'Historic Milestone': PM Modi Hails India-New Zealand FTA, Thanks Luxon For Swift Deal

<p>Prime Minister Narendra PM Modi on Saturday described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a "historic milestone" in bilateral relations, saying the pact has revitalised ties and reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to a stronger partnership.</p> <p>During delegation-level talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, PM Modi thanked the New Zealand government for concluding the agreement in a short span and said the achievement marked a defining moment in relations between the two nations.</p> <p>Recalling that negotiations gained momentum following Luxon's visit to India, PM Modi praised the speed with which the agreement was finalised.</p> <p>"This marks a historic milestone in our relationship, one that revitalises our ties and reaffirms our commitment to friendship. When you visited India, the FTA process began. The way all of New Zealand united to bring the FTA to fruition in such a short time, perhaps a global first for such a swift success, is remarkable. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to your leadership, your government and your team for this achievement," PM Modi said.</p> <h3>First PM Visit In Four Decades</h3> <p>The Prime Minister noted that his visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years and said it had infused fresh momentum into bilateral ties.</p> <p>"It gives me great pleasure that an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand after 40 years. By organising an event in your economic capital, you have created an opportunity to infuse new strength into the relationship between India and New Zealand. I am deeply grateful," he said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Auckland, New Zealand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds delegation level talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.<br /><br />Speaking on the occasion, he says, "...It gives me great pleasure that an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand after 40 years; by&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/s2paMbycpa">pic.twitter.com/s2paMbycpa</a></p> &mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://ift.tt/pyNcmzM 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <p> <script src="https://ift.tt/spLUHNd" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/new-zealand-auckland-pm-modi-welcome-sky-tower-in-tricolour-1855764">New Zealand Lights Up Auckland's Sky Tower In Tricolour For PM Modi's Historic Visit</a></strong></p> <h3>'A Match Made For Each Other'</h3> <p>PM Modi said India and New Zealand are natural partners because of their shared democratic values and growing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.</p> <p>"Our firm belief in democratic values makes us natural partners. It is a match made for each other. Furthermore, our close cooperation as two maritime nations lends new strength to the Indo-Pacific. I am confident that this visit will further strengthen our bilateral ties and enhance our joint contribution to global peace, stability and security. We can act as a catalyst for peace, advocating for peace and working towards global well-being through peace," he said.</p> <p>Referring to Luxon's visit to India during the Holi festival last year, PM Modi said it had added "new colours" to the bilateral relationship.</p> <p>"You visited India last year during the festival of Holi. Your visit added new colours to our relationship, much like the colours of Holi. Today, we are binding our relationship together through a Strategic Partnership. This milestone will inspire us to move forward with greater energy and confidence," he said.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/business/india-act-east-policy-trade-deficit-australia-asean-japan-fta-1855741">Why India's Trade Deals With Australia, ASEAN, And Japan Are Under Scrutiny</a></strong></p> <h3>Visit To Boost Trade, People-To-People Ties</h3> <p>PM Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon and was welcomed with a warm embrace by his counterpart.</p> <p>Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to interact with leading business and sports personalities and address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora.</p> <p>The visit comes months after India and New Zealand signed the Free Trade Agreement in April and is expected to provide further momentum to trade, investment and broader bilateral cooperation. The two leaders had previously met in New Delhi during Luxon's official visit to India in March 2025.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/pm-modi-hails-india-new-zealand-fta-historic-milestone-thanks-luxon-for-swift-deal-first-indian-pm-to-visit-40-years-1855775

