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Investigators say he was an Israeli spy who helped identify targets for the assassination of some of Hezbollah's top military leaders. If confirmed, the case would mark one of the most damaging intelligence failures the Iran-backed group has suffered in years.&nbsp;A Lebanese judicial official involved in the investigation described the suspect as a "high-level Israeli agent" with close access to Hezbollah's leadership, AFP reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Arab media, the suspect allegedly passed highly precise intelligence to Israel, leading to the deadly assassination of at least four of Hezbollah's top security commanders in 2024, including Fuad Shukr and Ibrahim Aqil.&nbsp;Fuad Shukr was Hezbollah's top military commander and a senior adviser to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Ibrahim Aqil served as the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force and acted as the group's second-in-command for military operations.Former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was also killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs in September 2024.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-seizes-6-2-billion-in-assets-linked-to-sheikh-hasina-amid-return-speculation-1784130584547">Bangladesh seizes $6.2 billion in assets linked to Sheikh Hasina amid return speculation</a>&nbsp;Lebanese security agencies reportedly detained the suspect at Beirut's airport as he prepared to board a flight to Iraq and leave the country.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-arrests-israel-spy-who-betrayed-killed-hezbollah-leaders-1784201215418/embed

The man, who is from southern Lebanon, reportedly travelled frequently to Iraq, where his wife is from. From Iraq, he then travelled to Türkiye, where he allegedly met officers and agents linked to Israel's Mossad intelligence service and handed over intelligence on targets in Beirut.&nbsp;Prior to his arrest, Lebanese authorities were allegedly tracking his movements as well as monitoring his calls with contacts abroad.&nbsp;The case is reportedly not an isolated incident. According to reports, more than 30 people have been arrested by Lebanese authorities on suspicion of supplying Israel with intelligence on Hezbollah facilities and the movements of its members during the 2023 and 2024 wars.

Lebanon has detained an alleged Israeli agent accused of passing intelligence that led to the killings of top Hezbollah military leaders in 2024.

Investigators say he was an Israeli spy who helped identify targets for the assassination of some of Hezbollah's top military leaders. If confirmed, the case would mark one of the most damaging intelligence failures the Iran-backed group has suffered in years. A Lebanese judicial official involved in the investigation described the suspect as a "high-level Israeli agent" with close access to Hezbollah's leadership, AFP reported. According to Arab media, the suspect allegedly passed highly precise intelligence to Israel, leading to the deadly assassination of at least four of Hezbollah's top security commanders in 2024, including Fuad Shukr and Ibrahim Aqil. Fuad Shukr was Hezbollah's top military commander and a senior adviser to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Ibrahim Aqil served as the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force and acted as the group's second-in-command for military operations. Former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was also killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs in September 2024. Also Read: Bangladesh seizes $6.2 billion in assets linked to Sheikh Hasina amid return speculation Lebanese security agencies reportedly detained the suspect at Beirut's airport as he prepared to board a flight to Iraq and leave the country. https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-arrests-israel-spy-who-betrayed-killed-hezbollah-leaders-1784201215418/embed

Lebanon has detained an alleged Israeli agent accused of passing intelligence that led to the killings of top Hezbollah military leaders in 2024.

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of betraying, exposing Hezbollah leaders

The Bangladesh government on Wednesday (July 15) confiscated assets worth 760 billion taka (about $6.2 billion) linked to deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family and 10 business groups, marking the latest action taken against her and the Awami League.&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina's government was toppled following a series of violent protests led by student groups, Bangladesh Jamaat e Islami and organisations linked to extremist forces, forcing her to flee to India.&nbsp;The latest move comes as the former prime minister has hinted at returning to Dhaka later this year. Responding to her remarks, the Bangladesh government said it welcomed her return to face justice, including the death penalty awarded by International Crimes Tribunal 1 over the crackdown on the July and August 2024 protests, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of demonstrators.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-approves-1-27-trillion-for-semiconductor-mission-2-0-to-boost-chip-manufacturing-1784123665135">Cabinet approves ₹1.27 trillion for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to boost chip manufacturing</a>&nbsp;The Tarique Rahman-led government, which came to power after the February general elections, has accused Hasina of accumulating wealth through unlawful means while benefiting her relatives and business groups linked to her during her 15-year tenure.According to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, authorities have seized assets worth 570 billion taka within Bangladesh and another 190 billion taka overseas.&nbsp;The agency's chief, Ikhtiar Mohammad Mamun, told reporters while presenting the annual summary of its activities that authorities had opened 98 cases as part of investigations into Hasina and those associated with her.&nbsp;"We are still working to recover the money laundered overseas," Mamun said. "We hope to share positive developments by the end of this year".&nbsp;Following Hasina's ouster, the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus banned the Awami League from carrying out political activities and barred the party from contesting elections.&nbsp;Hasina has remained in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024 and recently said she intends to return by the end of the year.&nbsp;Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government, which has sought her extradition, wants to ensure Hasina returns to face justice.&nbsp;"The verdict will be implemented. The court will decide whether there is any scope for an appeal," he said.

Bangladesh confiscated assets worth 760 billion taka ($6.2 billion) linked to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family and business groups amid speculation that she could return to the country later this year.

The Bangladesh government on Wednesday (July 15) confiscated assets worth 760 billion taka (about $6.2 billion) linked to deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family and 10 business groups, marking the latest action taken against her and the Awami League. Sheikh Hasina's government was toppled following a series of violent protests led by student groups, Bangladesh Jamaat e Islami and organisations linked to extremist forces, forcing her to flee to India. The latest move comes as the former prime minister has hinted at returning to Dhaka later this year. Responding to her remarks, the Bangladesh government said it welcomed her return to face justice, including the death penalty awarded by International Crimes Tribunal 1 over the crackdown on the July and August 2024 protests, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of demonstrators. Also Read: Cabinet approves ₹1.27 trillion for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to boost chip manufacturing The Tarique Rahman-led government, which came to power after the February general elections, has accused Hasina of accumulating wealth through unlawful means while benefiting her relatives and business groups linked to her during her 15-year tenure. According to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, authorities have seized assets worth 570 billion taka within Bangladesh and another 190 billion taka overseas. The agency's chief, Ikhtiar Mohammad Mamun, told reporters while presenting the annual summary of its activities that authorities had opened 98 cases as part of investigations into Hasina and those associated with her. "We are still working to recover the money laundered overseas," Mamun said. "We hope to share positive developments by the end of this year". Following Hasina's ouster, the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus banned the Awami League from carrying out political activities and barred the party from contesting elections. Hasina has remained in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024 and recently said she intends to return by the end of the year. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government, which has sought her extradition, wants to ensure Hasina returns to face justice. "The verdict will be implemented. The court will decide whether there is any scope for an appeal," he said.

Bangladesh confiscated assets worth 760 billion taka ($6.2 billion) linked to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family and business groups amid speculation that she could return to the country later this year.

Bangladesh seizes $6.2 billion in assets linked to Sheikh Hasina amid return speculation

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with senior officials from Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as New Delhi seeks to bolster regional cooperation on maritime security, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism ahead of the BIMSTEC NSAs meet on Thursday.&nbsp;The discussions come at a time of heightened focus on stability in the Bay of Bengal region, where traditional and non-traditional security challenges, from insurgencies to narcotics trafficking and climate impacts, are testing governments.&nbsp;The first bilateral meeting of the day for NSA Doval was with Myanmar's National Security Adviser U Tin Aung San. The two reviewed bilateral security cooperation and exchanged assessments on regional stability. The talks are particularly significant given the volatile situation in parts of Myanmar, including areas bordering India's north-eastern states. New Delhi has long expressed concerns over cross-border insurgent movements and the flow of narcotics by elements taking advantage of the situation in the country.&nbsp;With Thailand, Mr Doval engaged with Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary General of the National Security Council. Both sides explored ways to deepen their strategic partnership. Topics included enhanced intelligence sharing, law enforcement collaboration, connectivity projects and the possible creation of new institutional mechanisms for security coordination.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-approves-1-27-trillion-for-semiconductor-mission-2-0-to-boost-chip-manufacturing-1784123665135">Cabinet approves ₹1.27 trillion for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to boost chip manufacturing</a>&nbsp;During talks with Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) &amp; Indian NSA, the key focus was on maritime issues. With the situation in the Indian Ocean volatile due to the war in West Asia, both India, &amp; Sri Lanka have regularly exchanged notes. Mr Doval also met Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Adviser to Bangladesh's Prime Minister. No detailed readout of their discussion was released immediately.&nbsp;The meetings pave the way for the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs' conclave that brings together the group's seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The forum is designed to coordinate responses to terrorism, cyber security threats, climate-related challenges and other non-traditional security issues.&nbsp;Often described as a natural bridge between South and Southeast Asia, BIMSTEC has gained renewed prominence in recent years. The grouping offers an alternative platform for cooperation as SAARC, the wider South Asian body, has remained largely stalled due to Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism.

NSA Ajit Doval held bilateral talks with senior officials from Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to strengthen cooperation on maritime security, intelligence sharing and counter terrorism ahead of the BIMSTEC NSAs conference.

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with senior officials from Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as New Delhi seeks to bolster regional cooperation on maritime security, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism ahead of the BIMSTEC NSAs meet on Thursday. The discussions come at a time of heightened focus on stability in the Bay of Bengal region, where traditional and non-traditional security challenges, from insurgencies to narcotics trafficking and climate impacts, are testing governments. The first bilateral meeting of the day for NSA Doval was with Myanmar's National Security Adviser U Tin Aung San. The two reviewed bilateral security cooperation and exchanged assessments on regional stability. The talks are particularly significant given the volatile situation in parts of Myanmar, including areas bordering India's north-eastern states. New Delhi has long expressed concerns over cross-border insurgent movements and the flow of narcotics by elements taking advantage of the situation in the country. With Thailand, Mr Doval engaged with Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary General of the National Security Council. Both sides explored ways to deepen their strategic partnership. Topics included enhanced intelligence sharing, law enforcement collaboration, connectivity projects and the possible creation of new institutional mechanisms for security coordination. Also Read: Cabinet approves ₹1.27 trillion for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to boost chip manufacturing During talks with Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) & Indian NSA, the key focus was on maritime issues. With the situation in the Indian Ocean volatile due to the war in West Asia, both India, & Sri Lanka have regularly exchanged notes. Mr Doval also met Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Adviser to Bangladesh's Prime Minister. No detailed readout of their discussion was released immediately. The meetings pave the way for the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs' conclave that brings together the group's seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The forum is designed to coordinate responses to terrorism, cyber security threats, climate-related challenges and other non-traditional security issues. Often described as a natural bridge between South and Southeast Asia, BIMSTEC has gained renewed prominence in recent years. The grouping offers an alternative platform for cooperation as SAARC, the wider South Asian body, has remained largely stalled due to Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism.

NSA Ajit Doval held bilateral talks with senior officials from Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to strengthen cooperation on maritime security, intelligence sharing and counter terrorism ahead of the BIMSTEC NSAs conference.

NSA Ajit Doval meets top Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh officials ahead of BIMSTEC NSAs conference

UK's outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer bid an emotional farewell in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Starmer said it was the end of his political journey, as he was responding to questions from the Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who was closest to him. &nbsp;He thanked Harris for his support and reflected on his time as the leader of the Labour Party from "historic defeat in 2019 to historic victory in 2024," and as leader of the country, he felt that he was leaving the country in a better situation than he found it.&nbsp;"Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch, that the day will come when they have to pass it on," he said. "That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey."He extended his support to the succeeding leader of the government. "To my successor and each of you, I will give my full support to all colleagues across the House," he said.“To all those in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labour government, and all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard, you're the reason I came into politics.” He concluded with a personal message to his family. "To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-wildfires-smoke-us-air-quality-alert-midwest-northeast-1784113411789">Wildfire smoke from Canada will soon spread across US Midwest and East, air quality alerts issued across multiple states</a>Starmer will step down as the Labour leader on Friday, and he will hand over power to Burnham before leaving 10 Downing Street on Monday. MPs from all parties wished Starmer well, the usual grilling session was replaced by gentle ribbing. Starmer was also in a light-hearted mood, joking with his political allies and foes alike. They joked with him, asking him to ensure that England wins Wednesday's World Cup semi-final showdown against Argentina and then go on to beat Spain to win its second trophy on Sunday.&nbsp;

Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered an emotional farewell in the House of Commons, thanking colleagues, his family and supporters before leaving office.

UK's outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer bid an emotional farewell in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Starmer said it was the end of his political journey, as he was responding to questions from the Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who was closest to him. He thanked Harris for his support and reflected on his time as the leader of the Labour Party from "historic defeat in 2019 to historic victory in 2024," and as leader of the country, he felt that he was leaving the country in a better situation than he found it. "Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch, that the day will come when they have to pass it on," he said. "That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey." He extended his support to the succeeding leader of the government. "To my successor and each of you, I will give my full support to all colleagues across the House," he said. “To all those in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labour government, and all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard, you're the reason I came into politics.” He concluded with a personal message to his family. "To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye." Also Read: Wildfire smoke from Canada will soon spread across US Midwest and East, air quality alerts issued across multiple states Starmer will step down as the Labour leader on Friday, and he will hand over power to Burnham before leaving 10 Downing Street on Monday. MPs from all parties wished Starmer well, the usual grilling session was replaced by gentle ribbing. Starmer was also in a light-hearted mood, joking with his political allies and foes alike. They joked with him, asking him to ensure that England wins Wednesday's World Cup semi-final showdown against Argentina and then go on to beat Spain to win its second trophy on Sunday.

Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered an emotional farewell in the House of Commons, thanking colleagues, his family and supporters before leaving office.

'This is the end of my political journey': Keir Starmer delivers emotional goodbye speech

More than 830 wildfires are burning in Canada, and nearly a dozen in Minnesota as of Wednesday. Heavy smokes from these wildfires are expected to engulf large parts of the Midwest and Northeast US this week. The largest among these wildfires is in the north in Ontario, Canada, which is also experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;<h2>Which areas are to be affected by wildfire smoke?</h2>Officials in Minnesota have issued an air quality alert, with the Twin Cities metro area, Two Harbours, St Cloud, Brainerd, Alexandria, Moorhead, Winona, and the Leech Lake, White Earth, and Red Lake tribal nations are under a red alert, unhealthy for everyone. Areas like the Tribal Nation of Grand Portage and other regions in northeast Minnesota were expected to reach hazardous levels with an alert at the most severe purple.Heavy concentrations of smoke have already reached and blanketed parts of the Upper Midwest, and an intense wave of smoke is active in Detroit and Milwaukee. It is also likely to reach deep into the East Coast. Parts of the New England Coast, &nbsp;northern Pennsylvania and western as well as central New York will also experience compromised air. The thickest bands of the smoke plume are projected to push further south, reaching as far as Washington, DC.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahmoud-ahmadinejad-tehran-public-appearance-house-arrest-mossad-claims-1784115665655">Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seen in Tehran memorial after report claimed IRGC put him under house arrest</a><h2>Health hazards from the wildfire smoke</h2>Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke will increase the possibility of breathing problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with prior respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. It could induce coughing, dizziness and fatigue. People have been advised to reduce outdoor activities and wear an N95 mask. People are advised to keep indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner. Fine particle matter from air pollution is one of the major reasons for premature death.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨🇨🇦 WATCH: Terrifying footage shows the view from inside a train as it becomes engulfed by towering wildfire flames near Armstrong, Ontario. <a href="https://t.co/Ui5mEYVDMK">pic.twitter.com/Ui5mEYVDMK</a>&mdash; Nova Intel (@intel_nova) <a href="https://x.com/intel_nova/status/2077238537376952693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🔥 WILDFIRE SMOKE JOURNEY: Wildfire smoke from dozens of out-of-control fires in western Ontario could soon drift into the U.S. as winds shift over the next 24 to 36 hours. The first wave of smoke may bring hazy skies and poor air quality to parts of the Upper Midwest, Great… <a href="https://t.co/ya4sorGn9m">pic.twitter.com/ya4sorGn9m</a>&mdash; FOX Weather (@foxweather) <a href="https://x.com/foxweather/status/2077143602501943656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Smoke from more than 830 Canadian wildfires is spreading across the Midwest and Northeast US, prompting air quality alerts and health advisories.

More than 830 wildfires are burning in Canada, and nearly a dozen in Minnesota as of Wednesday. Heavy smokes from these wildfires are expected to engulf large parts of the Midwest and Northeast US this week. The largest among these wildfires is in the north in Ontario, Canada, which is also experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Which areas are to be affected by wildfire smoke? Officials in Minnesota have issued an air quality alert, with the Twin Cities metro area, Two Harbours, St Cloud, Brainerd, Alexandria, Moorhead, Winona, and the Leech Lake, White Earth, and Red Lake tribal nations are under a red alert, unhealthy for everyone. Areas like the Tribal Nation of Grand Portage and other regions in northeast Minnesota were expected to reach hazardous levels with an alert at the most severe purple. Heavy concentrations of smoke have already reached and blanketed parts of the Upper Midwest, and an intense wave of smoke is active in Detroit and Milwaukee. It is also likely to reach deep into the East Coast. Parts of the New England Coast, northern Pennsylvania and western as well as central New York will also experience compromised air. The thickest bands of the smoke plume are projected to push further south, reaching as far as Washington, DC. Also Read: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seen in Tehran memorial after report claimed IRGC put him under house arrest Health hazards from the wildfire smoke Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke will increase the possibility of breathing problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with prior respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. It could induce coughing, dizziness and fatigue. People have been advised to reduce outdoor activities and wear an N95 mask. People are advised to keep indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner. Fine particle matter from air pollution is one of the major reasons for premature death.

Smoke from more than 830 Canadian wildfires is spreading across the Midwest and Northeast US, prompting air quality alerts and health advisories.

Wildfire smoke from Canada will soon spread across US Midwest and East, air quality alerts issued across multiple states

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appeared at a funeral memorial event in Tehran. He was shown on the Iranian state a day after the New York Times reported that he was put under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as they uncovered his secret meetings with Mossad chief David Barnea in 2024. Israel had reportedly spent years grooming Ahmadinejad as an asset to install him as the next leader of Iran. The plan was reportedly to take him into a safe house after the February 28 joint US-Israeli operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was photographed with many senior Iranian officials like President Masoud Pezeshkian, Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He was seen in the video smiling and waving at someone off camera. Reports suggest that it was his second public appearance within the week. He also reportedly attended Khamenei's funeral on Monday.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agra-shivling-inside-freezer-viral-video-devotees-ice-formation-1784112067796">'Shivling' found inside freezer? Agra family's viral ice formation attracts devotees</a>Ahmadinejad's office dismissed these reports as “Hollywood-style claims” and suggested that these were not “worthy of denial.” It accused the newspaper of pushing “fabricated” material and denied any submission that he was under house arrest, adding that he was working as usual. His office also said that it was psychological warfare aimed at sowing confusion among the Iranian political leadership. The alleged Israeli effort was also seen in a post by a Persian-language account associated with the Mossad. It featured an AI-generated image of several senior Iranian figures, including Ahmadinejad, Pezeshkian, Ghalibaf, Qaani and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, each bearing a Star of David on their hands, under the caption: “Which one?”Mahmoud Ahmadinejad maintains a complicated relationship with the Iranian leadership. He has grown cynical of the suppression of protests and economic corruption since he left office. He was a vocal anti-Israeli campaigner and revived Iran's nuclear programme during his time as President.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad seen at Khamenei memorial a day after an NYT report alleged he was working for Israel and was under house arrest. <a href="https://t.co/LoKxbFYplM">pic.twitter.com/LoKxbFYplM</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2077041460801679541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appeared publicly in Tehran after reports claimed he was under house arrest over alleged Mossad links. His office denied the claims.

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appeared at a funeral memorial event in Tehran. He was shown on the Iranian state a day after the New York Times reported that he was put under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as they uncovered his secret meetings with Mossad chief David Barnea in 2024. Israel had reportedly spent years grooming Ahmadinejad as an asset to install him as the next leader of Iran. The plan was reportedly to take him into a safe house after the February 28 joint US-Israeli operation. He was photographed with many senior Iranian officials like President Masoud Pezeshkian, Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He was seen in the video smiling and waving at someone off camera. Reports suggest that it was his second public appearance within the week. He also reportedly attended Khamenei's funeral on Monday. Also Read: 'Shivling' found inside freezer? Agra family's viral ice formation attracts devotees Ahmadinejad's office dismissed these reports as “Hollywood-style claims” and suggested that these were not “worthy of denial.” It accused the newspaper of pushing “fabricated” material and denied any submission that he was under house arrest, adding that he was working as usual. His office also said that it was psychological warfare aimed at sowing confusion among the Iranian political leadership. The alleged Israeli effort was also seen in a post by a Persian-language account associated with the Mossad. It featured an AI-generated image of several senior Iranian figures, including Ahmadinejad, Pezeshkian, Ghalibaf, Qaani and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, each bearing a Star of David on their hands, under the caption: “Which one?” Mahmoud Ahmadinejad maintains a complicated relationship with the Iranian leadership. He has grown cynical of the suppression of protests and economic corruption since he left office. He was a vocal anti-Israeli campaigner and revived Iran's nuclear programme during his time as President.

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appeared publicly in Tehran after reports claimed he was under house arrest over alleged Mossad links. His office denied the claims.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seen in Tehran memorial after report claimed IRGC put him under house arrest

The United States launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday morning (3.30 PM IST), the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, after Washington reinstated a naval blockade of the Islamic Republic, deepening the conflict between the two countries in what analysts fear could become a prolonged war.&nbsp;US forces "began launching a wave of strikes... designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At 6 a.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching a wave of strikes against Iran. The strikes are designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2077338021733478617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The strikes came as the United States restored a naval blockade on Iranian ports and carried out its fourth straight night of attacks on Iran. The US military said it completed its latest operation at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, targeting dozens of military sites near the Strait of Hormuz and coastal areas.&nbsp;The latest escalation between Tehran and Washington has effectively ended the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed on July 17 to restore peace. The renewed conflict was triggered by Iran's attacks on commercial vessels attempting to bypass the designated route in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting both countries to race for control of the strategic waterway that carries nearly 20 per cent of the world's oil supply.&nbsp;President Donald Trump also warned that the United States would strike bridges and power plants in Iran "next week" unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table.&nbsp;More than 30 civilians have been killed in recent US strikes, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Wednesday after four consecutive nights of attacks.&nbsp;The latest escalation also pushed oil prices higher on Wednesday. Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose 0.3 per cent to $85 a barrel in early ET trading, while West Texas Intermediate gained 0.5 per cent to nearly $80 a barrel.&nbsp;Meanwhile, India has strengthened measures to safeguard its citizens working in the maritime sector after a missile strike in the Strait of Hormuz killed an Indian sailor and injured 10 others.&nbsp;The Ministry of External Affairs has taken up the matter with Iran after two UAE-flagged commercial tankers carrying Indian crew members were hit in the strategic waterway. Indian authorities are also introducing a real-time monitoring system to track the movement and safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The United States launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran after four consecutive nights of attacks and the reinstatement of a naval blockade, escalating the battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday morning (3.30 PM IST), the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, after Washington reinstated a naval blockade of the Islamic Republic, deepening the conflict between the two countries in what analysts fear could become a prolonged war. US forces "began launching a wave of strikes... designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said on X.

The United States launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran after four consecutive nights of attacks and the reinstatement of a naval blockade, escalating the battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz.

US launches fresh strikes after reinstating naval blockade of Iran as battle for Hormuz intensifies

The world just crossed a demographic line it can't uncross. The worker shortage era is here, and it isn't just a forecast anymore. The OECD says its members' working-age population will fall 8 per cent by 2060, with pension and health spending rising to 3 per cent of GDP across member states.&nbsp;The World Employment Confederation projects that by 2040, four in five countries will see slower workforce growth, and three in ten will see outright decline. Only a handful of economies, like the US, India, Indonesia, and parts of Africa, buck the trend.&nbsp;Japan is the sharpest case study. Recruit Works Institute projects a shortfall of roughly 11 million workers by 2040, hitting caregiving, transport, construction and food service hardest. More importantly, these sectors can't be offshored. Yet Tokyo's response is contradictory. It's expanding visa quotas to around 1.23 million foreign workers through fiscal 2028, while simultaneously raising the bar elsewhere.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-india-wants-a-permanent-unsc-seat-why-is-it-still-contesting-for-a-temporary-one-wion-decodes-1784104714747"> If India wants a permanent UNSC seat, why is it still contesting for a temporary one? WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;The business manager visa now requires a sixfold jump in capital investment, to 30 million yen, plus Japanese-language proficiency. Openness and restriction, running side by side, are the challenge. That's forcing the second lever, automation. South Korea already runs the world's highest robot density, at 1,220 robots per 10,000 employees, growing 7 per cent annually since 2019.&nbsp;Japan sits at 419 and Germany at 449. And Japan’s ageing profile, with 30 per cent of the population over 65 by 2030, is a structural driver of automation demand unlike anywhere else. The politics are shifting, too. Migration debates are moving from "They take our jobs" to "Who fills them?" That is a reframe already visible in European attitudes towards migrants. The choice ageing economies face isn't ideological anymore. It's arithmetic: bring in people, deploy machines, or shrink the economy. Most are trying to do the first two at once, awkwardly.

Recruit Works Institute projects a shortfall of roughly 11 million workers by 2040, hitting caregiving, transport, construction and food service hardest. More importantly, these sectors can't be offshored. Yet Tokyo's response is contradictory. 

The world just crossed a demographic line it can't uncross. The worker shortage era is here, and it isn't just a forecast anymore. The OECD says its members' working-age population will fall 8 per cent by 2060, with pension and health spending rising to 3 per cent of GDP across member states. The World Employment Confederation projects that by 2040, four in five countries will see slower workforce growth, and three in ten will see outright decline. Only a handful of economies, like the US, India, Indonesia, and parts of Africa, buck the trend. Japan is the sharpest case study. Recruit Works Institute projects a shortfall of roughly 11 million workers by 2040, hitting caregiving, transport, construction and food service hardest. More importantly, these sectors can't be offshored. Yet Tokyo's response is contradictory. It's expanding visa quotas to around 1.23 million foreign workers through fiscal 2028, while simultaneously raising the bar elsewhere. Also read: If India wants a permanent UNSC seat, why is it still contesting for a temporary one? WION Decodes The business manager visa now requires a sixfold jump in capital investment, to 30 million yen, plus Japanese-language proficiency. Openness and restriction, running side by side, are the challenge. That's forcing the second lever, automation. South Korea already runs the world's highest robot density, at 1,220 robots per 10,000 employees, growing 7 per cent annually since 2019. Japan sits at 419 and Germany at 449. And Japan’s ageing profile, with 30 per cent of the population over 65 by 2030, is a structural driver of automation demand unlike anywhere else. The politics are shifting, too. Migration debates are moving from "They take our jobs" to "Who fills them?" That is a reframe already visible in European attitudes towards migrants. The choice ageing economies face isn't ideological anymore. It's arithmetic: bring in people, deploy machines, or shrink the economy. Most are trying to do the first two at once, awkwardly.

