of wrongdoing have been made against any of the prime ministers. In a statement, two senior officials from the prime minister's services expressed support for colleagues and the families affected by the suicides and attempted suicides. They said staff psychological welfare remained "a constant priority" and announced that a specialist audit on workplace wellbeing would be carried out.

Paris prosecutors have launched an inquiry into alleged institutional workplace bullying across French government departments following recent employee suicides and attempted suicides linked to services under the prime minister's office.&nbsp;

France probes alleged workplace bullying in PM's office after suicides

Multiple WhatsApp accounts, including those operated in India, were placed “under review” for up to 24 hours on Monday (Aug 3), preventing affected users from accessing key features of the messaging platform. Users began reporting the issue at around 8 pm IST, saying their accounts had been restricted without any prior warning. Several took to social media to share screenshots showing that their accounts had been flagged for review.&nbsp;According to PTI, the app displayed a message stating: “Account in review. Date requested: 3 Aug 2026. Your account activity and device info is being checked to make sure it follows our terms of service. We will notify you of the result typically within 24 hours.” The notification also directed users to information on “How to use WhatsApp responsibly” and guidance related to stolen phones and accounts.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-yet-live-whatsapp-responds-after-india-halts-its-username-feature-wion-factchecks-claims-1782960984846">'Not yet live': Whatsapp responds after India halts its username feature - WION factchecks claims</a> Responding to the issue, a WhatsApp spokesperson said the company continuously monitors its platform to prevent misuse but acknowledged that mistakes can occur. “We are always working to stay ahead of those trying to abuse our service and ban accounts to help keep other users safe. Sometimes we get this wrong and if we do, we try to fix it as quickly as possible to get people back to chatting,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by PTI.&nbsp;Several affected users said they were unable to access WhatsApp despite not receiving any explanation for the action. “My WhatsApp account has been disabled without any explanation. I have already submitted an appeal, but the review page only displays a generic message stating that it will ‘typically’ be reviewed within 24 hours. Help me urgently,” one user wrote on social media.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-directs-meta-to-halt-whatsapp-usernames-feature-until-consultations-are-complete-1782918599679">India directs Meta to halt WhatsApp usernames feature until consultations are complete</a> &nbsp;

WhatsApp temporarily placed multiple accounts in India and elsewhere under a 24-hour review without warning. A company spokesperson acknowledged that the enforcement system occasionally flags legitimate accounts by mistake. 

Multiple WhatsApp accounts, including those operated in India, were placed “under review” for up to 24 hours on Monday (Aug 3), preventing affected users from accessing key features of the messaging platform. Users began reporting the issue at around 8 pm IST, saying their accounts had been restricted without any prior warning. Several took to social media to share screenshots showing that their accounts had been flagged for review. According to PTI, the app displayed a message stating: “Account in review. Date requested: 3 Aug 2026. Your account activity and device info is being checked to make sure it follows our terms of service. We will notify you of the result typically within 24 hours.” The notification also directed users to information on “How to use WhatsApp responsibly” and guidance related to stolen phones and accounts. Also read: 'Not yet live': Whatsapp responds after India halts its username feature - WION factchecks claims Responding to the issue, a WhatsApp spokesperson said the company continuously monitors its platform to prevent misuse but acknowledged that mistakes can occur. “We are always working to stay ahead of those trying to abuse our service and ban accounts to help keep other users safe. Sometimes we get this wrong and if we do, we try to fix it as quickly as possible to get people back to chatting,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by PTI. Several affected users said they were unable to access WhatsApp despite not receiving any explanation for the action. “My WhatsApp account has been disabled without any explanation. I have already submitted an appeal, but the review page only displays a generic message stating that it will ‘typically’ be reviewed within 24 hours. Help me urgently,” one user wrote on social media. Also read: India directs Meta to halt WhatsApp usernames feature until consultations are complete

WhatsApp temporarily placed multiple accounts in India and elsewhere under a 24-hour review without warning. A company spokesperson acknowledged that the enforcement system occasionally flags legitimate accounts by mistake.&nbsp;

Multiple WhatsApp accounts, including in India, are under review for 24 hours. Here’s why