Trump Signals Support For Manufacturing Patriot Systems In Ukraine

<p>NATO members agreed a comprehensive military aid package for Ukraine totaling &euro;140 billion at their <span class="editable placeholder" data-id="77858549" data-size="NORMAL" data-type="LIVEBLOG">recent Ankara summit</span>. In addition, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump announced that he intends to grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot air defense missiles on its own soil.</p> <p>These missiles are crucial for defending the country against Russian ballistic attacks. It has been reported that Ukrainian Patriot missiles stockpiles are running low. Indeed, the Ukrainian Air Force was unable to shoot down a single Russian missile during the massive attack on July 6.</p> <p>The US intends to share its Patriot technology with Ukraine and grant it the right to produce the air defense missiles, Trump said. He also said the US was willing to provide any necessary support.</p> <p>Trump also said he wants to buy Ukrainian drones, marking a complete reversal in his attitude toward Ukraine's defense industry, which he had previously dismissed. Now, however, he praised the country's extensive drone manufacturing capabilities.</p> <p>He called it "amazing" that Ukraine was still able to build drones "in a war situation." Ukrainian drone expertise is widely sought after, including in Europe, and numerous countries signed drone agreements with Ukraine at the recent Ankara summit.</p> <h2>A historic decision</h2> <p>Ukraine would be the third country in the world &mdash; after Japan and Germany &mdash; granted the right to produce Patriot missiles. Going from political declarations to the actual production stage, however, will take years, says military expert Oleh Katkov, editor-in-chief of Defense Express, a Ukrainian media and consulting company.</p> <p>"That's really great, it's a historic moment," Katkov told DW. "But it's important to realize that a process like this doesn't take just a few days or weeks. Despite its industry, skills, and expertise, it took Japan two years from reaching the agreement to starting production. We are likely still only in the stage of the Ukrainian and US governments reaching a general political agreement."</p> <p>He told DW a government-level agreement needs to be finalized before defense contractors begin cooperation. Only then, Katkov said, will it be possible to negotiate with the US companies that hold the rights to the Patriot missiles.</p> <p>"PAC-3 missiles are manufactured by Lockheed Martin, and PAC-2 missiles are built by RTX (Raytheon)," Katkov explained. "These companies must first draw up contracts with Ukrainian firms and only then can we talk about starting production in Ukraine."</p> <p>Ukraine's Centre for Defence Strategies director Oleksandr Khara noted that the issue goes beyond whether Ukraine will receive a license to produce Patriot missiles. "I really hope there aren't any hidden conditions," Khara told DW. "Like expecting Ukraine to make concessions to Russia before it receives these Patriot missiles. We can expect all kinds of things from the current US administration."</p> <p>Ihor Reiterovych of Kyiv's Taras Shevchenko National University, however, voiced doubts the Patriot missile agreement will be implemented soon. "This is more of a symbolic matter," the political analyst told DW. "First and foremost, it's a message to the Russian Federation: 'Look at what might happen next.' It is clear, however, that Ukraine will need a lot of time to actually establish Patriot missile production in its country."</p> <p>The White House is showing the Kremlin that it is not abandoning Ukraine but supports it, Reiterovych said. "If it does not produce Patriots now, then Ukraine will do so in the future, and that should serve as a warning to Russia."</p> <h2>Is Ukrainian NATO membership off the agenda?</h2> <p>What was striking about the Ankara summit was that there was almost no discussion of Ukraine's potential NATO membership. Oleksandr Khara mainly attributes this to Trump's stance. "Even before his return to the White House, Trump made it clear that he is opposed to Ukraine joining NATO," adding that "if the alliance's most important country takes such a position, it's clear that no one is going to seriously discuss membership now." Khara nevertheless thinks Kyiv should not abandon its strategic goal of joining the bloc.</p> <p>Europe will continue to maintain a collective security system, and Ukraine should be part of it, Khara told DW. "We will not be able to contain Russia on our own in the long run."</p> <p>Even though Ukraine's possible NATO accession was not discussed in Ankara, Ihor Reiterovych believes the summit was still a success for Kyiv. That is because discussions focused on Ukraine, indicating its key role in European security matters, Reiterovych said.</p> <p><em>This article was translated from German</em></p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on&nbsp;<strong>Deutsche Welle,</strong>&nbsp;and has been republished on&nbsp;<strong>ABP Live</strong>&nbsp;as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by&nbsp;<strong>ABP Live.</strong> for DW</em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-signals-support-for-patriot-production-in-ukraine-1855767

New Zealand Lights Up Auckland's Sky Tower In Tricolour For PM Modi's Historic Visit