Recruit Works Institute projects a shortfall of roughly 11 million workers by 2040, hitting caregiving, transport, construction and food service hardest. More importantly, these sectors can't be offshored. Yet Tokyo's response is contradictory.&nbsp;

Global workforce peaks: The maths gets ugly

US President Donald 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;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-decodes-why-is-the-us-threatening-india-with-fresh-12-5-tariff-under-section-301-which-industries-stand-to-lose-the-most-1783489179101">WION Decodes: Why is the US threatening India with fresh 12.5% tariff under Section 301? Which industries stand to lose the most?</a><h2>So, how has New Delhi maintained a balance between Russia and the US?</h2>India has maintained that its decision to purchase oil from Russia is based on its own energy needs. In the present scenario too, India can continue its policy of strategic autonomy but it may not be a strategically safest option with increased pressure from the US. While the US remains an indispensable partner in technology, trade and countering China's influence, the "Trump 2.0" approach has become more transactional to push allies into closer alignment with Washington.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-news-us-tariff-threat-india-moves-to-ban-imports-made-using-forced-labour-1784090282657">Amid new US tariff threat, India moves to ban imports made using forced labour</a>&nbsp;At the same time, India has chosen not to distance itself from Russia, which continues to serve as a key strategic counterweight to China and remains a major supplier of discounted crude oil and military equipment, with more than 60% of India's defence systems of Russian origin. This places New Delhi in a delicate position, where any move towards one power risks being viewed as a shift away from the other.&nbsp;To reduce this pressure, India has expanded ties with middle powers such as Europe and the UK while also pursuing a limited thaw with China to ease border tensions. This approach allows New Delhi to retain diplomatic flexibility and avoid being sidelined in major geopolitical negotiations. India sees strategic autonomy not as neutrality or isolation, but as the ability to maintain independent decision-making.&nbsp;The challenge has become more acute after a temporary waiver issued by the US Treasury, which had allowed India's purchases of Russian crude without attracting sanctions, expired on June 17, 2026. With the waiver no longer in effect, Indian imports of Russian oil now face greater legal and policy uncertainty, adding another layer of complexity to India's foreign policy and energy security.

Trump has backed a proposed sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries, including India, that continue buying Russian oil and gas. The legislation aims to increase pressure on Moscow, while posing fresh challenges for India's strategic balancing.

US President Donald 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: WION Decodes: Why is the US threatening India with fresh 12.5% tariff under Section 301? Which industries stand to lose the most? So, how has New Delhi maintained a balance between Russia and the US? India has maintained that its decision to purchase oil from Russia is based on its own energy needs. In the present scenario too, India can continue its policy of strategic autonomy but it may not be a strategically safest option with increased pressure from the US. While the US remains an indispensable partner in technology, trade and countering China's influence, the "Trump 2.0" approach has become more transactional to push allies into closer alignment with Washington. Also Read: Amid new US tariff threat, India moves to ban imports made using forced labour At the same time, India has chosen not to distance itself from Russia, which continues to serve as a key strategic counterweight to China and remains a major supplier of discounted crude oil and military equipment, with more than 60% of India's defence systems of Russian origin. This places New Delhi in a delicate position, where any move towards one power risks being viewed as a shift away from the other. To reduce this pressure, India has expanded ties with middle powers such as Europe and the UK while also pursuing a limited thaw with China to ease border tensions. This approach allows New Delhi to retain diplomatic flexibility and avoid being sidelined in major geopolitical negotiations. India sees strategic autonomy not as neutrality or isolation, but as the ability to maintain independent decision-making. The challenge has become more acute after a temporary waiver issued by the US Treasury, which had allowed India's purchases of Russian crude without attracting sanctions, expired on June 17, 2026. With the waiver no longer in effect, Indian imports of Russian oil now face greater legal and policy uncertainty, adding another layer of complexity to India's foreign policy and energy security.

Trump has backed a proposed sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 500 per cent on imports from countries, including India, that continue buying Russian oil and gas. The legislation aims to increase pressure on Moscow, while posing fresh challenges for India

Can India balance ties with the US and Russia amid fresh tariff threats from America?

A cargo ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz on July 14 amid the resumption of hostilities between Iran and the United States. A video released by Iran's Fars news agency shows the vessel with the name "Luni" etched on the hull going down. The ship had departed from India and was going to a port in the United Arab Emirates, according to MarineTraffic data. However, unlike some claims doing the rounds, the sinking is supposedly not linked to the ongoing war. The Iranian news agency reported that the ship collided with another vessel, which led to the sinking.&nbsp;The cargo ship soon filled with water, following which an emergency evacuation was carried out. According to reports, 23 crew members were rescued and taken to Qeshm Island on the southern coast. The circumstances surrounding the collision have not been revealed, nor has the other vessel involved in the collision been identified. The ship that went down was sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Data placed the last recorded position of the vessel near the Strait of Hormuz at 2 pm IST, &nbsp;after it entered the area from the Gulf of Oman.<h2>Video of cargo ship sinking in Strait of Hormuz</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Cargo ship sinks near Strait of Hormuz amid Iran&#39;s warning to block more vital seaways . . . .<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/USIranWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USIranWar</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/StraitOfHormuz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StraitOfHormuz</a> <a href="https://t.co/KkCLqpvc8l">pic.twitter.com/KkCLqpvc8l</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2077307879267447175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Iran war resumes</h2>&nbsp;The incident happened on the same day the United States announced a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and coastal areas. Fresh strikes were launched by the US CENTCOM, following which Iran responded with attacks on US bases in allied countries. United States struck Iranian missile and radar sites along the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, defending the action by saying that the aim was to reduce Tehran’s ability to strike commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;The MoU signed by the two countries last month has now collapsed. On July 8, 2026, US President Donald Trump declared that the landmark interim peace agreement was "over" following a series of acute maritime violations in the Persian Gulf. A total naval blockade was reinstated on July 14 on all Iranian ports and coastal areas, targeting any non-compliant vessels attempting to enter or depart. &nbsp;

A ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz on July 14, triggering theories about what had happened. However, according to the Fars news agency, there might not be a link with the war. Maritime data shows the vessel left India and was bound for the United Arab Emirates.

A cargo ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz on July 14 amid the resumption of hostilities between Iran and the United States. A video released by Iran's Fars news agency shows the vessel with the name "Luni" etched on the hull going down. The ship had departed from India and was going to a port in the United Arab Emirates, according to MarineTraffic data. However, unlike some claims doing the rounds, the sinking is supposedly not linked to the ongoing war. The Iranian news agency reported that the ship collided with another vessel, which led to the sinking. The cargo ship soon filled with water, following which an emergency evacuation was carried out. According to reports, 23 crew members were rescued and taken to Qeshm Island on the southern coast. The circumstances surrounding the collision have not been revealed, nor has the other vessel involved in the collision been identified. The ship that went down was sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Data placed the last recorded position of the vessel near the Strait of Hormuz at 2 pm IST, after it entered the area from the Gulf of Oman. Video of cargo ship sinking in Strait of Hormuz

A ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz on July 14, triggering theories about what had happened. However, according to the Fars news agency, there might not be a link with the war. Maritime data shows the vessel left India and was bound for the United Arab Emirates.

Video shows cargo ship that left India sinking in Strait of Hormuz, link with war unclear

The Strait of Hormuz is burning again, and behind the smoke, a very clear financial map is emerging. This isn't just a war story, but a market story. Since Iran shut the strait in late February, Brent crude jumped 15 per cent within days, gasoline prices spiked, and inflation fears returned to Washington. But not every producer is losing. Saudi Arabia and Oman are heading for a windfall, while the UAE watches its petrodollar income shrink. Why the split? Geography and infrastructure. Riyadh has rerouted nearly 7 million barrels a day through its east-west pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, completely bypassing Hormuz.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-to-track-every-indian-seafarer-in-hormuz-after-deadly-iran-tanker-attack-kills-sailor-injures-10-others-1784075142969">New Delhi to track every Indian seafarer in Hormuz after deadly Iran tanker attack kills sailor, injures 10 others</a> According to Goldman Sachs, higher prices have more than made up for the lost tanker shipments. That's the Saudi playbook: sidestep the chokepoint, and sell into a panicked market. Compare that to Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain; they are under loss with no pipeline escape route. Those unable to avoid the Strait saw straight revenue declines, even as prices climbed. Then there's refining. U.S. gasoline refining margins have surged more than 60 per cent since June, crossing $56 a barrel, nearing 2022 energy-crisis territory.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-india-withstand-another-west-asia-crisis-how-israel-hezbollah-iran-tensions-could-hit-its-energy-security-wion-decodes-1782374369218">Can India withstand another West Asia crisis? How Israel-Hezbollah-Iran tensions could hit its energy security | WION Decodes</a> Refiners are pocketing both a crude discount and a fuel-price premium. That's a rare double windfall, which analysts call unsustainable. And beyond the gulf, the biggest winners may sit outside West Asia entirely. The New York Times calculated the United States gained roughly 50 billion dollars in extra export revenue and Russia over $15 billion, while every Persian Gulf nation logged export declines. The takeaway: Hormuz tensions are reshaping petro-politics itself. Saudi Arabia is consolidating leverage over rivals like the UAE. Washington and Moscow are quietly cashing in. And refiners worldwide are riding margins that history says won't last. The war isn't just about the Gulf. It's about who controls the world's next barrel and its price.

The Strait of Hormuz is once again at the centre of a global energy crisis, but not every oil producer is losing. While Saudi Arabia, the US and Russia are reaping billions, others are seeing exports fall despite soaring crude prices. Scroll down to see who the biggest winners and losers are.

The Strait of Hormuz is burning again, and behind the smoke, a very clear financial map is emerging. This isn't just a war story, but a market story. Since Iran shut the strait in late February, Brent crude jumped 15 per cent within days, gasoline prices spiked, and inflation fears returned to Washington. But not every producer is losing. Saudi Arabia and Oman are heading for a windfall, while the UAE watches its petrodollar income shrink. Why the split? Geography and infrastructure. Riyadh has rerouted nearly 7 million barrels a day through its east-west pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, completely bypassing Hormuz. Also read | New Delhi to track every Indian seafarer in Hormuz after deadly Iran tanker attack kills sailor, injures 10 others According to Goldman Sachs, higher prices have more than made up for the lost tanker shipments. That's the Saudi playbook: sidestep the chokepoint, and sell into a panicked market. Compare that to Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain; they are under loss with no pipeline escape route. Those unable to avoid the Strait saw straight revenue declines, even as prices climbed. Then there's refining. U.S. gasoline refining margins have surged more than 60 per cent since June, crossing $56 a barrel, nearing 2022 energy-crisis territory. Also read | Can India withstand another West Asia crisis? How Israel-Hezbollah-Iran tensions could hit its energy security | WION Decodes Refiners are pocketing both a crude discount and a fuel-price premium. That's a rare double windfall, which analysts call unsustainable. And beyond the gulf, the biggest winners may sit outside West Asia entirely. The New York Times calculated the United States gained roughly 50 billion dollars in extra export revenue and Russia over $15 billion, while every Persian Gulf nation logged export declines. The takeaway: Hormuz tensions are reshaping petro-politics itself. Saudi Arabia is consolidating leverage over rivals like the UAE. Washington and Moscow are quietly cashing in. And refiners worldwide are riding margins that history says won't last. The war isn't just about the Gulf. It's about who controls the world's next barrel and its price.

The Strait of Hormuz is once again at the centre of a global energy crisis, but not every oil producer is losing. While Saudi Arabia, the US and Russia are reaping billions, others are seeing exports fall despite soaring crude prices. Scroll down to see who the biggest winners and losers are.

Hormuz crisis has clear winners and losers: Here's who's cashing in from the oil crisis

India has once again thrown its hat into the ring for the United Nations Security Council, launching its campaign for a non-permanent seat for 2028-29 even as it continues pushing for long-term reforms that would eventually give it a permanent place at the table. The move may look contradictory at first glance, but there's a method behind the madness. WION Decodes.<h2>Why go for a temporary seat at all?</h2>In UN diplomacy, a temporary seat is often one of the few practical ways to build support for a bigger ambition. India is campaigning for a UNSC seat because the Security Council is where the real action happens.A non-permanent seat gives India a direct vote on wars, sanctions, peacekeeping mandates and other major security decisions for two years. It may not come with veto power, but it does give New Delhi a chance to shape negotiations, build alliances and push its priorities inside the UN’s most powerful body.That matters because India wants to be seen not just as a claimant for reform, but as a country that already contributes to the system.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-formally-launches-campaign-for-un-security-council-seat-with-new-shanti-vision-what-it-means-1783991884972">India formally launches campaign for UN Security Council seat with new 'SHANTI' vision | Watch</a><h2>India launches 'SHANTI' vision</h2>At the launch of its campaign, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar framed India’s bid around the "SHANTI" vision, short for Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. India says its priorities include peacekeeping reform, maritime security, counter-terrorism, climate action, sustainable development and a stronger voice for the Global South.India noted that it has deployed nearly 300,000 peacekeepers across about 50 UN missions since the UN was founded, with 4,300 personnel currently serving in active missions. It also highlighted its development work across 79 countries.<h2>So why not skip straight to permanent membership?</h2>Because permanent membership is far harder to get. Any structural reform of the Security Council needs consensus among all the current members, including the five permanent members, each of whom has a veto. That is exactly why reform has remained stuck for years, despite broad support for change.Backing India's permanent membership bid and the nation's long-standing demand for UNSC reforms, Poland on Tuesday (Jul 14) noted the Council’s structure is difficult to change because every permanent member has the power to block reform."We do want India as a non-permanent member. We discussed with India also bigger changes in the structure of the Security Council of the United Nations. The problem is, and has always been, that in order to make changes, all members have to agree. And since every member has a veto, there's always somebody who doesn't want to change because they like to have a small club than a larger club... We certainly support India in this quest," Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski told ANI.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/weapon-of-war-india-at-un-condemns-conflict-related-sexual-violence-highlights-role-of-women-peacekeepers-1783645114228">'Weapon of war': India at UN condemns conflict-related sexual violence, highlights role of women peacekeepers</a><h2>The real play</h2>A non-permanent seat gives India visibility, leverage and more diplomatic credibility. It lets New Delhi influence debates now while continuing to argue that the Council itself needs to be expanded and reformed for the world of today, not the world of 1945.In other words, India is not choosing between temporary and permanent. It is using one to keep pushing for the other.