Former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr Ashish Jha has said he now believes the COVID-19 pandemic was more likely caused by an accidental laboratory leak than a natural outbreak, while stressing that there is no definitive proof and that only Chinese authorities can conclusively determine the virus's origin.&nbsp;Speaking to CNN's Dana Bash on Sunday (Aug 2), Jha said his assessment had changed since he joined the Biden administration. Bash referred to a recent post by commentator Jamie Metzl, which argued that the virus most likely originated from a lab leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Jha had reshared the post on social media, writing that he agreed with its conclusions."This is going to surprise some people. When I went into the White House, my view was, 'This was almost surely a natural outbreak, maybe a lab leak,'" Jha said during the interview. "Based on information I learned and based on information I've seen, I have come to conclude that it is more likely to have been a lab leak."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dosage-was-obviously-too-high-elon-musk-reignites-debate-on-covid-19-vaccine-safety-claims-he-felt-like-dying-1776072676186">'Dosage was obviously too high': Elon Musk reignites debate on COVID-19 vaccine safety, claims he ‘felt like dying’</a>&nbsp;However, Jha emphasised that his conclusion was an assessment rather than a confirmed fact."Here's the bottom line. No one in the United States knows for sure. The only people who know for sure are officials in China, and we still need transparency and accountability on that," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That is my best assessment. I'm not suggesting I know for sure, but I'm saying my best assessment is that it probably was a lab leak.” Responding to Jha's remarks, Bash said the comments reflected how understanding of the pandemic's origins continues to evolve.&nbsp;Following the interview, Jha shared a clip of the discussion on X, saying his position was not new and that he had held the same view since his time in the White House. "My view on COVID origins isn't new. I've held it since my time at the White House," he wrote. "Here's the truth: no one in America knows for sure. Anyone telling you they do is selling you something. Based on strong circumstantial evidence I've seen, I think lab leak is much more likely. Not engineered. Not deliberate. Accidental. Reasonable people can look at the same evidence and disagree."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-covid-19-pandemic-become-endemic-442102">Will COVID-19 pandemic become endemic?</a>&nbsp;The origins of COVID-19 have remained the subject of global scientific and political debate since the pandemic began. Early in the outbreak, many scientists considered natural transmission, including the possibility of the virus spreading from animals to humans, to be the leading explanation. At the same time, the lab leak hypothesis was widely disputed and, in some cases, claims related to it were restricted by social media platforms under COVID-19 misinformation policies.

Former White House official Dr Ashish Jha stated COVID-19 likely originated from an accidental lab leak based on circumstantial evidence, though he stressed Chinese authorities hold the definitive answer.



Former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr Ashish Jha has said he now believes the COVID-19 pandemic was more likely caused by an accidental laboratory leak than a natural outbreak, while stressing that there is no definitive proof and that only Chinese authorities can conclusively determine the virus's origin. Speaking to CNN's Dana Bash on Sunday (Aug 2), Jha said his assessment had changed since he joined the Biden administration. Bash referred to a recent post by commentator Jamie Metzl, which argued that the virus most likely originated from a lab leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Jha had reshared the post on social media, writing that he agreed with its conclusions. "This is going to surprise some people. When I went into the White House, my view was, 'This was almost surely a natural outbreak, maybe a lab leak,'" Jha said during the interview. "Based on information I learned and based on information I've seen, I have come to conclude that it is more likely to have been a lab leak." Also read: 'Dosage was obviously too high': Elon Musk reignites debate on COVID-19 vaccine safety, claims he ‘felt like dying’ However, Jha emphasised that his conclusion was an assessment rather than a confirmed fact. "Here's the bottom line. No one in the United States knows for sure. The only people who know for sure are officials in China, and we still need transparency and accountability on that," he said. “That is my best assessment. I'm not suggesting I know for sure, but I'm saying my best assessment is that it probably was a lab leak.” Responding to Jha's remarks, Bash said the comments reflected how understanding of the pandemic's origins continues to evolve. Following the interview, Jha shared a clip of the discussion on X, saying his position was not new and that he had held the same view since his time in the White House. "My view on COVID origins isn't new. I've held it since my time at the White House," he wrote. "Here's the truth: no one in America knows for sure. Anyone telling you they do is selling you something. Based on strong circumstantial evidence I've seen, I think lab leak is much more likely. Not engineered. Not deliberate. Accidental. Reasonable people can look at the same evidence and disagree." Also read: Will COVID-19 pandemic become endemic? The origins of COVID-19 have remained the subject of global scientific and political debate since the pandemic began. Early in the outbreak, many scientists considered natural transmission, including the possibility of the virus spreading from animals to humans, to be the leading explanation. At the same time, the lab leak hypothesis was widely disputed and, in some cases, claims related to it were restricted by social media platforms under COVID-19 misinformation policies.

Former White House official Dr Ashish Jha stated COVID-19 likely originated from an accidental lab leak based on circumstantial evidence, though he stressed Chinese authorities hold the definitive answer.&nbsp;

‘Covid-19 was probably a lab leak’, says ex-White House COVID response coordinator. What to know about the debate

Pakistan has reportedly blocked access to international broadcaster Al Jazeera after the channel carried extensive coverage of the ongoing protests and election-related violence in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Islamabad has not officially confirmed any ban yet.&nbsp;Users across Pakistan began reporting that Al Jazeera English had become inaccessible, prompting allegations from activists, opposition leaders and social media users that the restrictions were imposed in response to the broadcaster’s reporting from Muzaffarabad. The reports focused on the security crackdown on civilians and the unrest surrounding the elections in the region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-demands-international-scrutiny-of-pakistan-s-actions-in-pojk-as-civilian-deaths-mount-1785506194579">India demands international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions in PoJK as civilian deaths mount</a>&nbsp;According to ANI, Al Jazeera English was among several international media outlets that reportedly became inaccessible to users in parts of Pakistan. Reports also suggested that access to several local and regional digital news platforms had been restricted, though Pakistani authorities have not publicly acknowledged any such action.&nbsp;The reported restrictions come as Pakistan faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of unrest in PoK, where weeks of protests, communication blackouts and clashes between demonstrators and security forces have been reported.<h2>Why are there claims that Al Jazeera has been blocked?</h2>Claims of restricted access first emerged on social media, with users across Pakistan saying they were unable to open Al Jazeera’s website. The allegations gathered pace after activists and opposition figures linked the reported disruption to the broadcaster’s extensive reporting on developments in PoK.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-leaders-unite-to-condemn-crackdown-on-pok-protesters-call-for-dialogue-1785399859433">J&amp;K leaders unite to condemn crackdown on PoK protesters, call for dialogue</a>&nbsp;The Pakistani government has not confirmed that it blocked the broadcaster. However, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting criticised Al Jazeera’s election coverage, accusing the outlet of biased reporting.&nbsp;In a statement issued on Sunday (Aug 2), the ministry said it had taken note of what it described as the broadcaster’s “selective reporting” from polling stations in Muzaffarabad. “We have taken note of Al Jazeera’s selective reporting from handpicked polling stations in Muzaffarabad today. Through carefully chosen timings and scripted statements from selected individuals, the channel has sought to misrepresent the AJK elections and the voting process,” the ministry said.&nbsp;The ministry also accused the broadcaster of engaging in “yellow journalism”, alleging that its reports presented a distorted picture of the election process in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan reportedly blocked Al Jazeera following its coverage of protests and election violence in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. While users faced access issues, Islamabad blamed the channel for biased reporting without confirming a ban.