<p>The iconic Sky Tower in Auckland was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour as a special gesture to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to New Zealand.</p> <p>Standing 328 metres tall, the Sky Tower has dominated Auckland's skyline for more than 28 years. Offering panoramic 360-degree views across Tāmaki Makaurau, it remains one of the city's most recognisable landmarks and popular tourist attractions.</p> <p>The illumination marked Modi's historic visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in around four decades.</p> <h2><strong>MEA Calls It A Symbol Of Friendship</strong></h2> <p>Sharing a photograph of the illuminated landmark on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "A special welcome in Auckland! The iconic Sky Tower was illuminated to mark the visit of PM @narendramodi to New Zealand, symbolising the friendship between our two countries."</p> <h2><strong>PM Modi Calls Visit 'Historic'</strong></h2> <p>Prime Minister Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday and described the trip as a historic milestone.</p> <p>In a post on X, he wrote, "This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the complete range of the India-NZ friendship. I will also be addressing a community programme tomorrow in Auckland."</p> <h2><strong>Warm Welcome From Indian Community</strong></h2> <p>During his visit, Modi met members of the Indian community in New Zealand, who welcomed him with cultural performances representing different parts of India.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/china-typhoon-bavi-heavy-storm-alert-geological-disasters-1855735">China Issues Heavy Rain Alert As Typhoon Bavi Threatens Beijing And Eastern Coast</a></strong></p> <p>He later wrote, "I compliment our diaspora for keeping India&rsquo;s cultural heritage vibrant across generations and continents and for strengthening the enduring people-to-people bonds between India and New Zealand."</p> <h2><strong>Focus On Bilateral Ties</strong></h2> <p>While in Auckland, Modi will hold bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and review the full spectrum of bilateral relations between the two countries.</p> <p>The Ministry of External Affairs said the Prime Minister will also meet prominent business and sports personalities during the visit.</p> <p>"Reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries, he will address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora during the visit," the MEA said.</p> <h2><strong>Visit Follows Free Trade Agreement</strong></h2> <p>Modi's visit comes months after India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in April.</p> <p>The agreement followed bilateral talks between Modi and Luxon during the New Zealand Prime Minister's official visit to India in March 2025.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/anti-immigration-protesters-attempt-to-disrupt-pm-modi-s-australia-visit-1855758">'Modi Go Home': Anti-Immigration Protesters Attempt To Disrupt PM's Australia Visit</a></strong></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/new-zealand-auckland-pm-modi-welcome-sky-tower-in-tricolour-1855764

No Cap With Megha Prasad | Trump vs Iran Or Trump vs His Own Image? How One Flight Sparked A Bigger Political Debate