India has launched its campaign for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2028-29, even as it continues demanding permanent membership. Why seek a temporary seat if the real goal is a permanent one? Scroll down to understand India's game plan.

India has once again thrown its hat into the ring for the United Nations Security Council, launching its campaign for a non-permanent seat for 2028-29 even as it continues pushing for long-term reforms that would eventually give it a permanent place at the table. The move may look contradictory at first glance, but there's a method behind the madness. WION Decodes. Why go for a temporary seat at all? In UN diplomacy, a temporary seat is often one of the few practical ways to build support for a bigger ambition. India is campaigning for a UNSC seat because the Security Council is where the real action happens. A non-permanent seat gives India a direct vote on wars, sanctions, peacekeeping mandates and other major security decisions for two years. It may not come with veto power, but it does give New Delhi a chance to shape negotiations, build alliances and push its priorities inside the UN’s most powerful body. That matters because India wants to be seen not just as a claimant for reform, but as a country that already contributes to the system. Also read | India formally launches campaign for UN Security Council seat with new 'SHANTI' vision | Watch India launches 'SHANTI' vision At the launch of its campaign, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar framed India’s bid around the "SHANTI" vision, short for Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. India says its priorities include peacekeeping reform, maritime security, counter-terrorism, climate action, sustainable development and a stronger voice for the Global South. India noted that it has deployed nearly 300,000 peacekeepers across about 50 UN missions since the UN was founded, with 4,300 personnel currently serving in active missions. It also highlighted its development work across 79 countries. So why not skip straight to permanent membership? Because permanent membership is far harder to get. Any structural reform of the Security Council needs consensus among all the current members, including the five permanent members, each of whom has a veto. That is exactly why reform has remained stuck for years, despite broad support for change. Backing India's permanent membership bid and the nation's long-standing demand for UNSC reforms, Poland on Tuesday (Jul 14) noted the Council’s structure is difficult to change because every permanent member has the power to block reform. "We do want India as a non-permanent member. We discussed with India also bigger changes in the structure of the Security Council of the United Nations. The problem is, and has always been, that in order to make changes, all members have to agree. And since every member has a veto, there's always somebody who doesn't want to change because they like to have a small club than a larger club... We certainly support India in this quest," Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski told ANI. Also read | 'Weapon of war': India at UN condemns conflict-related sexual violence, highlights role of women peacekeepers The real play A non-permanent seat gives India visibility, leverage and more diplomatic credibility. It lets New Delhi influence debates now while continuing to argue that the Council itself needs to be expanded and reformed for the world of today, not the world of 1945. In other words, India is not choosing between temporary and permanent. It is using one to keep pushing for the other.

India has launched its campaign for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2028-29, even as it continues demanding permanent membership. Why seek a temporary seat if the real goal is a permanent one? Scroll down to understand India's game plan.

If India wants a permanent UNSC seat, why is it still contesting for a temporary one? WION Decodes

India is hosting the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs and Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi on Thursday (Jul 16). Chaired by India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the discussions are likely to include counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts against cross-border threats. The meeting is taking place amid a number of challenges in a world beset by conflict, including cyber security, transnational organised crime, maritime security, and emerging threats such as violent extremism and disaster response. It is a good time to revisit the evolution of the security cooperation of this grouping.<h2>What is BIMSTEC?</h2>BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, brings together seven countries around the Bay of Bengal, five from South Asia and two from Southeast Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Together, these nations represent nearly 22 per cent of the world's population—about 1.8 billion people—and a combined GDP of around US$5 trillion. Focused on multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation, its priority sectors include trade, investment and development; environment and climate change; security; agriculture and food security; people-to-people contact; science, technology and innovation; and connectivity. Under the current sectoral structure adopted by BIMSTEC, India is the lead country for the Security pillar.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bimstec-security-chiefs-convene-in-delhi-amid-bay-of-bengal-tensions-1784099616544">BIMSTEC security chiefs convene in Delhi amid Bay of Bengal tensions</a><h2>BIMSTEC security cooperation: Key mechanisms</h2>The National Security Chiefs and Advisers' Meeting is one of the main mechanisms of security cooperation and began after the 2016 Goa Retreat, where leaders agreed to hold regular meetings for intelligence and information sharing and for countering terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalisation. BIMSTEC's Expert Group on Maritime Security Cooperation focuses on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), oil pollution response, the Blue Economy, and maritime law enforcement guidelines. There are sub-groups focused on intelligence sharing, anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), legal and law enforcement issues, countering radicalisation and terrorism, human trafficking, and the prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals. Initiatives in the security sector include coastal security workshops and the BIMSTEC Military Exercise or MILEX-18, held in 2018. A joint maritime exercise is planned for November this year. The emphasis is on practical coordination among law enforcement, intelligence, and security agencies without creating a military alliance structure.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-hosts-bimstec-foreign-ministers-retreat-2024-739974/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-hosts-bimstec-foreign-ministers-retreat-2024-739974/embed</a><h2>BIMSTEC's evolution in past three decades</h2>In 1997, the seeds of BIMSTEC were laid as BIST-EC , or Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation, with the Bangkok Declaration aiming to promote technical and economic cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. Myanmar joined the grouping later in 1997, after which it was renamed BIMST-EC. The grouping expanded in 2004 with the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan, and adopted its current name, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. The permanent Secretariat of BIMSTEC was established in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2014. The 2016 Goa Retreat, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, gave fresh impetus to security cooperation and the National Security Advisers' meetings. Between 2018 and 2022, BIMSTEC rationalised its areas of cooperation into seven pillars, with Security formalised as one of the key pillars.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bimstec-to-hold-first-joint-maritime-security-exercise-in-november-2026-says-secretary-general-pandey-1775995848409">BIMSTEC to hold first joint maritime security exercise in November 2026, says Secretary General Pandey</a><h2>India's Act East policy amid SAARC stagnation: Why BIMSTEC matters</h2>BIMSTEC has gathered momentum in recent years as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has stagnated, mainly because of political differences between India and Pakistan. As a platform bridging South and Southeast Asia, it is a key organisation supporting India's "Act East" and "Neighbourhood First" foreign policies. The grouping offers an alternative framework for cooperation on security, connectivity, energy, and trade. While progress has been gradual, it has registered several achievements, including progress on regional energy grid interconnection, cooperation in disaster management, and ongoing negotiations towards a BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement.

India is hosting the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs and Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi. The grouping has evolved over the past three decades, playing a growing role in counter-terrorism, maritime security, regional cooperation and other sectors.

India is hosting the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs and Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi on Thursday (Jul 16). Chaired by India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the discussions are likely to include counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts against cross-border threats. The meeting is taking place amid a number of challenges in a world beset by conflict, including cyber security, transnational organised crime, maritime security, and emerging threats such as violent extremism and disaster response. It is a good time to revisit the evolution of the security cooperation of this grouping. What is BIMSTEC? BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, brings together seven countries around the Bay of Bengal, five from South Asia and two from Southeast Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Together, these nations represent nearly 22 per cent of the world's population—about 1.8 billion people—and a combined GDP of around US$5 trillion. Focused on multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation, its priority sectors include trade, investment and development; environment and climate change; security; agriculture and food security; people-to-people contact; science, technology and innovation; and connectivity. Under the current sectoral structure adopted by BIMSTEC, India is the lead country for the Security pillar. Also read: BIMSTEC security chiefs convene in Delhi amid Bay of Bengal tensions BIMSTEC security cooperation: Key mechanisms The National Security Chiefs and Advisers' Meeting is one of the main mechanisms of security cooperation and began after the 2016 Goa Retreat, where leaders agreed to hold regular meetings for intelligence and information sharing and for countering terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalisation. BIMSTEC's Expert Group on Maritime Security Cooperation focuses on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), oil pollution response, the Blue Economy, and maritime law enforcement guidelines. There are sub-groups focused on intelligence sharing, anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), legal and law enforcement issues, countering radicalisation and terrorism, human trafficking, and the prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals. Initiatives in the security sector include coastal security workshops and the BIMSTEC Military Exercise or MILEX-18, held in 2018. A joint maritime exercise is planned for November this year. The emphasis is on practical coordination among law enforcement, intelligence, and security agencies without creating a military alliance structure. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-hosts-bimstec-foreign-ministers-retreat-2024-739974/embed BIMSTEC's evolution in past three decades In 1997, the seeds of BIMSTEC were laid as BIST-EC , or Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation, with the Bangkok Declaration aiming to promote technical and economic cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. Myanmar joined the grouping later in 1997, after which it was renamed BIMST-EC. The grouping expanded in 2004 with the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan, and adopted its current name, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. The permanent Secretariat of BIMSTEC was established in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2014. The 2016 Goa Retreat, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, gave fresh impetus to security cooperation and the National Security Advisers' meetings. Between 2018 and 2022, BIMSTEC rationalised its areas of cooperation into seven pillars, with Security formalised as one of the key pillars. Also read: BIMSTEC to hold first joint maritime security exercise in November 2026, says Secretary General Pandey India's Act East policy amid SAARC stagnation: Why BIMSTEC matters BIMSTEC has gathered momentum in recent years as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has stagnated, mainly because of political differences between India and Pakistan. As a platform bridging South and Southeast Asia, it is a key organisation supporting India's "Act East" and "Neighbourhood First" foreign policies. The grouping offers an alternative framework for cooperation on security, connectivity, energy, and trade. While progress has been gradual, it has registered several achievements, including progress on regional energy grid interconnection, cooperation in disaster management, and ongoing negotiations towards a BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement.

India is hosting the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs and Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi. The grouping has evolved over the past three decades, playing a growing role in counter-terrorism, maritime security, regional cooperation and other sectors.

BIMSTEC NSA meeting amid security challenges in a complex world: The evolution of cooperation

In a major move, the Members of Parliament (MPs) in United Kingdom (UK) has urged ministers to stop giving in to food industry lobbying and take strict action to tackle the obesity in the country. Among other things, a significant point from the recommendation made by the MPs, that has grabbed eyeballs, is to stop fast food chains such as KFC from opening outlets schools, and advertising for junk food on billboards and public transport. Layla Moran, the committee’s chair and a Liberal Democrat MP said that strong action must be taken to curb “the constant bombardment of promotions and adverts we see and hear in our daily lives – on our screens, on children’s journeys home from school, as we set foot in shops and queue for the checkout.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-proscribes-iran-s-islamic-revolutionary-guards-as-terror-organisation-1783946588025">UK proscribes Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards as terror organisation</a>&nbsp;Criticising the UK government under Keir Starmer, the MPs said it has not followed through on pledges to introduce policies to tackle bad diets. They recommended that ministers must give local councils “greater powers to stop fast food takeaways from opening near schools.” “It has become common sense that if we want to stem the tide of the obesity epidemic in children, we should be removing the temptation of fast food outlets in the vicinity of schools and areas of high levels of childhood obesity. The upcoming reforms to national planning regulations should give local authorities the power to fight the big chains for the sake of our children’s health.,” said Moran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-heatwave-amber-heat-alerts-in-place-as-uk-temperatures-stay-very-high-1783678331337">UK heatwave: Amber heat alerts in place as UK temperatures stay very high</a><h2>Other things recommended by the MPs are:&nbsp;</h2><ul><li>Impose restrictions on advertising of junk food on social media&nbsp;</li><li>Require supermarkets to place fruits and vegetables in prominent locations such as entrances and checkouts.</li><li>Extend online rules so "special offers" pages also promote healthier food options.</li><li>Force major supermarkets to report sales of healthy versus unhealthy foods.</li><li>Set mandatory healthy sales targets.</li><li>Enforce compliance through the Food Standards Agency, including fines.</li><li>Require retailers to disclose promotions on unhealthy foods compared with fruit and vegetables.</li><li>Introduce mandatory front-of-pack labelling by January 2028</li><li>Make traffic light nutrition labels compulsory on food packaging.</li><li>The age threshold for Healthy Start eligibility should increase."</li><li>Exclude food businesses from policy discussions."</li><li>Keep companies that earn a significant share of revenue from unhealthy foods out of government policymaking on diet and obesity.</li></ul>

A UK parliamentary committee has urged the government to ban new fast food outlets near schools and prohibit junk food advertising on billboards and public transport. MPs say stronger action is needed to tackle rising obesity, accusing ministers of failing to curb unhealthy diets

In a major move, the Members of Parliament (MPs) in United Kingdom (UK) has urged ministers to stop giving in to food industry lobbying and take strict action to tackle the obesity in the country. Among other things, a significant point from the recommendation made by the MPs, that has grabbed eyeballs, is to stop fast food chains such as KFC from opening outlets schools, and advertising for junk food on billboards and public transport. Layla Moran, the committee’s chair and a Liberal Democrat MP said that strong action must be taken to curb “the constant bombardment of promotions and adverts we see and hear in our daily lives – on our screens, on children’s journeys home from school, as we set foot in shops and queue for the checkout.” Also Read: UK proscribes Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards as terror organisation Criticising the UK government under Keir Starmer, the MPs said it has not followed through on pledges to introduce policies to tackle bad diets. They recommended that ministers must give local councils “greater powers to stop fast food takeaways from opening near schools.” “It has become common sense that if we want to stem the tide of the obesity epidemic in children, we should be removing the temptation of fast food outlets in the vicinity of schools and areas of high levels of childhood obesity. The upcoming reforms to national planning regulations should give local authorities the power to fight the big chains for the sake of our children’s health.,” said Moran. Also Read: UK heatwave: Amber heat alerts in place as UK temperatures stay very high Other things recommended by the MPs are: Impose restrictions on advertising of junk food on social media Require supermarkets to place fruits and vegetables in prominent locations such as entrances and checkouts. Extend online rules so "special offers" pages also promote healthier food options. Force major supermarkets to report sales of healthy versus unhealthy foods. Set mandatory healthy sales targets. Enforce compliance through the Food Standards Agency, including fines. Require retailers to disclose promotions on unhealthy foods compared with fruit and vegetables. Introduce mandatory front-of-pack labelling by January 2028 Make traffic light nutrition labels compulsory on food packaging. The age threshold for Healthy Start eligibility should increase." Exclude food businesses from policy discussions." Keep companies that earn a significant share of revenue from unhealthy foods out of government policymaking on diet and obesity.