Pakistan has reportedly blocked access to international broadcaster Al Jazeera after the channel carried extensive coverage of the ongoing protests and election-related violence in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Islamabad has not officially confirmed any ban yet. Users across Pakistan began reporting that Al Jazeera English had become inaccessible, prompting allegations from activists, opposition leaders and social media users that the restrictions were imposed in response to the broadcaster’s reporting from Muzaffarabad. The reports focused on the security crackdown on civilians and the unrest surrounding the elections in the region. Also read: India demands international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions in PoJK as civilian deaths mount According to ANI, Al Jazeera English was among several international media outlets that reportedly became inaccessible to users in parts of Pakistan. Reports also suggested that access to several local and regional digital news platforms had been restricted, though Pakistani authorities have not publicly acknowledged any such action. The reported restrictions come as Pakistan faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of unrest in PoK, where weeks of protests, communication blackouts and clashes between demonstrators and security forces have been reported. Why are there claims that Al Jazeera has been blocked? Claims of restricted access first emerged on social media, with users across Pakistan saying they were unable to open Al Jazeera’s website. The allegations gathered pace after activists and opposition figures linked the reported disruption to the broadcaster’s extensive reporting on developments in PoK. Also read: J&K leaders unite to condemn crackdown on PoK protesters, call for dialogue The Pakistani government has not confirmed that it blocked the broadcaster. However, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting criticised Al Jazeera’s election coverage, accusing the outlet of biased reporting. In a statement issued on Sunday (Aug 2), the ministry said it had taken note of what it described as the broadcaster’s “selective reporting” from polling stations in Muzaffarabad. “We have taken note of Al Jazeera’s selective reporting from handpicked polling stations in Muzaffarabad today. Through carefully chosen timings and scripted statements from selected individuals, the channel has sought to misrepresent the AJK elections and the voting process,” the ministry said. The ministry also accused the broadcaster of engaging in “yellow journalism”, alleging that its reports presented a distorted picture of the election process in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan reportedly blocked Al Jazeera following its coverage of protests and election violence in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. While users faced access issues, Islamabad blamed the channel for biased reporting without confirming a ban.&nbsp;

Pakistan 'bans' Al Jazeera over PoK protest coverage, claims Qatar outlet is doing 'yellow journalism'

The United States administration is facing a massive legal challenge as twenty-five US states sued the Trump administration on Monday (Aug 3) over latest tariff imposition. The complaint, filed in the US Court of International Trade, challenges tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on most goods imported from the affected economies, which together account for 99.4% of US. imports, according to the states. It also comes amid latest tariffs proposal to impose a whopping 500 per cent tariffs on several countries including India. The states fear that Trump might actually go ahead with his 500 per cent tariff after he imposed fresh double-digit tariffs on 59 countries and the European Union last month. The fresh tariffs were aimed at countries that had not done enough to stop imports made with forced labour, the White House explained, but these 25 states have argued that the move is an attempt to replace import taxes the Supreme Court struck down in February. &nbsp;&nbsp;"After losing at the Supreme Court, the administration is once again trying to illegally raise taxes on families and businesses with a new round of tariffs," New York Attorney General Letitia James said. The lawsuit marks the latest clash over Trump's tariff policy, with the states saying the administration is trying to restore revenue lost after the Supreme Court blocked its earlier use of emergency powers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-india-balance-ties-with-the-us-and-russia-amid-fresh-tariff-threats-from-america-1784104821858">Can India balance ties with the US and Russia amid fresh tariff threats from America?</a><h2>Has Trump approved the bill?</h2>Trump has backed proposed legislation that could expose India to tariffs of up to 500 per cent over its continued purchases of Russian oil, according to a White House official. Responding to a query from ANI, the official confirmed Trump's support for the proposed Sanctioning Russia Act, saying simply, “President Trump supports the bill.” The bill was pushed by late US Senator Lindsey Graham and his sudden death has renewed support for the bill. If approved by Congress, the US president will be authorised to impose tariffs of up to 500 per cent on imports from countries that continue to purchase oil, gas and other energy products from Russia. India and China have been identified as top countries in this list.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/buying-russian-oil-could-cost-india-dearly-mea-breaks-silence-on-us-100-tariff-bill-india-closely-monitoring-situation-1785545926163">Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill</a><h2>Trump's tariff regime</h2>Trump has argued that high tariffs will revive American manufacturing and has used the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA to establish his tariff regime. This sudden imposition of tariff regime forced several countries to strike a trade deal with the US. However, the US Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA did not authorise tariffs. The decision came as a setback for Trump and it forced the administration to refund importers who had paid the duties. After that setback, Trump turned to temporary worldwide tariffs of 10 per cent, but those expired at midnight on July 24. His administration then used section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose import taxes and other sanctions against countries found to be engaging in unfair trade practices. &nbsp;Under section 301, Trump has imposed the new forced-labour tariffs, which range from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent and apply to countries that account for 99 per cent of American imports, including India and China.<h2>What the latest legal challenge means for India</h2>The 500 per cent tariff is aimed to put economic pressure on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy and could force India to reconsider the scale of its Russian crude imports. &nbsp;If India cuts Russian oil imports and replaces them with costlier supplies from other producers, it could increase the country’s import bill and put upward pressure on fuel and transportation costs. The tariff threat also adds to the pressure for Indian negotiators during ongoing India-US trade talks, with Russia oil purchases emerging as a key sticking point. &nbsp;External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said New Delhi is closely monitoring developments and engaging with US stakeholders. The legal challenge from within gives time to the Indian negotiators and can act as a bargaining tool.

