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Iran reaffirms missile program excluded from US talks, says FM

Iran

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that Iran’s missile program is a matter of national defense and will not be included in any negotiations, according to an interview with an Arab TV network.

Araghchi also confirmed that during indirect talks with the United States in Muscat, he met with the American delegation and exchanged handshakes.

He warned that if the U.S. attacks Iran, Iran will target U.S. bases in the region, but emphasized that attacks on U.S. territory are not anticipated.

He underscored that nuclear enrichment is an inalienable right for Iran and must continue, stating that even bombardment cannot eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “We are prepared to reach an agreement on assurances regarding enrichment,” Araghchi said.

Regarding the next round of talks with the United States, he noted that no date has been finalized yet, but both parties agree that discussions should take place soon.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s missile program will remain off-limits in negotiations, stressing its strategic importance to national defense.

Lebanon alleges Israeli chemical spray in southern border areas

Lebanon alleges Israeli

BEIRUT: The Lebanese government has announced that it will approach international organizations after the alleged use of chemical agents by Israeli forces in southern border areas was reported.

Lebanon’s Environment Minister Dr. Tamara Al-Zein stated that Israeli forces sprayed suspected chemical substances over the Aita al-Shaab region and surrounding agricultural lands.

She confirmed that authorities are collecting samples to determine the nature of the chemicals and have contacted military officials for verification. “If the substances prove toxic, it would not be surprising,” she added.

Dr. Al-Zein also highlighted that Israel had previously destroyed 9,000 acres of agricultural land in southern Lebanon using white phosphorus.

 A team of agricultural experts has inspected the affected areas and collected soil, grass, and tree leaf samples, which will be tested in Beirut and Greek laboratories. The results are expected within 48 hours.

She warned that if the presence of hazardous chemical agents is confirmed, Lebanon will formally raise the issue before international bodies.

Faheem Ashraf’s blistering knock seals thrilling win for Pakistan over Netherlands

Faheem Ashraf

COLOMBO: Pakistan registered a narrow three-wicket victory over the Netherlands in a thrilling opener of the ICC T20 World Cup, powered by Faheem Ashraf’s explosive late-innings performance.

Chasing the target set by the Netherlands, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start as Saif Ayub fell for 24 runs off 13 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six. Sahibzada Farhan and captain Salman Ali Agha also fell cheaply, with Agha contributing just 12 runs to the total of 53 before being caught by Aryan Dutt. Farhan added 46 runs but was dismissed alongside Usman Khan, both falling to Paul van Meekeren in the same over. Babar Azam was caught by Van der Merwe in the following over, leaving Pakistan in trouble.

Middle-order contributions were limited, with Mohammad Nawaz (6 off 13 balls) and Shadab Khan (8 off 12 balls) failing to stabilize the innings.

Pakistan had lost seven wickets when Faheem Ashraf unleashed a stormy knock of 29 runs off 11 balls, smashing three sixes and two fours to steer his team to its first victory of the tournament.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and elected to field, putting the Netherlands in to bat first.

Netherlands Innings:

Openers Michael Leut and Max O’Dowd gave the Dutch team a solid start with 28 runs, but O’Dowd fell for 5 to Salman Mirza. Leut was dismissed for 24 runs by Mohammad Nawaz, while Colin Ackermann (20) and Bas de Leede (30) were also among the key wickets, with de Leede falling to Nawaz.

Pakistan’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback, taking six wickets for just 20 runs in the latter stages. Salman Mirza claimed three wickets, Saif Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz took two each, and Shaheen Afridi added one wicket via a catch by Agha. The Netherlands were bowled out for 147 runs, well short of an expected 160–170.

Top scorers for the Netherlands were captain Scott Edwards (37), Bas de Leede (30), Michael Leut (24), and Colin Ackermann (20).

Pakistan will now look to carry this momentum into their upcoming group-stage matches against Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

India-sponsored Daesh affiliate behind Islamabad attack in custody, confirms Naqvi

India-sponsored

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has accused India of secretly running terror networks within Pakistan, supplying funding and operational targets to proscribed militant groups.