A UK parliamentary committee has urged the government to ban new fast food outlets near schools and prohibit junk food advertising on billboards and public transport. MPs say stronger action is needed to tackle rising obesity, accusing ministers of failing to curb unhealthy diets

UK to ban fast food outlets near schools? MPs push for major anti-obesity measures

Senior security officials from seven Bay of Bengal nations gather in the Indian capital on Thursday for the fifth meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Advisers, seeking to strengthen cooperation against shared threats in a strategically vital region.&nbsp;National Security Advisers and their equivalents from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are expected to discuss counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber threats, organised crime and drug trafficking.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-prevented-nuclear-attack-on-ukraine-in-2022-poland-minister-makes-big-claims-about-putin-s-plans-indian-pm-s-role-1784095088820">PM Modi prevented nuclear attack on Ukraine in 2022? Poland minister makes BIG claims about Putin's plans, Indian PM's role</a>&nbsp;The two-day meeting, hosted by India, comes at a time of heightened regional challenges, including piracy risks in the Bay of Bengal, cross-border extremism and the impacts of climate change on food and energy security.&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-threatens-strait-of-hormuz-closure-india-protects-seafarers-russia-blames-ukraine-1784099502303/embed&nbsp;Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is chairing the discussions, building on the fourth meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, in July 2024. Cybersecurity and disaster response are expected to feature prominently, given the region’s vulnerability to cyclones and rising sea levels.&nbsp;BIMSTEC, formed in 1997, links 1.7 billion people across South and Southeast Asia. Unlike SAARC, which has been stalled by Pakistan's support for terrorism in the region, BIMSTEC has gained momentum as a platform for connectivity, trade and security.

The two-day meeting, hosted by India, comes at a time of heightened regional challenges, including piracy risks in the Bay of Bengal, cross-border extremism and the impacts of climate change on food and energy security.

Senior security officials from seven Bay of Bengal nations gather in the Indian capital on Thursday for the fifth meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Advisers, seeking to strengthen cooperation against shared threats in a strategically vital region. National Security Advisers and their equivalents from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are expected to discuss counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber threats, organised crime and drug trafficking. Also read: PM Modi prevented nuclear attack on Ukraine in 2022? Poland minister makes BIG claims about Putin's plans, Indian PM's role The two-day meeting, hosted by India, comes at a time of heightened regional challenges, including piracy risks in the Bay of Bengal, cross-border extremism and the impacts of climate change on food and energy security. WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-threatens-strait-of-hormuz-closure-india-protects-seafarers-russia-blames-ukraine-1784099502303/embed Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is chairing the discussions, building on the fourth meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, in July 2024. Cybersecurity and disaster response are expected to feature prominently, given the region’s vulnerability to cyclones and rising sea levels. BIMSTEC, formed in 1997, links 1.7 billion people across South and Southeast Asia. Unlike SAARC, which has been stalled by Pakistan's support for terrorism in the region, BIMSTEC has gained momentum as a platform for connectivity, trade and security.

The two-day meeting, hosted by India, comes at a time of heightened regional challenges, including piracy risks in the Bay of Bengal, cross-border extremism and the impacts of climate change on food and energy security.

BIMSTEC security chiefs convene in Delhi amid Bay of Bengal tensions

India has broken its silence on the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking to media on Tuesday (July 15) during weekly press briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the matter is a legal issue and will be dealt accordingly. The MEA clarified that there has been no change in New Delhi's stance on the matter even as the former Bangladeshi PM has openly expressed about her plans to leave India and return to her homeland. It must be noted that New Delhi has maintained its diplomatic ties with Dhaka even after Hasina's ouster and the coming up of fomer Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia's party BNP.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There is no change in our approach to the matter. Any extradition matter is a legal issue, and it will be dealt with accordingly,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters. India has maintained that the extradition demand will be examined in line with judicial and legal processes.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-sheikh-hasina-and-her-awami-league-find-space-in-tarique-rahman-s-new-bangladesh-amid-jamaat-s-rise-1771229273915">Will Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League find space in Tarique Rahman’s ‘new Bangladesh’ amid Jamaat’s rise?</a><h2>What Bangladesh PM advisor said?</h2>Speaking at a media briefing, Bangladesh Prime Minister's adviser for information and strategy, Zahed Ur Rahman, said the government wants Hasina to return and face the judicial process."We have been trying to bring her back. If she returns, we will welcome her because we want to ensure justice. She has been sentenced to death. If we can bring her back through extradition, that is exactly what we are trying to do," Zahed was quoted as saying by The Business Standard. He also reportedly added that she should face the legal process and “bring the best lawyers in the world.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-welcome-her-bangladesh-pm-adviser-says-sheikh-hasina-should-return-to-face-trial-1784035817726">'We will welcome her': Bangladesh PM adviser says Sheikh Hasina should return to face trial</a><h2>What Sheikh Hasina said?</h2>Hasina announced her plans to return to Bangladesh in a recent interview. She told Reuters that she may go back by December along with other senior party colleagues. "They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me...If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed," Hasina said. Stating that she is not afraid of being arrested and jailed, the former PM added that the Tarique Rahman-led government should not suspend the Awami League. "When a government works for a long ⁠time, mistakes can ​happen — no government is above error. But the right to judge the good and bad, the right and wrong of a ​government belongs to the people. They may have convicted me, and I may not be able to ​contest elections. But why should they suspend the Awami League?" she said.&nbsp;Hasina, 78, has been living in India since she fled Dhaka after she was ousted following a violent student-led protest on August 5, 2024. She was the South Asian nation's longest-serving prime minister. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced Hasina to death in absentia after finding her guilty of crimes against humanity. Following Hasina's ouster, the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus formally banned the Awami League from campaigning, carrying out political activities and contesting elections. It remains the same after new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government came to power and Tarique Rahman became the PM.

India said there is no change in its stance on former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's proposed return to Dhaka, stressing that any extradition request will be handled through legal channels. Hasina, living in India since August 2024, says she plans to return and surrender by December.

India has broken its silence on the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking to media on Tuesday (July 15) during weekly press briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the matter is a legal issue and will be dealt accordingly. The MEA clarified that there has been no change in New Delhi's stance on the matter even as the former Bangladeshi PM has openly expressed about her plans to leave India and return to her homeland. It must be noted that New Delhi has maintained its diplomatic ties with Dhaka even after Hasina's ouster and the coming up of fomer Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia's party BNP. “There is no change in our approach to the matter. Any extradition matter is a legal issue, and it will be dealt with accordingly,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters. India has maintained that the extradition demand will be examined in line with judicial and legal processes. Also Read: Will Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League find space in Tarique Rahman’s ‘new Bangladesh’ amid Jamaat’s rise? What Bangladesh PM advisor said? Speaking at a media briefing, Bangladesh Prime Minister's adviser for information and strategy, Zahed Ur Rahman, said the government wants Hasina to return and face the judicial process."We have been trying to bring her back. If she returns, we will welcome her because we want to ensure justice. She has been sentenced to death. If we can bring her back through extradition, that is exactly what we are trying to do," Zahed was quoted as saying by The Business Standard. He also reportedly added that she should face the legal process and “bring the best lawyers in the world.” Also Read: 'We will welcome her': Bangladesh PM adviser says Sheikh Hasina should return to face trial What Sheikh Hasina said? Hasina announced her plans to return to Bangladesh in a recent interview. She told Reuters that she may go back by December along with other senior party colleagues. "They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me...If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed," Hasina said. Stating that she is not afraid of being arrested and jailed, the former PM added that the Tarique Rahman-led government should not suspend the Awami League. "When a government works for a long ⁠time, mistakes can happen — no government is above error. But the right to judge the good and bad, the right and wrong of a government belongs to the people. They may have convicted me, and I may not be able to contest elections. But why should they suspend the Awami League?" she said. Hasina, 78, has been living in India since she fled Dhaka after she was ousted following a violent student-led protest on August 5, 2024. She was the South Asian nation's longest-serving prime minister. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced Hasina to death in absentia after finding her guilty of crimes against humanity. Following Hasina's ouster, the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus formally banned the Awami League from campaigning, carrying out political activities and contesting elections. It remains the same after new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government came to power and Tarique Rahman became the PM.

India said there is no change in its stance on former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's proposed return to Dhaka, stressing that any extradition request will be handled through legal channels. Hasina, living in India since August 2024, says she plans to return and surrender by December.

'There is no change...': India breaks silence on extradition of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

The US House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to end the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks, passing bipartisan legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across most of the nation.Lawmakers passed the Sunshine Protection Act in a 308-117 vote on Tuesday (Jul 14), reviving a popular proposal that has historically stalled in Congress despite overwhelming public support.If signed into law, Americans would no longer "spring forward" in March or "fall back" in November. Instead, the country would stay on later-sunset hours year-round, unless individual states actively choose to opt out.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/is-a-prison-for-fallen-angels-hidden-beneath-antarctica-why-the-book-of-enoch-theory-is-going-viral-1784085520567">Is a prison for fallen angels hidden beneath Antarctica? Why the Book of Enoch theory is going viral</a><h2>‘Here Comes the Sun’ on the House Floor</h2>Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), who was presiding over the vote, played the iconic Beatles song "Here Comes the Sun" directly from his phone as the final, successful tally was read out.The bill, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), received a massive boost from the White House. Ahead of the vote, administration officials called the bill a "popular, common-sense reform," confirming that advisers would recommend the president sign the bill if it reaches his desk.Trump has previously championed the change on Truth Social, calling the current biannual time shift "costly and unnecessary" and writing: "It’s time that people can stop worrying about the 'Clock'."<h2>Senate opposition remains a hurdle</h2>The House vote does not guarantee the bill will become law. A Senate version stalled last year after Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas objected to speeding it through by unanimous consent.Cotton has argued that permanent daylight saving time could create problems in parts of the country where winter mornings would stay dark until 9 am or later. He has warned that this could make school runs and early commutes riskier.A senior Hill aide said Cotton still has the same concerns and expects to ask Senate Majority Leader John Thune not to bring the bill up for a vote.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-monsters-are-sick-ice-shoots-man-dead-in-front-of-3-year-old-daughter-in-maine-officials-later-admit-he-wasn-t-the-target-1784003382469">'These monsters are sick': ICE shoots man dead in front of 3-year-old daughter in Maine; officials later admit he wasn't the target</a><h2>A divisive century-old debate</h2>The debate over daylight saving has raged since it was first introduced as a temporary wartime energy-saving measure in 1942.&nbsp;Supporters say permanent daylight saving time would be simpler, save money and avoid the disruption of changing clocks every spring and fall. Critics say it would leave too many people waking up in the dark during the winter months.Today, Arizona, Hawaii and several US territories do not observe daylight saving time at all, while 19 states have passed laws that would allow year-round daylight saving time if Congress gives the green light. &nbsp;

The US House has overwhelmingly approved a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, potentially ending the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks. But the proposal still faces a major hurdle in the Senate before Americans can say goodbye to 'spring forward' and 'fall back'. 