<div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-6a3e4ca4-2c0c-83ee-a29a-30df24fd8b36-282" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-6a3e4ca4-2c0c-83ee-a29a-30df24fd8b36-282" data-turn-id-container="request-6a3e4ca4-2c0c-83ee-a29a-30df24fd8b36-282" data-testid="conversation-turn-530" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="848b105b-59be-4c34-a899-d2a35ec1074a" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="345" data-end="548">The central question surrounding Donald Trump's latest confrontation with Iran is no longer limited to missiles, sanctions or military strategy. It is increasingly becoming a question of political image.</p> <p data-start="550" data-end="918">Trump has built his political brand on projecting strength&mdash;through aggressive rhetoric, hardline policies and an unapologetic style of leadership. But amid renewed tensions with Tehran this week, the optics surrounding his response have prompted a different debate: Is Trump battling Iran, or struggling to preserve the strongman image that has defined his presidency?</p> <p data-start="920" data-end="1183">The shift began with Trump's remarks after declaring that any understanding with Iran was effectively over. Calling Iran's leaders "vicious, violent people," he escalated the rhetoric further by describing them as "scum"&mdash;a remark that quickly dominated headlines.</p> <p data-start="1185" data-end="1277">The language was unmistakably Trump: blunt, confrontational and designed to project resolve.</p> <h2 data-section-id="a9mr9u" data-start="1279" data-end="1345"><span role="text">Window Blinds And Presidential Security Spark New Questions</span></h2> <p data-start="1347" data-end="1409">However, another development soon overshadowed the tough talk.</p> <p data-start="1411" data-end="1790">While returning from the NATO summit in T&uuml;rkiye, reporters travelling aboard the presidential aircraft were reportedly instructed to keep the window blinds closed. When asked about the precaution, Trump suggested it was likely because of the "sleazebags over here"&mdash;an apparent reference to Iran. He also remarked, "I have a threat all the time. I'm number one on their list."</p> <p data-start="1792" data-end="1847">That statement immediately created a striking contrast.</p> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZTnipELRMmY?si=5LJwSLhcFZl1cxBU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p data-start="1849" data-end="2151">The same president who insists America can overwhelm Iran militarily was also publicly acknowledging that he remains Tehran's primary target. The juxtaposition has fuelled questions over whether Trump's messaging of absolute strength is now colliding with the realities of heightened security concerns.</p> <h2 data-section-id="7wk8mr" data-start="2153" data-end="2196"><span role="text">Security Reality Vs Political Optics</span></h2> <p data-start="2198" data-end="2442">To be clear, threats against a US president are neither unusual nor trivial. Iran has maintained hostile relations with Washington for decades, and following recent US strikes on Iranian targets, enhanced security precautions would be expected.</p> <p data-start="2444" data-end="2534">Yet politics is rarely driven by security measures alone. It is also shaped by perception.</p> <p data-start="2536" data-end="2756">Trump has spent years cultivating the image of a fearless leader who refuses to be intimidated. His supporters view that as decisive leadership, while critics argue it often blurs the line between strategy and spectacle.</p> <p data-start="2758" data-end="2810">This week's developments complicated that narrative.</p> <p data-start="2812" data-end="2940">The debate shifted away from military strikes and toward aircraft security, closed window blinds and presidential vulnerability.</p> <h2 data-section-id="p1o4d8" data-start="2942" data-end="2993"><span role="text">The Air Force One Debate Added To Optics</span></h2> <p data-start="2995" data-end="3063">The discussion intensified further because of the aircraft involved.</p> <p data-start="3065" data-end="3305">Trump had recently showcased a newly retrofitted Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar&mdash;a high-profile addition that symbolised prestige and power. However, reports indicated that part of his return journey was completed aboard the older Air Force One.</p> <p data-start="3307" data-end="3454">The White House denied that the switch had anything to do with Iran, while Trump dismissed speculation, saying it was simply "for old time's sake."</p> <p data-start="3456" data-end="3755">Even so, reports noted that the newer aircraft did not appear to feature the same visible missile-defence systems associated with the traditional presidential aircraft. Although there has been no official suggestion that this influenced operational decisions, the timing inevitably invited scrutiny.</p> <p data-start="3757" data-end="3829">In politics, perception often travels faster than official explanations.</p> <p data-start="3831" data-end="3970">Trump intended the aircraft to reinforce an image of American prestige. Instead, the conversation quickly shifted to presidential security.</p> <h2 data-section-id="6louyk" data-start="3972" data-end="4017"><span role="text">Iran's Narrative Battle May Be Working</span></h2> <p data-start="4019" data-end="4085">That may explain why this episode has generated so much attention.</p> <p data-start="4087" data-end="4363">Iran is not matching the United States militarily. But modern geopolitical conflicts are fought on multiple fronts, including the battle for narrative. Every statement, military response, funeral procession and carefully managed image contributes to shaping public perception.</p> <p data-start="4365" data-end="4540">Trump understands political theatre better than most leaders. Throughout his career, he has sought to dominate the news cycle through dramatic messaging and bold declarations.</p> <p data-start="4542" data-end="4602">This time, however, the narrative has been less predictable.</p> <p data-start="4604" data-end="4814">Rather than focusing solely on American military action, public attention has increasingly centred on Trump's own security precautions and whether they contradict his carefully crafted image of invulnerability.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1cen9j" data-start="4816" data-end="4869"><span role="text">Can Trump's Rhetoric Leave Room For Diplomacy?</span></h2> <p data-start="4871" data-end="4908">There is also a diplomatic dimension.</p> <p data-start="4910" data-end="5157">Trump's repeated use of inflammatory language may energise his political base, but it also narrows the room for negotiations. Calling another country's leadership "scum" makes any future diplomatic engagement more difficult to justify politically.</p> <p data-start="5159" data-end="5449">Yet, despite declaring that the understanding with Iran was effectively over, Trump also appeared to leave the possibility of talks open&mdash;an approach that has become characteristic of his negotiating style: escalate publicly, maximise pressure and then signal that dialogue remains possible.</p> <p data-start="5451" data-end="5553">Whether that represents strategic ambiguity or political improvisation remains open to interpretation.</p> <h2 data-section-id="ce6mia" data-start="5555" data-end="5601"><span role="text">The Bigger Political Question For Trump</span></h2> <p data-start="5603" data-end="5674">Ultimately, the larger question is not whether Donald Trump fears Iran.</p> <p data-start="5676" data-end="5784">It is whether the president is now confronting a challenge to the political image that has long defined him.</p> <p data-start="5786" data-end="5883">For Trump, image has never been secondary to policy. It has been central to his political appeal.</p> <p data-start="5885" data-end="6043">This week, the headlines were not only about military strikes or regional tensions. They were also about aircraft, security precautions and public perception.</p> <p data-start="6045" data-end="6096">Iran has not altered the military balance of power.</p> <p data-start="6098" data-end="6297" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">But it has succeeded in shifting part of the conversation&mdash;from America's military dominance to the optics surrounding the man who has built his political identity on projecting unquestioned strength.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/no-cap-with-megha-prasad-trump-vs-iran-or-trump-vs-his-own-image-how-one-flight-sparked-a-bigger-political-debate-1855551