Twenty-five US states have sued the Trump administration over its latest tariffs, alleging an attempt to replace duties struck down by the Supreme Court. The move comes amid fresh tariffs on 59 countries and the EU, while Trump backs a bill that could impose tariffs of up to 500% on India.

The United States administration is facing a massive legal challenge as twenty-five US states sued the Trump administration on Monday (Aug 3) over latest tariff imposition. The complaint, filed in the US Court of International Trade, challenges tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on most goods imported from the affected economies, which together account for 99.4% of US. imports, according to the states. It also comes amid latest tariffs proposal to impose a whopping 500 per cent tariffs on several countries including India. The states fear that Trump might actually go ahead with his 500 per cent tariff after he imposed fresh double-digit tariffs on 59 countries and the European Union last month. The fresh tariffs were aimed at countries that had not done enough to stop imports made with forced labour, the White House explained, but these 25 states have argued that the move is an attempt to replace import taxes the Supreme Court struck down in February. "After losing at the Supreme Court, the administration is once again trying to illegally raise taxes on families and businesses with a new round of tariffs," New York Attorney General Letitia James said. The lawsuit marks the latest clash over Trump's tariff policy, with the states saying the administration is trying to restore revenue lost after the Supreme Court blocked its earlier use of emergency powers. Also Read: Can India balance ties with the US and Russia amid fresh tariff threats from America? Has Trump approved the bill? Trump has backed proposed legislation that could expose India to tariffs of up to 500 per cent over its continued purchases of Russian oil, according to a White House official. Responding to a query from ANI, the official confirmed Trump's support for the proposed Sanctioning Russia Act, saying simply, “President Trump supports the bill.” The bill was pushed by late US Senator Lindsey Graham and his sudden death has renewed support for the bill. If approved by Congress, the US president will be authorised to impose tariffs of up to 500 per cent on imports from countries that continue to purchase oil, gas and other energy products from Russia. India and China have been identified as top countries in this list. Also Read: Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill Trump's tariff regime Trump has argued that high tariffs will revive American manufacturing and has used the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA to establish his tariff regime. This sudden imposition of tariff regime forced several countries to strike a trade deal with the US. However, the US Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA did not authorise tariffs. The decision came as a setback for Trump and it forced the administration to refund importers who had paid the duties. After that setback, Trump turned to temporary worldwide tariffs of 10 per cent, but those expired at midnight on July 24. His administration then used section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose import taxes and other sanctions against countries found to be engaging in unfair trade practices. Under section 301, Trump has imposed the new forced-labour tariffs, which range from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent and apply to countries that account for 99 per cent of American imports, including India and China. What the latest legal challenge means for India The 500 per cent tariff is aimed to put economic pressure on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy and could force India to reconsider the scale of its Russian crude imports. If India cuts Russian oil imports and replaces them with costlier supplies from other producers, it could increase the country’s import bill and put upward pressure on fuel and transportation costs. The tariff threat also adds to the pressure for Indian negotiators during ongoing India-US trade talks, with Russia oil purchases emerging as a key sticking point. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said New Delhi is closely monitoring developments and engaging with US stakeholders. The legal challenge from within gives time to the Indian negotiators and can act as a bargaining tool.

Twenty-five US states have sued the Trump administration over its latest tariffs, alleging an attempt to replace duties struck down by the Supreme Court. The move comes amid fresh tariffs on 59 countries and the EU, while Trump backs a bill that could impose tariffs of up to 500% on India.