The US House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to end the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks, passing bipartisan legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across most of the nation. Lawmakers passed the Sunshine Protection Act in a 308-117 vote on Tuesday (Jul 14), reviving a popular proposal that has historically stalled in Congress despite overwhelming public support. If signed into law, Americans would no longer "spring forward" in March or "fall back" in November. Instead, the country would stay on later-sunset hours year-round, unless individual states actively choose to opt out. Also read | Is a prison for fallen angels hidden beneath Antarctica? Why the Book of Enoch theory is going viral ‘Here Comes the Sun’ on the House Floor Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), who was presiding over the vote, played the iconic Beatles song "Here Comes the Sun" directly from his phone as the final, successful tally was read out. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), received a massive boost from the White House. Ahead of the vote, administration officials called the bill a "popular, common-sense reform," confirming that advisers would recommend the president sign the bill if it reaches his desk. Trump has previously championed the change on Truth Social, calling the current biannual time shift "costly and unnecessary" and writing: "It’s time that people can stop worrying about the 'Clock'." Senate opposition remains a hurdle The House vote does not guarantee the bill will become law. A Senate version stalled last year after Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas objected to speeding it through by unanimous consent. Cotton has argued that permanent daylight saving time could create problems in parts of the country where winter mornings would stay dark until 9 am or later. He has warned that this could make school runs and early commutes riskier. A senior Hill aide said Cotton still has the same concerns and expects to ask Senate Majority Leader John Thune not to bring the bill up for a vote. Also read | 'These monsters are sick': ICE shoots man dead in front of 3-year-old daughter in Maine; officials later admit he wasn't the target A divisive century-old debate The debate over daylight saving has raged since it was first introduced as a temporary wartime energy-saving measure in 1942. Supporters say permanent daylight saving time would be simpler, save money and avoid the disruption of changing clocks every spring and fall. Critics say it would leave too many people waking up in the dark during the winter months. Today, Arizona, Hawaii and several US territories do not observe daylight saving time at all, while 19 states have passed laws that would allow year-round daylight saving time if Congress gives the green light.

The US House has overwhelmingly approved a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, potentially ending the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks. But the proposal still faces a major hurdle in the Senate before Americans can say goodbye to 'spring forward' and 'fall back'.&nbsp;

No more clock changes? US House backs permanent Daylight Saving Time after years of debate

Making an explosive claim, Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski on Tuesday (July 14) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was about to use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine at the end of 2022. Giving credit to the Indian Prime Minister for stopping such a fateful event, he said that it was PM Narendra Modi who played a key role in stopping Putin. Calling him a “very well-known world statesman”, he said that Putin actually pays attention to what Prime Minister Modi tells him. The Polish leader also exuded confidence that PM Modi can exert influence to end the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-putin-urges-remote-work-after-massive-ukrainian-strikes-1783778200015">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin urges remote work after massive Ukrainian strikes</a><h2>What the Polish minister said?</h2>Speaking to news agency ANI," I mentioned the role Prime Minister Modi played in stopping Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine at the end of 2022. But it's true, Prime Minister Modi is one of the few people who actually can exert some pressure and influence on President Putin, and that is clearly something India could do to stop this conflict," he said. He added, “President Putin actually pays attention to what Prime Minister Modi tells him.” Explaining India's role, he said, "Everybody is against escalation, not only India with Prime Minister Modi but also China's Xi Jinping. It's important, especially when it comes from countries that are not seen as hostile to Russia. India's role here is crucial," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backs-bill-threatening-india-with-500-tariffs-over-russian-oil-imports-says-report-1784058875929">Trump backs bill threatening India with 500% tariffs over Russian oil imports, says report</a><h2>Putin's praise for India&nbsp;</h2>The statement by the Polish minister came after Putin praised India as a "great country" and defended New Delhi's independent foreign policy. The Russian president also slammed the United States for attempting to pressure India over its cooperation with Russia, saying such moves are "detrimental" to bilateral and international relations. In an address to the media at the St Petersburg Economic Forum, Putin said, "We are glad that India is developing its relations with all the countries. It's a great country. It's only natural it (India) develops its economy in accordance with its interest with those countries that it deems necessary&nbsp;On India's economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Putin said, "India is one of the leading economies of the world that shows the highest rates of economic growth. This is not something that comes out of the blue. This is a result of the hard work that the government has been doing under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi." He further highlighted that New Delhi and Moscow enjoy a special privileged strategic partnership.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski praised PM Narendra Modi, saying Vladimir Putin listens to him and credited the Indian leader with helping dissuade Russia from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in 2022. 

Making an explosive claim, Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski on Tuesday (July 14) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was about to use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine at the end of 2022. Giving credit to the Indian Prime Minister for stopping such a fateful event, he said that it was PM Narendra Modi who played a key role in stopping Putin. Calling him a “very well-known world statesman”, he said that Putin actually pays attention to what Prime Minister Modi tells him. The Polish leader also exuded confidence that PM Modi can exert influence to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Also Read: Russia-Ukraine war: Putin urges remote work after massive Ukrainian strikes What the Polish minister said? Speaking to news agency ANI," I mentioned the role Prime Minister Modi played in stopping Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine at the end of 2022. But it's true, Prime Minister Modi is one of the few people who actually can exert some pressure and influence on President Putin, and that is clearly something India could do to stop this conflict," he said. He added, “President Putin actually pays attention to what Prime Minister Modi tells him.” Explaining India's role, he said, "Everybody is against escalation, not only India with Prime Minister Modi but also China's Xi Jinping. It's important, especially when it comes from countries that are not seen as hostile to Russia. India's role here is crucial," he said. Also Read: Trump backs bill threatening India with 500% tariffs over Russian oil imports, says report Putin's praise for India The statement by the Polish minister came after Putin praised India as a "great country" and defended New Delhi's independent foreign policy. The Russian president also slammed the United States for attempting to pressure India over its cooperation with Russia, saying such moves are "detrimental" to bilateral and international relations. In an address to the media at the St Petersburg Economic Forum, Putin said, "We are glad that India is developing its relations with all the countries. It's a great country. It's only natural it (India) develops its economy in accordance with its interest with those countries that it deems necessary On India's economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Putin said, "India is one of the leading economies of the world that shows the highest rates of economic growth. This is not something that comes out of the blue. This is a result of the hard work that the government has been doing under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi." He further highlighted that New Delhi and Moscow enjoy a special privileged strategic partnership.

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski praised PM Narendra Modi, saying Vladimir Putin listens to him and credited the Indian leader with helping dissuade Russia from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in 2022.&nbsp;

PM Modi prevented nuclear attack on Ukraine in 2022? Poland minister makes BIG claims about Putin's plans, Indian PM's role

The Commerce and Industry Ministry on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) restricted the import of goods manufactured using forced labour. This comes days after the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed 12.5 per cent tariffs on India, connected to the issue. In March, the US had launched two Section 301 investigations against India and later imposed fresh tariffs on June 3 following the result of its first probe, which discovered that India failed to “effectively enforce” a forced labour import prohibition, which had reportedly affected US commerce. In an order dated July 13, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has added a new paragraph in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) related to “forced labour”, underscoring that the import of goods produced or manufactured partially or completely using forced labour is “prohibited”. “The Central Government may, from time to time, specify, by notification, the goods whose import shall be prohibited under this paragraph, having regard to the findings of such enquiry or such other material as it may consider appropriate. The procedure for conducting an enquiry by the DGFT into the use of forced labour. The provisions of this notification shall come into effect after the expiry of 30 days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette,” the notification read. A senior government official told The Indian Express that existing regulations already contain provisions to address issues such as forced labour, but the July 13 notification makes those powers explicit. The official said the use of "suo motu" makes it clear that authorities can initiate action on their own without waiting for a formal complaint. "We previously had these powers implicitly, but they we are not dependent on a complaint to take action. This could also have implications for the ongoing trade discussions," the official said, hinting at the ongoing negotiations on the proposed trade deal with the United States.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-to-track-every-indian-seafarer-in-hormuz-after-deadly-iran-tanker-attack-kills-sailor-injures-10-others-1784075142969">New Delhi to track every Indian seafarer in Hormuz after deadly Iran tanker attack kills sailor, injures 10 others</a><h3>India on elimination of forced labour&nbsp;</h3>India has also sought a review of the proposed 12.5 per cent US tariffs, arguing that the findings of the Section 301 investigation are inconsistent. During a public hearing last week, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce Brij Mohan Mishra said that India considers the elimination of forced labour a constitutional responsibility as well as an obligation under international law and accepted global principles. Under internationally recognised standards, forced labour refers to any work or service extracted from a person under the threat of punishment and carried out without the person's voluntary consent. Manoj Mishra, Partner and Tax Controversy Management Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, said the move to prohibit imports of goods produced through forced labour represents a major shift in India's trade policy framework. He stated that the FTP now included a dedicated trade measure aligned with international standards under the ILO Forced Labour Convention. “Announced amid heightened global scrutiny of supply chains and the ongoing USTR Section 301 investigation, the move strengthens India’s regulatory framework on ethical sourcing. However, its practical impact will largely depend on the enquiry mechanism and implementation framework to be prescribed under the Handbook of Procedures, which will determine the scope of compliance for importers,” Mishra said.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has added a new paragraph to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) related to “forced labour”, underscoring that the import of goods produced or manufactured partially or completely using forced labour is “prohibited”.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) restricted the import of goods manufactured using forced labour. This comes days after the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed 12.5 per cent tariffs on India, connected to the issue. In March, the US had launched two Section 301 investigations against India and later imposed fresh tariffs on June 3 following the result of its first probe, which discovered that India failed to “effectively enforce” a forced labour import prohibition, which had reportedly affected US commerce. In an order dated July 13, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has added a new paragraph in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) related to “forced labour”, underscoring that the import of goods produced or manufactured partially or completely using forced labour is “prohibited”. “The Central Government may, from time to time, specify, by notification, the goods whose import shall be prohibited under this paragraph, having regard to the findings of such enquiry or such other material as it may consider appropriate. The procedure for conducting an enquiry by the DGFT into the use of forced labour. The provisions of this notification shall come into effect after the expiry of 30 days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette,” the notification read. A senior government official told The Indian Express that existing regulations already contain provisions to address issues such as forced labour, but the July 13 notification makes those powers explicit. The official said the use of "suo motu" makes it clear that authorities can initiate action on their own without waiting for a formal complaint. "We previously had these powers implicitly, but they we are not dependent on a complaint to take action. This could also have implications for the ongoing trade discussions," the official said, hinting at the ongoing negotiations on the proposed trade deal with the United States. Also read: New Delhi to track every Indian seafarer in Hormuz after deadly Iran tanker attack kills sailor, injures 10 others India on elimination of forced labour India has also sought a review of the proposed 12.5 per cent US tariffs, arguing that the findings of the Section 301 investigation are inconsistent. During a public hearing last week, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce Brij Mohan Mishra said that India considers the elimination of forced labour a constitutional responsibility as well as an obligation under international law and accepted global principles. Under internationally recognised standards, forced labour refers to any work or service extracted from a person under the threat of punishment and carried out without the person's voluntary consent. Manoj Mishra, Partner and Tax Controversy Management Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, said the move to prohibit imports of goods produced through forced labour represents a major shift in India's trade policy framework. He stated that the FTP now included a dedicated trade measure aligned with international standards under the ILO Forced Labour Convention. “Announced amid heightened global scrutiny of supply chains and the ongoing USTR Section 301 investigation, the move strengthens India’s regulatory framework on ethical sourcing. However, its practical impact will largely depend on the enquiry mechanism and implementation framework to be prescribed under the Handbook of Procedures, which will determine the scope of compliance for importers,” Mishra said.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has added a new paragraph to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) related to “forced labour”, underscoring that the import of goods produced or manufactured partially or completely using forced labour is “prohibited”.

Amid new US tariff threat, India moves to ban imports made using forced labour

A centuries old religious text, left out of the Bible used by most Christians, has found a fresh audience online after social media users began claiming it describes a prison for fallen angels buried beneath Antarctica.The book at the centre of the theory is the Book of Enoch, an ancient work traditionally linked to Enoch, the great grandfather of Noah. It describes fallen angels, giants and the origins of demons, but never made it into the biblical canon followed by most Christian traditions.Now, parts of the text are being pulled into a modern conspiracy theory. Supporters say its references to sealed chambers, frozen storehouses, imprisoned heavenly beings and the “end of heaven and earth” are not symbolic at all, but a coded description of East Antarctica.<h2>Why are people linking the Book of Enoch to Antarctica?</h2>The theory leans heavily on passages that describe the Watchers, 200 angels who are said to have abandoned their duties, taken human wives and fathered the Nephilim, giant beings blamed in the text for violence and corruption. God is then said to have ordered the Watchers chained and locked away in a fiery abyss until judgment day.That is where the Antarctica theory begins. Online believers argue that the text’s references to the “ends of the earth” point to the southernmost edge of the planet. They also point to the continent’s vast ice sheet, subglacial lakes such as Lake Vostok and the buried Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, which lie hidden under miles of ice.<h2>Mysterious radio signals from Antarctica lend weight to theory</h2>Another reason the theory has spread online is its attempt to connect the Book of Enoch with unexplained signals detected by NASA's Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) experiment.ANITA recorded unusual radio events in 2006 and 2014 that appeared to originate from beneath the Antarctic ice. While the signals remain the subject of scientific investigation, researchers have proposed explanations ranging from unusual cosmic ray interactions to unknown physical processes.<h2>What do biblical scholars say?</h2>Most biblical scholars reject the Antarctica interpretation.They argue that the Book of Enoch uses symbolic language to describe a supernatural realm rather than a physical place on Earth. References to the "ends of the earth", fiery prisons and cosmic mountains are widely understood as apocalyptic imagery common in ancient Jewish literature, not geographical directions.Likewise, the book never mentions Antarctica by name, nor does it provide any identifiable location that can be matched to the continent.

An ancient book excluded from most versions of the Bible is at the centre of a viral conspiracy claiming Antarctica hides a prison for fallen angels. Supporters point to mysterious passages, buried mountains and even unexplained radio signals, but what does the Book of Enoch actually say?