Addressing a press conference in the federal capital, Naqvi claimed that India is financing and directing groups such as Daesh and the Taliban, while several terrorist factions are being operated from Afghan territory. “I am stating this with absolute clarity: all funding and targeting of proscribed organizations is being done by India,” he said, adding that India has placed these groups on the frontlines while remaining hidden in the background.

The interior minister further alleged that although the world may remain silent today, a time will come when every country will name India as a sponsor of terrorism. He said India has increased its budget threefold since May, and Pakistani authorities are fully aware of these developments.

Naqvi stated that after failing to achieve its objectives through conventional means, India has now resorted to indirect warfare. “No matter how much India increases its budget, even tenfold, we will defeat them,” he asserted, adding that Pakistan is effectively in a state of war, whether in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Balochistan.

Referring to recent security operations, the interior minister said that terrorist attacks in Balochistan were effectively countered, and emphasized the need to further strengthen community intelligence. He noted that timely actions by intelligence agencies had foiled several major terror plots.

Mohsin Naqvi revealed that a total of four terrorists have been arrested, and said more details would be shared in the coming days. He also confirmed that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has been declared a globally banned organization.

Concluding his remarks, the interior minister said that terrorism is a regional threat and urged the international community to raise its voice. “The world must realize who will suffer if this war spreads further,” he warned, adding that in the coming days, the Deputy Prime Minister is expected to brief stakeholders on the situation.

“We are fighting a war against terrorism and bearing the cost in the form of our own martyrs,” Naqvi said, reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to continue counterterrorism efforts.

US approves $1.3b loan for Pakistan’s Reko Diq project

US approves

WASHINGTON: The United States has approved a loan of $1.3 billion for Pakistan’s Reko Diq mining project, marking a major step in strengthening cooperation on critical minerals and supply chains.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the US Secretary of State in Washington, where participants discussed ways to secure the supply of important minerals and ensure stable global distribution.

The meeting also focused on developing new supply chain sources and promoting secure, reliable transportation and logistics networks.

According to officials, the loan has been approved under former US President Donald Trump’s “Walt Project” framework and will be provided by the US Export-Import Bank to support the Reko Diq project in Pakistan.

The Reko Diq project is considered one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold reserves and is seen as strategically important for both Pakistan’s economy and global mineral supply chains.

Maryam Nawaz cancels Basant events following deadly blast

Maryam Nawaz

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the cancellation of all her scheduled Basant-related activities for tomorrow following a deadly suicide bombing in the federal capital.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Maryam Nawaz said that the mega Basant show at Liberty Square has also been called off in light of the tragic incident.

She emphasized that it is crucial for the nation to remain united against “Khawarij and their facilitators,” adding that no mercy will be shown to terrorists and no compromise will be made on Pakistan’s defense.

The attack took place during Friday prayers at Masjid and Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Tralai, a suburban area of Islamabad. According to initial reports, around 32 people have been martyred while more than 169 sustained injuries.

Government sources confirmed that the suicide bomber has been identified, stating that he had received terrorist training in Afghanistan and had traveled there multiple times.

Iran–US nuclear talks in Oman conclude latest round

Iran–US nuclear

MUSCAT: The latest round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, held in Oman, concluded on Friday, officials and state media confirmed.

The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side was represented by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, accompanied by his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

According to Iranian state media, the talks in Oman have formally ended and both delegations are set to return to their respective countries. A reporter from Iran’s state broadcaster, accompanying the Iranian delegation, said the indirect negotiations with the United States continued for several hours.

Iran’s official news agency also confirmed the conclusion of the talks, stating that assessments indicate an understanding has been reached to continue negotiations.

Following the talks, Iran’s foreign minister described the discussions as positive. Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson said that if diplomacy fails, President Trump retains other options.

The report said the meeting, which began on Friday morning, saw Iranian and US negotiating teams convey their positions, concerns and proposed frameworks to each other through Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who acted as mediator.