Trump’s 'forced labour' tariff faces court challenge as 25 states sue US admin: What it means for India

President Donald Trump said on Monday that ExxonMobil and Chevron made “too much money” following the sharp spurt in crude oil prices since the Iran war began five months ago.“They’re making too much money based on a shortage,” Trump told reporters at the White House, and added, “I don’t like it.”&nbsp;Trump does not seem to be wrong here, as Exxon and Chevron on Friday reported windfall profits for the second quarter. Chevron’s earnings soared nearly 400% to $12 billion compared to $2.5 billion in the same period last year. Similarly, Exxon’s profits more than doubled to $14.5 billion compared to $7.1 billion in the year-ago period.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-on-right-now-trump-says-he-wants-to-give-iran-every-last-chance-before-decapitation-1785783992389">‘Talks on right now’: Trump says he wants to give Iran ‘every last chance before decapitation’</a>&nbsp;“Chevron, too much money. ExxonMobil, too much money,” Trump said. “They’re going to give some of that back to the public, and they better cut the retail price, the consumer price.”&nbsp;US crude oil prices have gained about 20% since the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Besides retaliating militarily, Tehran choked oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering the largest supply disruption in history.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-or-total-surrender-trump-says-iran-s-leadership-dishonest-and-unbelievably-duplicitous-1785772683657">‘Deal or total surrender’: Trump says Iran’s leadership dishonest and ‘unbelievably duplicitous’</a>&nbsp;US oil futures had an average closing price of around $92 per barrel from April through June, about 27% higher than the first quarter.&nbsp;Meanwhile, gasoline prices in the US averaged about $4.10 per gallon on Monday, nearly 40% higher compared to the $2.98 per gallon on Feb. 27 before the war started.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-signs-deal-to-boost-production-of-patriot-thaad-missile-interceptor-systems-1785769944181">US signs deal to boost production of Patriot, THAAD missile interceptor systems</a>&nbsp;Chevron’s shares were down more than 2%, while Exxon traded about 1% lower after Trump’s comments. Oil stocks were already under pressure on Monday as crude prices fell about 5% on hopes that US-Iran talks might prevent further escalation.

Exxon and Chevron on Friday reported windfall profits for the second quarter. Chevron’s earnings soared nearly 400% to $12 billion compared to $2.5 billion in the same period last year. Exxon’s profits more than doubled to $14.5 billion compared to $7.1 billion in the year-ago period.

President Donald Trump said on Monday that ExxonMobil and Chevron made “too much money” following the sharp spurt in crude oil prices since the Iran war began five months ago. “They’re making too much money based on a shortage,” Trump told reporters at the White House, and added, “I don’t like it.” Trump does not seem to be wrong here, as Exxon and Chevron on Friday reported windfall profits for the second quarter. Chevron’s earnings soared nearly 400% to $12 billion compared to $2.5 billion in the same period last year. Similarly, Exxon’s profits more than doubled to $14.5 billion compared to $7.1 billion in the year-ago period. Also Read: ‘Talks on right now’: Trump says he wants to give Iran ‘every last chance before decapitation’ “Chevron, too much money. ExxonMobil, too much money,” Trump said. “They’re going to give some of that back to the public, and they better cut the retail price, the consumer price.” US crude oil prices have gained about 20% since the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Besides retaliating militarily, Tehran choked oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering the largest supply disruption in history. Also Read: ‘Deal or total surrender’: Trump says Iran’s leadership dishonest and ‘unbelievably duplicitous’ US oil futures had an average closing price of around $92 per barrel from April through June, about 27% higher than the first quarter. Meanwhile, gasoline prices in the US averaged about $4.10 per gallon on Monday, nearly 40% higher compared to the $2.98 per gallon on Feb. 27 before the war started. Also Read: US signs deal to boost production of Patriot, THAAD missile interceptor systems Chevron’s shares were down more than 2%, while Exxon traded about 1% lower after Trump’s comments. Oil stocks were already under pressure on Monday as crude prices fell about 5% on hopes that US-Iran talks might prevent further escalation.

Exxon and Chevron on Friday reported windfall profits for the second quarter. Chevron’s earnings soared nearly 400% to $12 billion compared to $2.5 billion in the same period last year. Exxon’s profits more than doubled to $14.5 billion compared to $7.1 billion in the year-ago period.

Trump says US oil firms made ‘too much money’ off high prices during Iran conflict

After slamming Iran’s leadership as dishonest and unbelievably duplicitous earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that talks with Tehran were going on “right now” and warned that it was the country’s “last chance” to sign a deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump said that the negotiations were taking place at Iran’s request and were backed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, despite Tehran’s repeated insistence that no direct talks with Washington are under way.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said, “We are talking right now (with Iran) at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, backed by the UAE, and backed by Qatar in particular, but others also. Many countries called, but if it doesn’t happen, this is the last chance for them to sign a good document.”However, Trump did not specify the location where the talks were taking place or identify the officials involved.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-or-total-surrender-trump-says-iran-s-leadership-dishonest-and-unbelievably-duplicitous-1785772683657">‘Deal or total surrender’: Trump says Iran’s leadership dishonest and ‘unbelievably duplicitous’</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The president said that people will find out “today or tomorrow” about how talks with Iran are going.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://x.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on talks with Iran: &quot;They&#39;re going on right now... This is the last chance. This is the last chance for them to sign a good document.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/PxOMyX36Ze">pic.twitter.com/PxOMyX36Ze</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2084340644307259621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘They’re going to go quickly, one way or the other’</h2>&nbsp;“I mean they’re going to go quickly, one way or the other. It’s not very complex,” Trump said. “We’re talking about the strait, the opening of the strait, having it open, literally by tomorrow. Completely open. And that’s phase one, and phase two is we then will talk about the nuclear capacity … the denuclearization of Iran.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-signs-deal-to-boost-production-of-patriot-thaad-missile-interceptor-systems-1785769944181">US signs deal to boost production of Patriot, THAAD missile interceptor systems</a>&nbsp;When asked what his message was to the American people after he backed down on further attacks against Iran for more negotiations, Trump said, “Well, you don’t know, I don’t know, I think we’re going to maybe get something.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Very tough to do what we have planned’</h2>&nbsp;“But I want to give them every last chance before decapitation. Very tough to do what we have planned, still planned. We’ll see what happens,” Trump said.&nbsp;“I’m very proud of the fact that I will give people, I’ll give people a chance,” he added.&nbsp;Earlier on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said there were no talks with the US and no meetings planned in the coming days. He said the only ongoing discussions involved Oman and were limited to the management of the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-creating-incubators-to-develop-tech-to-counter-drone-terror-attacks-1785695702777">Trump admin creating ‘incubators’ to develop tech to counter drone terror attacks</a>&nbsp;Besides, sources said that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is on a religious pilgrimage in Iraq and would not be available for negotiations until at least the end of the week.&nbsp;Trump also warned that nothing would pass through Iran unless Tehran agreed to “a Deal, or Total Surrender,” and reiterated that Iran would never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the negotiations were taking place at Iran’s request and were backed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, despite Tehran’s repeated insistence that no direct talks with Washington are under way.