A centuries old religious text, left out of the Bible used by most Christians, has found a fresh audience online after social media users began claiming it describes a prison for fallen angels buried beneath Antarctica. The book at the centre of the theory is the Book of Enoch, an ancient work traditionally linked to Enoch, the great grandfather of Noah. It describes fallen angels, giants and the origins of demons, but never made it into the biblical canon followed by most Christian traditions. Now, parts of the text are being pulled into a modern conspiracy theory. Supporters say its references to sealed chambers, frozen storehouses, imprisoned heavenly beings and the “end of heaven and earth” are not symbolic at all, but a coded description of East Antarctica. Why are people linking the Book of Enoch to Antarctica? The theory leans heavily on passages that describe the Watchers, 200 angels who are said to have abandoned their duties, taken human wives and fathered the Nephilim, giant beings blamed in the text for violence and corruption. God is then said to have ordered the Watchers chained and locked away in a fiery abyss until judgment day. That is where the Antarctica theory begins. Online believers argue that the text’s references to the “ends of the earth” point to the southernmost edge of the planet. They also point to the continent’s vast ice sheet, subglacial lakes such as Lake Vostok and the buried Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, which lie hidden under miles of ice. Mysterious radio signals from Antarctica lend weight to theory Another reason the theory has spread online is its attempt to connect the Book of Enoch with unexplained signals detected by NASA's Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) experiment. ANITA recorded unusual radio events in 2006 and 2014 that appeared to originate from beneath the Antarctic ice. While the signals remain the subject of scientific investigation, researchers have proposed explanations ranging from unusual cosmic ray interactions to unknown physical processes. What do biblical scholars say? Most biblical scholars reject the Antarctica interpretation. They argue that the Book of Enoch uses symbolic language to describe a supernatural realm rather than a physical place on Earth. References to the "ends of the earth", fiery prisons and cosmic mountains are widely understood as apocalyptic imagery common in ancient Jewish literature, not geographical directions. Likewise, the book never mentions Antarctica by name, nor does it provide any identifiable location that can be matched to the continent.

An ancient book excluded from most versions of the Bible is at the centre of a viral conspiracy claiming Antarctica hides a prison for fallen angels. Supporters point to mysterious passages, buried mountains and even unexplained radio signals, but what does the Book of Enoch actually say?

Is a prison for fallen angels hidden beneath Antarctica? Why the Book of Enoch theory is going viral

Iran attacked American bases and allied targets after the United States struck Iranian missile and radar sites along the Persian Gulf on Tuesday. One missile carried a Biblical message that mocked Trump and his claims that the war has left Tehran with barely any munitions and attack capabilities. It read, "If they claim to have destroyed all or most of Iran's military capability, yet they are still being slapped around by Iran, there are two reasons."&nbsp;It further read, "First, they are lying; second, the prayers and blessings of the prophets Moses, Jesus, David and Solomon stand behind the monotheistic nation of Iran." A second sticker read, "Hey Trump, our God is the same God who carried the faith of Abraham forward for centuries — the God of Moses and Jesus."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-re-going-to-knock-out-all-their-power-plants-trump-warns-iran-of-bigger-strikes-if-tehran-doesn-t-agree-for-negotiation-1784074218930">‘We’re going to knock out all their power plants’: Trump warns Iran of bigger strikes if Tehran doesn’t agree for negotiation</a>&nbsp;The war in Iran has resumed following fresh strikes by both sides. Last week, Iran struck three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and the US responded with two rounds of strikes. At the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump announced, "There's something wrong with them. They're cuckoo. As far as I'm concerned, it's over." Iranian state media reported that projectiles hit Iran's strategic Gulf island of Qeshm, located directly inside the Strait of Hormuz.<h2>Iran War resumes</h2>US Central Command struck more sites on Tuesday, hours before a naval blockade was to go into effect on the country's ports and coastline. Trump, meanwhile, reversed a plan to impose a 20 per cent security fee on commercial vessels using the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries had signed an MoU last month to bring an end to the hostilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, things haven't been calm and have now blown up again. Hormuz is a crucial waterway which acts as the main point of transit for about a fifth of the world's oil. The war started on February 28 after which Iran imposed a blockade. Oil prices witnessed a sharp spike worldwide, with Brent Crude surpassing $100 per barrel at times.&nbsp;The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that as long as US "evil actions" continue, "not a single drop of oil and gas" will be allowed to pass from the region. &nbsp;

Iran retaliated against fresh US strikes with missile strikes on its bases and targets in allied nations. One missile carried two stickers, mocking Trump and calling him a liar, while invoking the prophets who Iran said are with them.  

Iran attacked American bases and allied targets after the United States struck Iranian missile and radar sites along the Persian Gulf on Tuesday. One missile carried a Biblical message that mocked Trump and his claims that the war has left Tehran with barely any munitions and attack capabilities. It read, "If they claim to have destroyed all or most of Iran's military capability, yet they are still being slapped around by Iran, there are two reasons." It further read, "First, they are lying; second, the prayers and blessings of the prophets Moses, Jesus, David and Solomon stand behind the monotheistic nation of Iran." A second sticker read, "Hey Trump, our God is the same God who carried the faith of Abraham forward for centuries — the God of Moses and Jesus." Also Read: ‘We’re going to knock out all their power plants’: Trump warns Iran of bigger strikes if Tehran doesn’t agree for negotiation The war in Iran has resumed following fresh strikes by both sides. Last week, Iran struck three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and the US responded with two rounds of strikes. At the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump announced, "There's something wrong with them. They're cuckoo. As far as I'm concerned, it's over." Iranian state media reported that projectiles hit Iran's strategic Gulf island of Qeshm, located directly inside the Strait of Hormuz. Iran War resumes US Central Command struck more sites on Tuesday, hours before a naval blockade was to go into effect on the country's ports and coastline. Trump, meanwhile, reversed a plan to impose a 20 per cent security fee on commercial vessels using the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries had signed an MoU last month to bring an end to the hostilities. However, things haven't been calm and have now blown up again. Hormuz is a crucial waterway which acts as the main point of transit for about a fifth of the world's oil. The war started on February 28 after which Iran imposed a blockade. Oil prices witnessed a sharp spike worldwide, with Brent Crude surpassing $100 per barrel at times. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that as long as US "evil actions" continue, "not a single drop of oil and gas" will be allowed to pass from the region.

Iran retaliated against fresh US strikes with missile strikes on its bases and targets in allied nations. One missile carried two stickers, mocking Trump and calling him a liar, while invoking the prophets who Iran said are with them. &nbsp;

'Hey Trump...': Iran invokes prophets in Biblical message to US as war resumes

The US national who was arrested near the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh on Monday (July 13) while he was trying to, has been found carrying a Chinese passport along with several other documents and electronic devices, officials said on Tuesday (July 15). He was caught while trying to cross into Nepal without valid travel documents. The probe agencies are verifying his identity and investigating his claims about how he entered India. The case comes days after five Ukrainians and a US national were held by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from across India for their alleged involvement in providing terrorist and combat training to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-jordan-brown-american-claiming-elite-us-military-past-held-near-nepal-border-1783974036972">Who is Jordan Brown? American claiming elite US military past held near Nepal border</a>&nbsp;All items recovered from the man has been sent for a detailed forensic examination. These include a Chinese passport, a mobile phone, Nepalese currency, religious books, an AI-powered translation device, a diary, a wristwatch and other personal belongings.<h2>What we know about the man?</h2>According to reports, he man has been identified as Jordan Brown, who claims that he is from California and studied at the University of California. He also claimed that he served in the US navy and Special Forces for six years before leaving service two years ago. Sonauli Station House Officer Mahendra Mishra was also quoted by ANI as saying that Brown had told them of him being a former US military personnel and that both his parents had passed away. He reportedly travelled to 70 countries and had arrived in India in May.<h2>How he reached India?</h2>According to a report by the news agency PTI, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel apprehended the man during a routine patrol on Saturday (June 11) in the Mainihwa area under the Sonauli police station in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district. Officials said Brown had travelled from Bengaluru to the Sonauli border. Brown attempted to flee after being stopped for verification but was eventually caught. Visuals of the man has gone viral on social media with locals trying to click pictures with him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mission-of-us-man-arrested-in-india-revealed-in-old-clip-says-we-train-locals-to-1773995890075">Mission of US man arrested in India revealed in old clip, says 'we train locals to...'</a>&nbsp;News agency ANI also quoted Maharajganj Additional Superintendent of Police Siddharth as saying Brown had been living in India since November 2025. He was staying in Goa since then. He allegedly travelled to Thailand on a tourist visa, where he lost his passport. He subsequently reached Sri Lanka via a sea route and arrived in India from there by sea on November 2, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A US national identified as Jordan Brown was arrested by the SSB near the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh while allegedly attempting to enter Nepal without valid documents. Authorities recovered a Chinese passport and electronic devices, and are verifying his identity, travel history and claims.

The US national who was arrested near the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh on Monday (July 13) while he was trying to, has been found carrying a Chinese passport along with several other documents and electronic devices, officials said on Tuesday (July 15). He was caught while trying to cross into Nepal without valid travel documents. The probe agencies are verifying his identity and investigating his claims about how he entered India. The case comes days after five Ukrainians and a US national were held by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from across India for their alleged involvement in providing terrorist and combat training to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. Also Read: Who is Jordan Brown? American claiming elite US military past held near Nepal border All items recovered from the man has been sent for a detailed forensic examination. These include a Chinese passport, a mobile phone, Nepalese currency, religious books, an AI-powered translation device, a diary, a wristwatch and other personal belongings. What we know about the man? According to reports, he man has been identified as Jordan Brown, who claims that he is from California and studied at the University of California. He also claimed that he served in the US navy and Special Forces for six years before leaving service two years ago. Sonauli Station House Officer Mahendra Mishra was also quoted by ANI as saying that Brown had told them of him being a former US military personnel and that both his parents had passed away. He reportedly travelled to 70 countries and had arrived in India in May. How he reached India? According to a report by the news agency PTI, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel apprehended the man during a routine patrol on Saturday (June 11) in the Mainihwa area under the Sonauli police station in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district. Officials said Brown had travelled from Bengaluru to the Sonauli border. Brown attempted to flee after being stopped for verification but was eventually caught. Visuals of the man has gone viral on social media with locals trying to click pictures with him. Also Read: Mission of US man arrested in India revealed in old clip, says 'we train locals to...' News agency ANI also quoted Maharajganj Additional Superintendent of Police Siddharth as saying Brown had been living in India since November 2025. He was staying in Goa since then. He allegedly travelled to Thailand on a tourist visa, where he lost his passport. He subsequently reached Sri Lanka via a sea route and arrived in India from there by sea on November 2, 2025.

A US national identified as Jordan Brown was arrested by the SSB near the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh while allegedly attempting to enter Nepal without valid documents. Authorities recovered a Chinese passport and electronic devices, and are verifying his identity

Chinese passport, religious books: What police recovered from US national arrested near Indo-Nepal border

The Centre on Tuesday (Jul 14) announced a series of emergency measures to protect Indian sailors operating in the conflict-hit waters of West Asia after missile attacks on two merchant vessels left one Indian seafarer dead and several others injured. Chairing a high-level review in New Delhi, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the government would adopt a "Seafarer First" approach, promising that every Indian working aboard ships in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman would be individually tracked and supported.The meeting, attended by officials from the Ministries of External Affairs, Petroleum, Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian missions in Iran and Oman, focused on the rapidly evolving security situation following attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-sailor-killed-6-other-injured-as-iran-strikes-uae-tankers-in-strait-of-hormuz-grave-violation-of-international-law-1783990168971">Indian sailor killed, 8 other injured as Iran strikes UAE tankers in Strait of Hormuz: 'Grave violation' of international law</a><h2>Government to track every Indian sailor in the conflict zone</h2>Sonowal directed the Directorate General of Shipping to create a real-time dashboard monitoring every Indian seafarer in the region, regardless of the vessel's flag.The platform will track a vessel's location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, voyage details, threat level and the availability of medical and emergency facilities."There can be no compromise whatsoever on the safety and security of Indian seafarers," the minister said, while expressing grief over the death of an Indian crew member in the latest attacks.According to the ministry, the two vessels carried a total of 30 Indian sailors among their 46 crew members. One Indian lost his life, while another was injured aboard Al Bahiyah. On Mombasa, nine Indians sustained injuries, including two who remain in critical condition.<h2>Dedicated officers for affected families</h2>As part of the response, the government will appoint a dedicated liaison officer for every affected Indian seafarer.These officers will serve as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, repatriation, travel documents, compensation, unpaid wages and financial assistance through the Seafarers Welfare Fund.Officials have also been asked to work closely with Indian embassies in Iran, Oman and the UAE to obtain verified information on navigational safety, hospital facilities, evacuation plans and ongoing investigations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-diplomat-summoned-by-india-over-killing-of-indian-seafarer-off-oman-coast-1784006027204">Iran diplomat summoned by India over killing of Indian seafarer off Oman coast</a><h2>Fresh safety checks before every voyage</h2>Sonowal said no vessel should sail through the affected waters without a fresh security assessment and the professional approval of the ship's master in consultation with maritime authorities.Shipowners, vessel managers and recruitment agencies employing Indian sailors have also been instructed to confirm that crew members are not being compelled to undertake voyages without adequate information, protection or support.The government has simultaneously activated a 24x7 grievance and emergency support system for Indian seafarers and their families as concerns grow over the security of one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The domestic toll-free number is 1800-889-7768, while the international toll-free number is +1-888-988-0256. One can also send a message on WhatsApp to +91 8655856830 or email to enavik.24x7[at]gov[dot]in.

