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World News / International

Trump reveals US prepared to strike Iran before last-minute pause

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Trump reveals

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said that the United States was just one hour away from launching a military strike against Iran before the operation was halted to allow time for ongoing negotiations.

Speaking during a visit to a ballroom construction site, Trump said U.S. naval forces had completed preparations and were ready to begin the attack when he received a call requesting a short delay because an agreement with Iran appeared close.

Trump said Iran had caused instability across the Middle East for decades and reiterated that the United States would not allow Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons.

He said Iran was eager to reach a deal and had returned to the negotiating table. According to Trump, the U.S. would wait only two or three more days before deciding whether further action was necessary.

The president warned that larger strikes could still be carried out if talks fail, but said he hoped diplomacy would prevent the need for military action.

Trump also claimed that if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, it would pose a direct threat to Israel and the broader region.

He said leaders in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar had expressed optimism that negotiations with Iran would produce positive results.

Trump added that Xi Jinping had assured him that China was not supplying weapons to Iran.

China pledges to buy $17b in US agricultural products over three years

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China pledges

WASHINGTON: China has pledged to purchase $17 billion worth of agricultural products from the United States over the next three years, according to a fact sheet released by the White House.

The commitment was made during a meeting last week between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The White House said the new $17 billion pledge does not include a previous commitment made in October 2025 to purchase U.S. soybeans.

The fact sheet also confirmed remarks by China’s foreign minister regarding plans to establish a U.S.-China Board of Trade and a U.S.-China Board of Investment to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Trump had earlier told reporters at the White House following his trip to China that major trade agreements had been reached and that relations between Washington and Beijing were “excellent.”

The announcement marks another sign of improving trade ties between the world’s two largest economies after years of tariff disputes and economic tensions.

US reportedly offers temporary sanctions relief on Iranian oil

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US reportedly

TEHRAN: The United States has reportedly offered temporary relief from sanctions on Iranian oil exports as part of efforts to secure a peace agreement with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s semi-official media.

The report said the proposal was presented during indirect talks between Tehran and Washington that are being mediated by Pakistan.

A source familiar with the negotiations said the sanctions relief would not take effect immediately, but would be implemented only after a final agreement is reached.

Neither the United States nor Iran has officially confirmed the reported proposal, and both governments have yet to respond publicly.

The reported offer follows a similar move in March, when the U.S. administration temporarily eased restrictions for 30 days on seaborne purchases of Iranian oil.

That step came after Iran significantly disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz in response to military tensions involving the United States and Israel, contributing to a sharp rise in global oil prices.

The shift is being viewed as a significant departure from Washington’s longstanding policy of limiting Iran’s oil exports through economic sanctions.

US officials have expressed concern that prolonged increases in energy prices could hurt economic activity, businesses and consumer spending.

The International Energy Agency has warned that conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, combined with damage to Gulf oil facilities and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, could trigger one of the most severe oil supply crises in modern history.

The agency said global oil inventories are declining rapidly and may not recover until late next year.

Iran will not bow to threats or pressure, President Pezeshkian says

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Iran will

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Monday that Iran will not yield to pressure, intimidation or threats from the United States and will not compromise on its security and sovereignty.

Speaking in Tehran, Pezeshkian was responding to what Iranian officials described as recent war threats by Donald Trump.

The Iranian president said attempts to force Tehran into submission had failed and that efforts were now being made to create divisions between the Iranian public and government officials.

“The enemy failed to bring Iran to its knees in a short period of time,” Pezeshkian said. “The Iranian nation remains united and will continue to stand together.”

He claimed that the United States had already tried to impose conflict on Iran and had gained nothing but failure.

Pezeshkian also criticized the United States and Israel, accusing countries that advocate human rights of remaining silent over alleged violations of international law. He cited the situation in Gaza as an example of what he described as double standards by the international community.

The Iranian president said Tehran would not return to the negotiating table until its key demands are met, including conditions related to ending what he described as a naval blockade.

He added that Iran has no intention of retreating from its stated demands in efforts to resolve tensions with Washington.

London sees massive pro-Palestinian march against Israeli actions

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London sees

LONDON: Two major demonstrations were held in the British capital on Friday, prompting an unusually high security presence across the city, authorities said.

According to international media, the first large-scale rally was the pro-Palestinian “Nakba Day March,” attended by thousands of people protesting Israeli military actions.

Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and placards calling for an end to Israeli strikes, as well as demands for basic rights for Palestinians.

The protest marked Nakba Day, observed annually to remember the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948.

An anti-fascist group also merged its separate rally with the pro-Palestinian march during the demonstration.

Protesters called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and an end to British support for Israel.

One participant, Sharon De Witt, said Israel’s actions were “unjustifiable,” adding that Palestinians must be granted the right to their own state. Another attendee, Ali Haider, said the British society was becoming increasingly divided, stressing messages of “peace, hope and unity.”