After slamming Iran’s leadership as dishonest and unbelievably duplicitous earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that talks with Tehran were going on “right now” and warned that it was the country’s “last chance” to sign a deal. Trump said that the negotiations were taking place at Iran’s request and were backed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, despite Tehran’s repeated insistence that no direct talks with Washington are under way. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said, “We are talking right now (with Iran) at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, backed by the UAE, and backed by Qatar in particular, but others also. Many countries called, but if it doesn’t happen, this is the last chance for them to sign a good document.” However, Trump did not specify the location where the talks were taking place or identify the officials involved. Also Read: ‘Deal or total surrender’: Trump says Iran’s leadership dishonest and ‘unbelievably duplicitous’ The president said that people will find out “today or tomorrow” about how talks with Iran are going.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the negotiations were taking place at Iran’s request and were backed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, despite Tehran’s repeated insistence that no direct talks with Washington are under way.

‘Talks on right now’: Trump says he wants to give Iran ‘every last chance before decapitation’

Since the ouster of Imran Khan's government in 2022, Pakistan army chief Asim Munir has been in the driving seat for all purposes. Earlier this year, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif himself admitted that his country is being run by a 'hybrid regime'. However, as Pakistan remains in turmoil, the cracks within the Munir-led regime are widening.&nbsp;The first salvo came from none other than Pakistan’s own interior minister Mohsin Naqvi.&nbsp;Addressing an economic conclave, he made it clear that the current governance structure in Pakistan had collapsed. What followed was even more intriguing.&nbsp;He openly advocated creation of more provinces or administrative units to improve governance, even though this is not on the agenda of the ruling PML-N government. However, this was not his individual opinion.&nbsp;Endorsing Naqvi’s statement, the Pakistani military openly questioned the lack of good governance, and linked it to the alleged inability of four provinces to cater to the growing population of Pakistan.&nbsp;While various political parties have demanded the creation of new provinces in the past, Naqvi’s intervention is significant as he is perceived to be very close to the military establishment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From 2023 to 2024, he served as the Caretaker CM of Punjab. Although he was elected to the country’s senate as an independent candidate, Naqvi was surprisingly inducted as the interior minister by PML-N. This is not all. Naqvi has been Munir’s trusted aide in furthering Pakistan’s so-called role as a mediator in the current West Asia crisis. For instance, Naqvi has often visited Iran, as well as US as part of the mediation efforts. But, why is the demand for new provinces politically sensitive? This is also seen as a move to marginalise PML-N and PPP which are two of the country’s two largest parties. Basically, PML-N and PPP derive their electoral strength from Punjab and Sindh respectively. They have consistently opposed this demand owing to their concern that any change to provincial boundaries could impact their political future. For instance, PPP has been against making Karachi a federal territory, and PML-N has opposed creation of a south Punjab province as it may benefit PPP and Imran Khan-led PTI. A key question arises though. What is the sudden trigger for Munir’s push to have more provinces? Is there a possible US angle to this? The strategic location of Balochistan is key, as it shares a 900 kilometre-long border with Iran. Considering that China already has a presence and massive investments in Balochistan, a bifurcation of the province may help provide a possible land corridor for US from Balochistan to Iran. This speculation also comes in wake of America’s growing interest in Balochistan, which has vast natural resources. At the White House last year, Munir showed off rare earth mineral potential of the region to Trump. Subsequently, the US Export-Import Bank approved financing of 1.25 billion US dollars to support the mining of critical minerals at Reko Diq in Balochistan. As per the US envoy to Pakistan, this project would help create an estimated 7,500 jobs in the province. Now, the divide in Pakistan’s ruling class comes at a time when chaos is escalating. In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the second round of the so-called elections was also mired in controversy over the brutal crackdown on civilians and allegations of rigging. On the other hand, 17 people including security personnel were killed in a suicide bombing on a police station, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s SWAT region. The incident took place when a peace rally was underway. This raises another key question. Can the army’s push for more provinces prove to be a beginning of the end for the bonhomie between Munir and the Sharifs? However, with any change to the provincial boundaries, requiring approval by a two-thirds majority in the assemblies, creation of new provinces will be anything but easy.