After an Indian sailor was killed in Iran's missile strike on two UAE tankers, the Centre has launched a 'Seafarer First' plan that includes real-time tracking of every Indian sailor in the conflict zone, dedicated family liaison officers and a 24x7 emergency helpline. 

The Centre on Tuesday (Jul 14) announced a series of emergency measures to protect Indian sailors operating in the conflict-hit waters of West Asia after missile attacks on two merchant vessels left one Indian seafarer dead and several others injured. Chairing a high-level review in New Delhi, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the government would adopt a "Seafarer First" approach, promising that every Indian working aboard ships in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman would be individually tracked and supported. The meeting, attended by officials from the Ministries of External Affairs, Petroleum, Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian missions in Iran and Oman, focused on the rapidly evolving security situation following attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa. Also read | Indian sailor killed, 8 other injured as Iran strikes UAE tankers in Strait of Hormuz: 'Grave violation' of international law Government to track every Indian sailor in the conflict zone Sonowal directed the Directorate General of Shipping to create a real-time dashboard monitoring every Indian seafarer in the region, regardless of the vessel's flag. The platform will track a vessel's location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, voyage details, threat level and the availability of medical and emergency facilities. "There can be no compromise whatsoever on the safety and security of Indian seafarers," the minister said, while expressing grief over the death of an Indian crew member in the latest attacks. According to the ministry, the two vessels carried a total of 30 Indian sailors among their 46 crew members. One Indian lost his life, while another was injured aboard Al Bahiyah. On Mombasa, nine Indians sustained injuries, including two who remain in critical condition. Dedicated officers for affected families As part of the response, the government will appoint a dedicated liaison officer for every affected Indian seafarer. These officers will serve as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, repatriation, travel documents, compensation, unpaid wages and financial assistance through the Seafarers Welfare Fund. Officials have also been asked to work closely with Indian embassies in Iran, Oman and the UAE to obtain verified information on navigational safety, hospital facilities, evacuation plans and ongoing investigations. Also read | Iran diplomat summoned by India over killing of Indian seafarer off Oman coast Fresh safety checks before every voyage Sonowal said no vessel should sail through the affected waters without a fresh security assessment and the professional approval of the ship's master in consultation with maritime authorities. Shipowners, vessel managers and recruitment agencies employing Indian sailors have also been instructed to confirm that crew members are not being compelled to undertake voyages without adequate information, protection or support. The government has simultaneously activated a 24x7 grievance and emergency support system for Indian seafarers and their families as concerns grow over the security of one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The domestic toll-free number is 1800-889-7768, while the international toll-free number is +1-888-988-0256. One can also send a message on WhatsApp to +91 8655856830 or email to enavik.24x7[at]gov[dot]in.

After an Indian sailor was killed in Iran's missile strike on two UAE tankers, the Centre has launched a 'Seafarer First' plan that includes real-time tracking of every Indian sailor in the conflict zone, dedicated family liaison officers and a 24x7 emergency helpline.&nbsp;

New Delhi to track every Indian seafarer in Hormuz after deadly Iran tanker attack kills sailor, injures 10 others

The United States has frozen more than $130 million worth of cryptocurrency held in wallets linked to Iran's central bank, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Tuesday, as Washington stepped up efforts to curb Tehran's access to funds allegedly generated through illicit financial networks.&nbsp;In a post on X, Bessent said the action was part of the US Treasury's broader campaign to disrupt Iran's use of digital assets to finance its activities. "US Treasury is committed to disrupting and degrading Iran's illicit financial activities, including its abuse of digital assets. Today, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned multiple wallets tied to the Central Bank of Iran, resulting in the freeze of over $130 million," Bessent said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-re-going-to-knock-out-all-their-power-plants-trump-warns-iran-of-bigger-strikes-if-tehran-doesn-t-agree-for-negotiation-1784074218930">‘We’re going to knock out all their power plants’: Trump warns Iran of bigger strikes if Tehran doesn’t agree for negotiation</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://x.com/USTreasury?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USTreasury</a> is committed to disrupting and degrading Iran’s illicit financial activities, including its abuse of digital assets. Today, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned multiple wallets tied to the Central Bank of Iran, resulting in the freeze of over $130…&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/2077162473921319055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He added that the Treasury would continue targeting Iran's financial channels to restrict the government's access to illicit revenue. "We will continue to aggressively follow the money and deny the Iranian regime access to the proceeds of its illicit revenue schemes," he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hollywood-style-lies-ahmadinejad-blasts-mossad-recruitment-report-denies-coup-plot-claims-1783986728488">'Hollywood-style lies': Ahmadinejad blasts Mossad recruitment report, denies coup plot claims</a>&nbsp;The sanctions were imposed by the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which oversees US economic and trade sanctions. The latest move comes as the Trump administration intensifies financial pressure on Tehran alongside broader military and diplomatic measures, with digital assets emerging as an increasingly important focus of US sanctions enforcement.&nbsp;The announcement follows a series of recent US actions against Iran, including fresh sanctions on individuals, entities and vessels, as Washington seeks to tighten economic restrictions on the Islamic Republic amid heightened regional tensions.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backs-bill-threatening-india-with-500-tariffs-over-russian-oil-imports-says-report-1784058875929">Trump backs bill threatening India with 500% tariffs over Russian oil imports, says report</a>

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the US has frozen over $130 million in crypto wallets tied to Iran’s central bank, intensifying financial pressure to disrupt Tehran’s illicit revenue.

The United States has frozen more than $130 million worth of cryptocurrency held in wallets linked to Iran's central bank, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Tuesday, as Washington stepped up efforts to curb Tehran's access to funds allegedly generated through illicit financial networks. In a post on X, Bessent said the action was part of the US Treasury's broader campaign to disrupt Iran's use of digital assets to finance its activities. "US Treasury is committed to disrupting and degrading Iran's illicit financial activities, including its abuse of digital assets. Today, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned multiple wallets tied to the Central Bank of Iran, resulting in the freeze of over $130 million," Bessent said. Also read: ‘We’re going to knock out all their power plants’: Trump warns Iran of bigger strikes if Tehran doesn’t agree for negotiation

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the US has frozen over $130 million in crypto wallets tied to Iran’s central bank, intensifying financial pressure to disrupt Tehran’s illicit revenue.

'We will continue to aggressively follow the money': US freezes over $130mn in Iran-linked crypto wallets

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will dramatically expand its military campaign against Iran by targeting the country’s power plants and bridges unless Tehran agrees to negotiate, signalling a further escalation in the rapidly intensifying conflict.&nbsp;Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday (July 14) , Trump said the next phase of American military operations would focus on critical infrastructure if Iran refused to return to the negotiating table. “Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges,” Trump said. “We’re going to knock out all their power plants. We’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-no-longer-bound-by-mou-tehran-blames-us-after-naval-blockade-returns-1784070590945">'Iran no longer bound by MoU': Tehran blames US after naval blockade returns</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;We&#39;re going to hit them very hard tonight. We&#39;re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night. We&#39;re going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them.&quot; Speaking with FOX News&#39; <a href="https://x.com/TreyYingst?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TreyYingst</a>, President Trump warned that Iran&#39;s energy… <a href="https://t.co/ieHMeZ76oC">pic.twitter.com/ieHMeZ76oC</a>&mdash; Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://x.com/FoxNews/status/2077158734351003727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When asked how long the US military campaign would continue, Trump replied, “They’ll continue until I say it’s enough.” The remarks came as US forces conducted a fourth consecutive day of strikes on Iranian targets, further raising fears of a wider regional conflict.&nbsp;Separately, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had resumed a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and coastal areas from 4 pm ET on Tuesday. According to CENTCOM, more than 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft are currently deployed across the Middle East as part of the operation.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-issues-fresh-iran-sanctions-as-us-forces-intensify-offensive-1784062942882">Trump admin issues fresh Iran sanctions as US forces intensify strikes</a> The renewed military offensive has further eroded hopes of restoring the fragile ceasefire reached on June 17. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified in recent days, with the Strait of Hormuz once again emerging as a major flashpoint amid the escalating confrontation.Trump’s latest warning marks one of his strongest threats yet against Iran’s civilian infrastructure, underscoring Washington’s increasing military pressure as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

US President Donald Trump threatened to expand the US military campaign against Iran, targeting power plants and bridges next week, while CENTCOM reinstated a major naval blockade amidst failing ceasefire negotiations.  

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will dramatically expand its military campaign against Iran by targeting the country’s power plants and bridges unless Tehran agrees to negotiate, signalling a further escalation in the rapidly intensifying conflict. Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday (July 14) , Trump said the next phase of American military operations would focus on critical infrastructure if Iran refused to return to the negotiating table. “Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges,” Trump said. “We’re going to knock out all their power plants. We’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate.” Also read: 'Iran no longer bound by MoU': Tehran blames US after naval blockade returns

US President Donald Trump threatened to expand the US military campaign against Iran, targeting power plants and bridges next week, while CENTCOM reinstated a major naval blockade amidst failing ceasefire negotiations. &nbsp;

‘We’re going to knock out all their power plants’: Trump warns Iran of bigger strikes if Tehran doesn’t agree for negotiation

US President Donald Trump has vowed to continue military strikes on Iran until he personally decides to halt them, while escalating pressure on Tehran by warning it would “not have anybody left” if it refuses to reach a deal with Washington.&nbsp;Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday (July 14), Trump said the US military campaign against Iran would continue despite Tehran still having “some fight left”, adding that it was “not much”. According to Fox News, the president also indicated that Iranian energy infrastructure would be targeted later in the campaign.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backs-bill-threatening-india-with-500-tariffs-over-russian-oil-imports-says-report-1784058875929">Trump 'backs' bill threatening India with 500% tariffs over Russian oil imports</a>&nbsp;“The strikes will continue until I say it’s enough,” Trump said, signalling that Washington has no immediate plans to ease its military operations. Trump also intensified his rhetoric by urging Iran to return to negotiations, saying the country faced devastating consequences if it failed to do so.&nbsp;“You better make a deal,” Trump told Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst. “You’re not going to have anybody left.” He insisted the US was “being very careful with the civilian population” before repeating his warning. “But I said, you better make a deal. You’re not going to have anything left,” he said.&nbsp;Trump revealed that US representatives had communicated the same message to Iranian officials during their latest contact with Tehran, which he said took place “about an hour ago”. Asked whether he believed Iran would ultimately agree to a deal, Trump replied: “They should. I don’t know if they will or not.”&nbsp;The president also threatened to dramatically expand the scope of US strikes if Iran refused to negotiate, warning that bridges and power plants could become targets as early as next week. “We’re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night. We’re going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them, because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges. We’re going to knock out all their power plants. We’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate,” Trump said.&nbsp;The comments come as US strikes on Iran entered a fourth consecutive day following the collapse of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran. The Trump administration has maintained that negotiations cannot meaningfully progress while Iran continues to restrict maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-no-longer-bound-by-mou-tehran-blames-us-after-naval-blockade-returns-1784070590945">'Iran no longer bound by MoU': Tehran blames US after naval blockade returns</a> Trump acknowledged that a ground campaign remained an option, although he suggested he was reluctant to deploy American troops. “I don’t want to do that,” he said. “Sometimes you need a ground campaign, but we have other people who will do the ground campaign for us.”

President Trump vowed to continue US military strikes on Iran until he decides to stop, warning Tehran they would “not have anybody left” without a deal, targeting energy infrastructure next.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to continue military strikes on Iran until he personally decides to halt them, while escalating pressure on Tehran by warning it would “not have anybody left” if it refuses to reach a deal with Washington. Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday (July 14), Trump said the US military campaign against Iran would continue despite Tehran still having “some fight left”, adding that it was “not much”. According to Fox News, the president also indicated that Iranian energy infrastructure would be targeted later in the campaign. Also read: Trump 'backs' bill threatening India with 500% tariffs over Russian oil imports “The strikes will continue until I say it’s enough,” Trump said, signalling that Washington has no immediate plans to ease its military operations. Trump also intensified his rhetoric by urging Iran to return to negotiations, saying the country faced devastating consequences if it failed to do so. “You better make a deal,” Trump told Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst. “You’re not going to have anybody left.” He insisted the US was “being very careful with the civilian population” before repeating his warning. “But I said, you better make a deal. You’re not going to have anything left,” he said. Trump revealed that US representatives had communicated the same message to Iranian officials during their latest contact with Tehran, which he said took place “about an hour ago”. Asked whether he believed Iran would ultimately agree to a deal, Trump replied: “They should. I don’t know if they will or not.” The president also threatened to dramatically expand the scope of US strikes if Iran refused to negotiate, warning that bridges and power plants could become targets as early as next week. “We’re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night. We’re going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them, because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges. We’re going to knock out all their power plants. We’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate,” Trump said. The comments come as US strikes on Iran entered a fourth consecutive day following the collapse of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran. The Trump administration has maintained that negotiations cannot meaningfully progress while Iran continues to restrict maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Also read: 'Iran no longer bound by MoU': Tehran blames US after naval blockade returns Trump acknowledged that a ground campaign remained an option, although he suggested he was reluctant to deploy American troops. “I don’t want to do that,” he said. “Sometimes you need a ground campaign, but we have other people who will do the ground campaign for us.”

President Trump vowed to continue US military strikes on Iran until he decides to stop, warning Tehran they would “not have anybody left” without a deal, targeting energy infrastructure next.

‘The strikes will continue until I say it’s enough’: Trump warns Iran

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