US Launches Fresh Strikes On Iran For Second Day After Trump Says Deal Is ‘Over’

<p>The United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran on Wednesday, targeting what it described as Tehran's ability to threaten shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The operation came just hours after President Donald Trump declared that an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict was effectively "over".</p> <p>According to the U.S. military, the latest attacks were carried out in response to Tuesday's assault on three cargo vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes reportedly shook several cities along Iran's southern coastline and caused power outages in parts of the region.</p> <p>The renewed military action marks another sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, further clouding prospects for diplomacy and raising fresh concerns over stability in one of the world's most important energy corridors.</p> <h2>CENTCOM Says Strikes Aim to Protect Global Shipping</h2> <p>In a statement posted on X, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces had begun conducting additional strikes to weaken Iran's capacity to threaten maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p>"U.S. Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said. It added that the United States was holding Iran responsible for what it described as "recent unjustified aggression" against commercial vessels and civilian crews using the international waterway.</p> <p>A U.S. official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said Wednesday's military operation would involve a greater number of strikes than those carried out a day earlier. Trump also defended the action on Truth Social, warning that any repeat of the attacks would trigger an even stronger response. "This is in retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!" he wrote.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/0aYZXoi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'The Era of Threats Is Over': Iran Hits Back After Trump Ends Ceasefire</a></strong></p> <h2>Hormuz Remains at Centre of Escalating Conflict</h2> <p>The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically significant maritime routes. Before the conflict began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the narrow waterway.</p> <p>Although Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attacks on the cargo ships, analysts have said such incidents are often used by Tehran to strengthen its position during negotiations. The waterway has long provided Iran with significant strategic leverage due to its importance to global energy markets.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Iran issued fresh warnings of retaliation. Nournews, which is affiliated with Iran's top security body, quoted a military source as saying Tehran would soon launch a "massive attack" on U.S. bases across the region. The warning was echoed by Mohsen Rezaei, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who wrote on X that "the aggressor enemy and its accomplices will be severely punished."</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/bMOxTwe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump Warns Of Fresh Strikes On Iran, Says US May Hit Again 'Tonight', Plans To Take Over Kharg</a></strong></p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylt0eCEPpJw?si=0Ck5edznJQ7sef6a" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h2>Trump Questions Future of Diplomacy</h2> <p>The latest military escalation has further weakened hopes that a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 could eventually lead to a lasting agreement to end the conflict.</p> <p>Iran said on Wednesday that it had launched attacks on U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to earlier American strikes on infrastructure, which themselves followed the attacks on commercial shipping.</p> <p>Speaking before a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump was asked whether the interim memorandum remained in effect. "It's a very interesting question. To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them," he said. The president later added that he was uncertain any future agreement would endure, saying, "If we make a deal with Iran, I'm not sure that will stick. I found them to be very dishonourable people." Even so, Trump said he did not expect the situation to return to full-scale war and acknowledged that it remained unclear whether negotiations towards a permanent settlement would continue.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-us-launches-fresh-strikes-for-second-day-after-trump-says-deal-is-over-1855344