Addressing an economic conclave, Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that the current governance structure in Pakistan had collapsed. What followed was even more intriguing. He openly advocated creation of more provinces or administrative units to improve governance.

Since the ouster of Imran Khan's government in 2022, Pakistan army chief Asim Munir has been in the driving seat for all purposes. Earlier this year, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif himself admitted that his country is being run by a 'hybrid regime'. However, as Pakistan remains in turmoil, the cracks within the Munir-led regime are widening. The first salvo came from none other than Pakistan’s own interior minister Mohsin Naqvi. Addressing an economic conclave, he made it clear that the current governance structure in Pakistan had collapsed. What followed was even more intriguing. He openly advocated creation of more provinces or administrative units to improve governance, even though this is not on the agenda of the ruling PML-N government. However, this was not his individual opinion. Endorsing Naqvi’s statement, the Pakistani military openly questioned the lack of good governance, and linked it to the alleged inability of four provinces to cater to the growing population of Pakistan. While various political parties have demanded the creation of new provinces in the past, Naqvi’s intervention is significant as he is perceived to be very close to the military establishment.

Addressing an economic conclave, Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that the current governance structure in Pakistan had collapsed. What followed was even more intriguing. He openly advocated creation of more provinces or administrative units to improve governance.

Pakistan minister admits ‘system has collapsed’, Munir pushes for more provinces | Gravitas

An Iran-linked organised crime network is under scrutiny after reports claimed that it has recruited teenagers to carry out contract killings, including attacks on Israeli targets across Europe.The BBC reports that the Foxtrot network, a European criminal organisation allegedly linked to the Iranian regime, is believed to be responsible for around 35 murders, along with several attacks and attempted attacks on Israeli targets across Europe since 2022.According to the BBC, the group routinely recruits vulnerable teenagers, deliberately targeting younger recruits because they are allegedly more willing to take risks and less likely to consider the consequences of getting caught.The report says Foxtrot promises cash for the attacks, but many recruits are arrested during or soon after the operation, meaning the network often avoids paying them.The case has drawn new attention after a British court convicted 19-year-old Norwegian national Johannes Natland of conspiracy to commit murder.The Norwegian teenager was arrested in a hotel in the UK's Huddersfield in March last year with two firearms and ammunition.Prosecutors told jurors that Foxtrot recruited him after someone using the alias "Agent 47" arranged the hiring of an assassin, with 28,500 U.S. dollars set aside for the operation.The BBC reports that Foxtrot leader Rawa Majid, also known as "The Kurdish Fox," is based in Tehran and is allegedly directed by the Iranian regime to target its enemies, including dissidents, journalists and Israeli targets.The network emerged in Sweden in the late 2010s before expanding into Norway and other parts of Europe.Recruiters allegedly use encrypted messaging apps and social media to lure teenagers, sometimes as young as 13, into carrying out shootings, murders, grenade attacks and bombings.Senior figures reportedly commission and finance attacks, while younger recruiters advertise jobs online and identify vulnerable teenagers.Many recruits reportedly do not know who ultimately ordered the crime.In 2025, the United Kingdom sanctioned Foxtrot and Majid.Then-UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the group had targeted Jewish and Israeli interests across Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime.The United States also sanctioned the organisation, accusing it of illegal drug trafficking and attacks on Israelis and Jews in Europe.Iran has denied the allegations, with its embassy in London categorically rejecting any connection between the Iranian government and the Foxtrot network.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-linked-crime-network-accused-of-recruiting-teen-hitmen-1785777137603/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-linked-crime-network-accused-of-recruiting-teen-hitmen-1785777137603/embed</a>&nbsp;

The BBC reports that the Iran-linked Foxtrot crime network recruited teenagers to carry out attacks on Israeli targets across Europe. Tehran denies the allegations.

An Iran-linked organised crime network is under scrutiny after reports claimed that it has recruited teenagers to carry out contract killings, including attacks on Israeli targets across Europe. The BBC reports that the Foxtrot network, a European criminal organisation allegedly linked to the Iranian regime, is believed to be responsible for around 35 murders, along with several attacks and attempted attacks on Israeli targets across Europe since 2022. According to the BBC, the group routinely recruits vulnerable teenagers, deliberately targeting younger recruits because they are allegedly more willing to take risks and less likely to consider the consequences of getting caught. The report says Foxtrot promises cash for the attacks, but many recruits are arrested during or soon after the operation, meaning the network often avoids paying them. The case has drawn new attention after a British court convicted 19-year-old Norwegian national Johannes Natland of conspiracy to commit murder. The Norwegian teenager was arrested in a hotel in the UK's Huddersfield in March last year with two firearms and ammunition. Prosecutors told jurors that Foxtrot recruited him after someone using the alias "Agent 47" arranged the hiring of an assassin, with 28,500 U.S. dollars set aside for the operation. The BBC reports that Foxtrot leader Rawa Majid, also known as "The Kurdish Fox," is based in Tehran and is allegedly directed by the Iranian regime to target its enemies, including dissidents, journalists and Israeli targets. The network emerged in Sweden in the late 2010s before expanding into Norway and other parts of Europe. Recruiters allegedly use encrypted messaging apps and social media to lure teenagers, sometimes as young as 13, into carrying out shootings, murders, grenade attacks and bombings. Senior figures reportedly commission and finance attacks, while younger recruiters advertise jobs online and identify vulnerable teenagers. Many recruits reportedly do not know who ultimately ordered the crime. In 2025, the United Kingdom sanctioned Foxtrot and Majid. Then-UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the group had targeted Jewish and Israeli interests across Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime. The United States also sanctioned the organisation, accusing it of illegal drug trafficking and attacks on Israelis and Jews in Europe. Iran has denied the allegations, with its embassy in London categorically rejecting any connection between the Iranian government and the Foxtrot network. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-linked-crime-network-accused-of-recruiting-teen-hitmen-1785777137603/embed