Massive third-degree blaze erupts at plastic factory in Landhi

Massive

KARACHI: A massive fire that erupted at a plastic factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone has been declared a third-degree blaze.

According to officials, the fire has engulfed a large portion of the factory’s first floor and spread to a nearby warehouse.

Authorities warned that the blaze has also begun advancing toward a third factory in the area. As a precaution, people inside that facility were safely evacuated, while continuous water spraying operations are underway to contain the fire and prevent further spread.

The Karachi Fire Brigade is battling the blaze with at least 10 fire engines, supported by water bowsers and snorkels.

However, traffic congestion in the industrial area caused delays for some firefighting vehicles, complicating rescue and containment efforts.

To ensure smooth operations, authorities are working to clear access routes within the Landhi Export Processing Zone.

Sindh Inspector General of Police has directed the SSP Malir and SP Traffic to reach the scene, manage traffic flow, and ensure security in the affected area.

Sindh Rangers personnel also reached the site shortly after the incident and joined the firefighting and rescue operations.

 Additional Rangers have been deployed around the affected buildings to assist emergency teams, regulate traffic, and secure the premises. A Rangers spokesperson said that saving lives and preventing the fire from spreading further remain the top priorities.

Emergency arrangements were also made at water hydrants in Landhi and Sherpao. The Karachi Water Corporation ensured an uninterrupted water supply, while additional water tankers were deployed and will remain operational until the fire is fully brought under control.

So far, no casualties have been reported. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Sindh Chief Minister has taken notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Commissioner Karachi.

Emergency directives have been issued to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and fire services to ensure coordinated response efforts.

Authorities have also ordered a comprehensive inquiry and instructed relevant departments to provide immediate assistance to affected workers and their families.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine on and off the pitch at 41

Cristiano Ronaldo

World-renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo has celebrated his 41st birthday, yet continues to maintain an elite status in world football thanks to his exceptional fitness, consistent performances, and strong market value.

Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo remains one of the most valuable and high-profile footballers globally, defying conventional expectations about longevity in professional sports.

Currently, Ronaldo is associated with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, where he is playing under a lucrative contract. Reports suggest that he earns millions of pounds on a daily basis, placing him among the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Beyond football, Ronaldo’s personal life has frequently attracted media attention. He was in a high-profile relationship with Russian supermodel Irina Shayk from 2010 to 2015. The two reportedly met during a campaign for a leading fashion brand and were considered one of the most influential celebrity couples of their time before parting ways in 2015.

At present, Georgina Rodríguez is Ronaldo’s long-term partner, and the couple is known to share a stable and prosperous family life.

Even at 41, Ronaldo’s global popularity, peak physical condition, and relentless passion for football continue to serve as an inspiration for younger players around the world, reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Sourav Kumar Yadav reacts to Pakistan’s refusal to play in ICC T20 World Cup

Sourav Kumar Yadav

Mumbai: Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, Indian captain Sourav Kumar Yadav responded to Pakistan’s decision not to play against India in the tournament, clarifying that the choice was made by Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan, not by the Indian team.

Pakistan, under government instructions, will not face India on February 15, 2026, in the World Cup. Speaking at a media briefing in Mumbai before the tournament, Yadav said, “Whether the match happens or not, the Indian team will go to Colombo. We did not refuse to play against Pakistan; the refusal came from their side.”

Yadav explained that the ICC set the schedule, after which the BCCI and Indian government decided, in consultation with ICC, to play at a neutral venue. He confirmed, “Our flight to Colombo is booked, and we are going. What happens next will be seen later.”

Discussing the team’s schedule and preparation, Yadav said India’s plan is clear: first, the February 7 match, then February 12 against Namibia, followed by departure to Colombo.

He emphasized that the decision regarding the February 15 match is not in their hands, adding, “If we are asked to play on that day, we will certainly do so.”

This situation mirrors last year’s Asia Cup, when political tensions between India and Pakistan affected the event.

During that tournament, under Indian government instructions, the team avoided shaking hands with Pakistan players, and India did not collect the trophy from ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, despite winning the Asia Cup.