The Metropolitan Police deployed more than 4,000 officers, including reinforcements from outside London, to maintain order.

Authorities also used armoured vehicles, mounted units, drones, police dogs and helicopters in what was described as one of the largest public order operations in recent years.

For the first time, police also used live facial recognition technology during the protests. Organisers were legally required to ensure that invited speakers avoided hate speech.

The demonstrations came a day after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that strict action would be taken against any disorder or threatening behaviour on the streets.

Bangladesh all out for 278 as Pakistan reach 21-0 in second Test

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Bangladesh all out

SYLHET, Bangladesh: Bangladesh national cricket team were bowled out for 278 in their first innings against Pakistan national cricket team in the second Test on Friday, while Pakistan reached 21 without loss at stumps on day one.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and opted to field first at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, putting the hosts in to bat.

Bangladesh opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell early on just the second ball of the innings to Mohammad Abbas, giving Pakistan an early breakthrough.

Litton Das top-scored with a brilliant 126, while Tanzid Hasan made 26, Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 29, Mominul Haque added 22 and Mushfiqur Rahim contributed 23.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad claimed four wickets, Abbas took three, while Hasan Ali and Sajid Khan chipped in with two and one wicket respectively.

In reply, Pakistan finished the opening day on 21 without loss, with openers Azan Awais (13) and Abdullah Fazal (8) unbeaten at the crease.

Pakistan made three changes to their lineup, bringing in Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad and Sajid Khan in place of Imam-ul-Haq, Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali.

Bangladesh lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 104 runs.

Mohammad Abbas reaches 100 overseas Test wickets for Pakistan

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Mohammad Abbas

SYLHET: Mohammad Abbas achieved another major milestone in his Test career by becoming one of the few Pakistani fast bowlers to claim 100 wickets in overseas Test matches.

The 36-year-old reached the landmark during the second Test against Bangladesh national cricket team when he dismissed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, caught behind by the wicketkeeper.

Abbas continued his strong spell by also removing openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Tanzid Hasan, putting the hosts under early pressure.

He became the sixth Pakistani fast bowler to take 100 Test wickets away from home, joining Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, Mohammad Amir and Umar Gul.

Among Pakistani bowlers with more than 100 overseas Test wickets, Abbas holds the best bowling average at 23.02.

He has taken 109 wickets in 51 Test innings, with only nine of those wickets coming in Pakistan and the rest collected in overseas conditions.

Abbas also starred in the previous Test, taking six wickets, and has been instrumental in troubling Bangladesh’s batting lineup throughout the series.

Saudi Grand Mufti urges Muslims to maximize worship during first 10 days of Zil Hajj

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Saudi Grand Mufti

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Grand Mufti Saleh Al-Fawzan has urged Muslims to increase acts of worship and righteousness during the first 10 days of Zil Hajj, describing them as among the most blessed days in the Islamic calendar.

He said deeds such as prayer, charity, fasting and remembrance of Allah are especially beloved during this period.

The grand mufti highlighted the virtue of fasting on the Day of Arafah, saying that for those not performing Hajj, the fast serves as expiation for sins committed over two years.

He also reminded Muslims intending to offer a sacrifice on Eid ul Adha to refrain from cutting their hair and nails from the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon until the sacrifice is performed.

German Chancellor urges Iran to resume talks immediately

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German Chancellor

BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Iran must return to the negotiating table and cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.

According to the German chancellor, he held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump during which both leaders agreed on the need to resume diplomatic talks with Tehran.

Merz said Iran should also reopen the Strait of Hormuz to help reduce regional tensions and ensure the stability of global trade routes.

He added that the discussion with President Trump took place during his return from China and focused on the Middle East situation, Iran’s nuclear program, and broader regional security concerns.

Asian driver arrested in Dubai for reckless driving

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Asian driver

DUBAI: Dubai Police have arrested an Asian driver for dangerous driving, excessive speeding, and performing risky stunts on public roads, officials said.

According to Arab media, traffic police released a video showing the suspect driving at high speed while swerving between multiple lanes. The footage shows the vehicle making sudden lane changes, illegal overtaking, and driving in the wrong manner, putting the lives of other road users at serious risk.

Authorities said the driver also used the emergency shoulder lane, which is strictly reserved for ambulances and other emergency vehicles under highway regulations. Officials described the act as a severe violation of traffic laws.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said such behavior is considered among the most serious traffic violations, warning that even minor mistakes on highways can lead to major accidents, vehicle rollovers, or fatalities.

He added that the road shoulder is exclusively designated for emergency vehicles, including ambulances and civil defense units, and using it for overtaking or reckless driving is illegal and highly dangerous.

Police confirmed that the Asian driver was arrested and his vehicle was impounded. Under Law No. 30 of 2023, the offender will be required to pay a fine of 50,000 dirhams to retrieve the vehicle.

Dubai Police urged motorists to follow traffic rules and report dangerous drivers through the “Police Eye” service or the 901 helpline to ensure timely action.