OpenAI's Most Powerful AI Yet: GPT 5.6 Launches After White House Delay

<p><em><strong>Edited by:</strong> Natalie Muller</em></p> <p>OpenAI is set to roll out its GPT-5.6 AI model series on Thursday, weeks after postponing the launch in June as US officials reviewed potential security risks.</p> <p>According to Axios, the White House has now cleared the launch following technical testing and discussions with OpenAI executives.</p> <p>OpenAI describes its GPT-5.6 model as its strongest yet, with increased capabilities in cybersecurity, biology and autonomous, or agentic, AI tasks.</p> <h2>Why did the White House delay the release?</h2> <p>The delay came amid growing concern in Washington over increasingly powerful AI systems and their potential misuse.</p> <p>In June, the White House ordered OpenAI rival Anthropic to suspend the use of its cutting-edge Fable and Mythos AI models over national security concerns. Restrictions on those systems were only eased last week.</p> <p>US officials' concerns are linked to advanced AI models' ability to identify vulnerabilities in software code, which could be exploited by foreign militaries or intelligence services, including Russia and China.</p> <p>When the White House requested a delay to OpenAI's GPT-5.6 launch over similar concerns, the company agreed.</p> <p>But in a statement, the company said it doesn't believe "this kind of government access process should become the long-term default" since it "keeps the best tools" from users, businesses and others who need them.</p> <h2>Washington pushes for AI safeguards</h2> <p>At the start of his second term, President Donald Trump largely pursued a deregulatory approach to AI, arguing that excessive regulation could weaken the United States' ability to compete with China in the sector.</p> <p>But in June, Trump signed an executive order aimed at addressing cybersecurity risks linked to advanced AI models. The measure is supposed to establish a voluntary process under which AI developers can share models with the government 30 days before their public release.</p> <p>OpenAI said it was coordinating with officials "to develop the cyber Executive Order framework and a repeatable process for future model releases."</p> <h2>GPT-5.6 to debut in three versions</h2> <p>According to OpenAI, the GPT-5.6 model series released on Thursday will include three versions. The first, Sol, is described as the company's "strongest model yet." The Terra version will offer a mid-range model aimed at everyday tasks, while Luna will serve as the cheapest option focused on speed and efficiency.</p> <p>The company also said the GPT-5.6 model incorporates a "layered safeguard stack" &mdash; multiple security mechanisms designed to prevent the AI's misuse for cyberattacks and other harmful activities.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on <strong>Deutsche Welle,</strong> and has been republished on <strong>ABP Live</strong> as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by <strong>ABP Live.</strong> for DW</em></p>

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Trump Warns Of Fresh Strikes On Iran, Says US May Hit Again 'Tonight', Plans To Take Over Kharg