The BBC reports that the Iran-linked Foxtrot crime network recruited teenagers to carry out attacks on Israeli targets across Europe. Tehran denies the allegations.

Gravitas | Iran-linked crime network accused of recruiting teen hitmen

U.S. President Donald Trump spent the weekend turning his Truth Social account into a showcase of AI-generated images, mixing politics with fantasy and personal branding. From historic American heroes to walking with aliens, the U.S. president's posts quickly grabbed attention and sparked conversations online.

One image reimagined Donald Trump as music icon Elvis Presley. Dressed in Elvis' signature white jumpsuit, Trump appears on stage under bright lights with a microphone in front of him. The post offered no explanation, letting the AI image speak for itself.<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/117021606854677237">https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/117021606854677237</a>

Another post shows Trump resembling a Revolutionary War commander. The AI artwork depicts him dressed in an eighteenth-century military uniform, leading soldiers into battle, with an <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/117028660160789220">American flag</a> in the background.Trump appeared to place himself in the same league as former U.S. presidents <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/117021570461990242">George Washington and Abraham Lincoln</a> after he shared a post containing a fake image of the three of them sitting together.Trump's Truth Social posts once again brought Greenland into the spotlight. His post, captioned "Hello Greenland," showed the U.S. president overlooking the world's largest island, perhaps alluding to his desire for the U.S. to take over Greenland despite pushback from both <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/117021597889745378">Greenland and Danish officials</a>.Other posts included AI-generated images tied to Venezuela. One showed a map of the South American country covered in <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/117021663417295585">American flags and captioned "51st State."</a> The U.S. president also shared posts attacking political rivals.Together, the <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/117021569420804308">weekend's posts</a> perhaps reflected Trump's unique way of amplifying his online messaging.

Whether praised as creative or criticised as provocative, the posting spree showed how Trump is using AI-generated imagery to dominate attention on social media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> | U.S. President Donald Trump spent the weekend turning his Truth Social account into a showcase of AI-generated images. Mixing politics with fantasy and personal branding. From historic American heroes to walking with aliens. The U.S. President shared over 40 posts,… <a href="https://t.co/sFTGOOCKGr">pic.twitter.com/sFTGOOCKGr</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2084319970729845110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Donald Trump shared a series of AI-generated images on Truth Social, depicting himself as Elvis Presley, alongside George Washington, and in other fantasy scenarios.

U.S. President Donald Trump spent the weekend turning his Truth Social account into a showcase of AI-generated images, mixing politics with fantasy and personal branding. From historic American heroes to walking with aliens, the U.S. president's posts quickly grabbed attention and sparked conversations online.

Donald Trump shared a series of AI-generated images on Truth Social, depicting himself as Elvis Presley, alongside George Washington, and in other fantasy scenarios.

Gravitas | Aliens, Greenland, Elvis, Trump's AI social media posting spree

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Trump’s latest tariff proposal faces court challenge as 25 states sue US admin

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world news

Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued

Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pak’s power corridors

Suicides in French PM’s staff raise furore, trigger preliminary inquiry

India condemns attack on commercial vessel in Red Sea, 13 Indians rescued

Iran contemplates allowing Europe to clear mines in Strait of Hormuz: Report

Gravitas | 92% of US adults don't go to a doctor because healthcare is expensive

US Army exhausts 'virtually all' long-range missile stockpiles during Iran war

Progress made ​in talks for reopening Hormuz, says Rubio; oil prices plunge

Claude Mythos found a flaw in 60 hours that cryptographers missed for 2 years

OpenAI just cut prices by 80%, 3 days after China gave its best model away free

Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak, Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators

Cargo vessel hit by 'unknown projectile' in Strait of Hormuz

Is Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian resigning? Here’s what we know about the ongoing controversy

Pakistan 'blocks' Al Jazeera website: So it's not about 'kafirs', is it?

Pezeshkian says Iran is ‘not seeking to expand or continue’ war with US

Spokane wildfires leave 700 structures destroyed, 64,000 under evacuation orders

France probes alleged workplace bullying in PM's office after suicides

Multiple WhatsApp accounts, including in India, are under review for 24 hours

‘Covid-19 was probably a lab leak': Ex-White House COVID response coordinator

Pakistan bans Al Jazeera over PoK protest coverage?

Trump’s latest tariff proposal faces court challenge as 25 states sue US admin

Trump says US oil firms made ‘too much money’ off high prices since Iran war

Trump says talks on, ‘want to give Iran every last chance before decapitation’

Pakistan minister admits ‘system has collapsed’, Munir pushes for more provinces

Progress made in talks for reopening Hormuz, says Rubio; oil prices plunge