<p class="isSelectedEnd">US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States was preparing for another round of military strikes against Iran later in the day, signalling a further escalation in tensions despite recent efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Speaking in Ankara on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Trump said the US had carried out major strikes overnight and indicated that more military action was likely, according to The Associated Press (AP).</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">"We hit them very hard last night," Trump said when asked about the possibility of renewed hostilities. "We'll probably hit them hard again tonight," he added.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Trump also claimed that the strikes on Iran "knocked out 28 boats last night" and added, "probably will knock out more boats tonight."</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">He further said that if necessary, the US would target electricity and water plants, but added that he personally would not want to do so.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The US President also said the US may take over Kharg Island, although it was not clear whether he meant such action could take place that night.</p> <h2><strong>Why Kharg Island Matters</strong></h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Kharg Island is Iran's principal oil export terminal and handles the majority of the country's crude oil shipments to international markets.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Located in the northern Persian Gulf, the island houses major oil storage facilities, export jetties and critical energy infrastructure. Any military action affecting Kharg Island could significantly reduce Iran's oil export capacity, tighten global crude supplies and drive up international oil prices.</p> <h2><strong>Trump Threatens Hormuz Blockade</strong></h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Commenting on the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the US may reinstate a blockade on the strategically important waterway.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">He also said NATO countries were sending minesweepers to clear the area.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">According to Trump, the latest US military action was launched in retaliation for what Washington described as Iranian attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. He alleged that Tehran had launched drones and a missile at ships passing through the strategic shipping route.</p> <h2><strong>'For Me, I Think It's Over'</strong></h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Trump's remarks came just hours after he declared that the interim ceasefire agreement with Iran had effectively ended, although he said negotiations could still continue.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">"For me, I think it's over," Trump said when asked about the status of the ceasefire. "They can talk, but I think they're wasting their time."</p> <h2><strong>Overnight Strikes Deepen Conflict</strong></h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The latest escalation followed overnight US strikes on multiple targets inside Iran.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">According to AP, US Central Command said the operation targeted Iranian air defence systems, radar installations and more than 60 fast attack boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The US military said the strikes were intended to impose "heavy costs" on Iran following attacks on commercial shipping in international waters. It added that American forces remained prepared to respond if the interim agreement was violated again.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bandar Mahshahr, where a member of the Revolutionary Guard was killed.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Explosions were also reported near Bushehr, home to Iran's nuclear power plant complex.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-ceasefire-over-donald-trump-calls-iran-cancer-ebrahim-rezaei-hits-back-1855275">'The Era of Threats Is Over': Iran Hits Back After Trump Ends Ceasefire</a></strong></p> <h2><strong>Iran Targets US Military Bases</strong></h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Iran responded by launching attacks on American military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, prompting missile alerts across both Gulf states.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">According to AP, Iran's Revolutionary Guard acknowledged carrying out the strikes on US military facilities in the two countries.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Kuwaiti authorities said they intercepted two ballistic missiles and 13 drones launched by Iran.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The country's Electricity Ministry said falling debris disrupted several power lines, although no major casualties were immediately reported.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">AP also reported that senior United Arab Emirates diplomat Anwar Gargash described the attacks as evidence that Iran remained unwilling to pursue de-escalation.</p> <h2><strong>Oil Prices Rise On Hormuz Fears</strong></h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The latest military exchange renewed concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas passes.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Brent crude prices rose by more than 5 per cent following Trump's latest remarks, reflecting fears that renewed fighting could disrupt global energy supplies.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The US also revoked a licence that had allowed Iran to openly sell oil in US dollars under the interim agreement.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">According to AP, the decision followed attacks on commercial shipping, including a tanker that caught fire off the coast of Oman after being struck.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Qatar condemned the attack on the vessel, which it said was carrying Qatari natural gas.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">According to AP, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari described it as an "unacceptable attack" on international navigation and global energy security and said Iran bore full legal responsibility.</p> <h2><strong>Iran Signals It Will Not Back Down</strong></h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Despite renewed military pressure, Iran indicated it would continue to resist US actions.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">According to AP, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X that "the era of bullying and extortion is over" and insisted Tehran would not yield to pressure.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The renewed hostilities have also cast fresh doubt over negotiations that were expected to resume after funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the opening phase of the conflict.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">According to AP, the proposed talks were expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Tehran's disputed nuclear programme.</p> <p>Trump's latest remarks, coupled with the fresh military exchanges, have further heightened concerns that the conflict could widen, with implications for regional stability and global energy markets.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-pok-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-protests-pakistani-army-disappearing-bodies-revolution-1855323">How The Disappearance Of 56 Bodies Pushed PoK To The Brink Of Revolution</a></strong></p>

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