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Tuesday, August 18, 2026

UAE Halts All Trade, Financial Transactions With Iran After Ballistic Missile Launches

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran, citing rising regional tensions and concerns over threats to regional and international security. UAE Foreign Ministry communications director Afra Al Hameli said the measures would remain in force “until further notice”. She also rejected allegations about the current status of economic ties between the two countries. The announcement came shortly after the UAE accused Iran of launching two ballistic missiles towards the Gulf. The UAE later said its assessment showed that both missiles had been aimed at “maritime navigation” and fell into the sea. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/uae-detects-missile-threat-issues-brief-alert-residents-told-to-seek-shelter-1862735">Iran Fires 2 Missiles Towards UAE, Residents Warned Amid Rising Tensions</a> <h2>UAE Cites Escalating Regional Tensions</h2> “All trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran have been halted until further notice,” Al Hameli said. She added that the UAE remained committed to dialogue, cooperation and regional integration as ways of promoting peace and stability. The UAE also reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the international financial system in accordance with international law and the highest global standards. Earlier, the UAE defence ministry said its air defence systems had detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran. One missile fell outside the UAE’s territorial waters, while the other fell within them. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> مديرة الاتصال الإستراتيجي في وزارة الخارجية: وقف جميع الأنشطة والتبادلات التجارية والمعاملات المالية مع إيران Director of the Strategic Communications Department at MoFA: All Trade, Commercial Exchange, and Financial Transactions with Iran Halted <a href="https://t.co/PQczXyDNRX">pic.twitter.com/PQczXyDNRX</a> — MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) <a href="https://ift.tt/gZhKUIo 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/xeC3yLB" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UPQVFgKM6aA?si=NiCmD6Uy80qh0lwa" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2>UAE Says Missiles Targeted Maritime Navigation</h2> A subsequent assessment by the UAE defence ministry concluded that both missiles had been directed towards maritime navigation and ultimately fell into the sea. “Assessments carried out showed that the two ballistic missiles detected coming from Iran were targeting maritime navigation and fell into the sea,” the ministry said. Iran had not immediately commented on the UAE’s allegations. Tehran has, however, warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until it reaches a peace agreement with the United States. The strategic waterway is a key route for shipping departing from UAE ports and the wider Gulf. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-lie-updates-donald-trump-shares-map-calling-strait-of-hormuz-new-us-territory-iran-hits-back-delusion-1862719">Trump Shares Map Calling Strait Of Hormuz ‘New US Territory’; Iran Hits Back</a> <h2>Tensions Rise In The Region Again</h2> The latest measures represent a sharp escalation in tensions between the UAE and Iran. When the Middle East war began on February 28, the UAE said it had faced nearly 3,000 Iranian missiles and drones, more than any other country in the region. The UAE later reported no attacks after a memorandum of understanding came into effect in June. That arrangement has since expired, while other Gulf states have continued to report attacks.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-attack-on-uae-all-trade-financial-transactions-suspended-after-ballistic-missile-launches-1862751

India reiterates support for negotiated two-state solution in Palestine: MEA Secretary Ranganathan

Jerusalem, Aug 18 (PTI): India on Tuesday reiterated its longstanding support for a "negotiated two-state solution" in Palestine and reaffirmed the country's consistent support for the Palestinian people, Sripriya Ranganathan, a secretary at the External Affairs Ministry, said.Ranganathan, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs)is on an official visit to Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon from August 16-21.Ranganathan on Tuesday called on Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine and also "conveyed India’s concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza." "Amb Sripriya Ranganathan called on Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine. The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of India-Palestine bilateral relations, including their extensive development cooperation initiatives," the Representative Office of India to Palestine posted on X."India reiterated its longstanding support for a negotiated two-State solution, and underscored the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza through sustained humanitarian assistance and continued dialogue and diplomacy," the post read.India has been backing a vision of a "two-state" solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognised borders, consistent with international law.Both the leaders discussed the full range of India-Palestine relations, with particular focus on the current situation in Palestine, developments in Gaza, humanitarian needs and India’s longstanding development partnership with the Palestinian people, according to an official statement.Ranganathan reaffirmed "India’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and a negotiated two-State solution," it said.She reiterated "India’s support for efforts towards peace and stability and for a lasting political resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy." Ongoing initiatives spanning health, education and capacity-building were also reviewed during the meeting.Recalling her successful visit to India in January this year, the Palestinian Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for India’s continuing support through development projects, capacity-building programmes, scholarships, humanitarian assistance and contributions to Palestinian institutions and UN agencies, it said. PTI AMS(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-reiterates-support-for-negotiated-two-state-solution-in-palestine-mea-secretary-ranganathan-1862748

Rain Aids Firefighters Battling Massive High Fens Wildfire In Belgium

Edited by: Saim Du&scaron;an Inayatullah Belgian firefighters were pushing to encircle and contain the country's largest wildfire in a century. Rain and cooler temperatures provided some natural relief against the blaze on Tuesday but also teamed up with winds to hamper air support and waterbombing operations. The fire expanded to cover an area of around 3,000 hectares — about half the size of Manhattan in New York — by Monday. The High Fens, or Hautes Fagnes, nature reserve is a vast expanse of boggy peatlands, pine forests and hiking trails, with parts of it difficult to access with large machinery, except from above. <h2>What's the latest on the firefighting efforts?</h2> "We are trying to definitively encircle the fire today," regional government spokesman Niolas Yernaux told the AFP news agency on Tuesday. Firefighters worked through the night to try to make a crucial link-up between the eastern and northern fronts, despite difficult access conditions in the hilly and wooded area. "We're talking about one or two kilometers, and we're on the verge of achieving it," Yernaux said. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WC-OJqCU85s?si=H6xt3MB_xUSyTmd_" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> He said that the fire was "under control and contained" in areas where firefighters could operate. However, Yernaux said the hard-to-reach front stretching towards the German border and the town of Monschau remained a concern; much of this area is only really accessible from above. The wind and rain could delay such aerial operations, potentially until Tuesday evening, he warned. <h2>How far from the border is the fire, what's the situation in Monschau?</h2> Residents of Monschau have already been told to leave their homes because of the smoke hazard, with the fire roughly 2.3 kilometers (roughly 1.5 miles) from the border. Yernaux said that "strong winds" were blowing towards the east and the German frontier. "At the moment it's manageable," Monschau fire service spokesman Tobias Schnell told the dpa news agency. Should the winds pick up further, he said that could fan the flames in the town's direction. He said that water tanks and other equipment had already been placed in its potential path in case it is needed. He said around 170 people were working on a three-shift rotation around the clock, and that authorities were working on the assumption the operation would last several more days at least. Smoke has spread dozens of kilometers to the east, with major cities like Cologne and Wuppertal both warning residents of the risk of poor air quality and smoke. "At present the smell of the fire can be perceived throughout the city," Wuppertal's fire department warned, recommending that people close doors and windows. "A health risk cannot be ruled out." ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-lie-updates-donald-trump-shares-map-calling-strait-of-hormuz-new-us-territory-iran-hits-back-delusion-1862719">Trump Shares Map Calling Strait Of Hormuz ‘New US Territory’; Iran Hits Back</a> <h2>Locals start to return, but still urged to limit movements</h2> Villagers in places like Sourbrodt, which was evacuated at the peak of the fire over the weekend, started returning to their homes as the threat subsided on Monday evening. Nevertheless, the local Waimes municipality asked residents to exercise continued caution. "Residents are asked to limit travel within this area to what is strictly necessary and to act with particular vigilance and responsibility," it said. "Despite the return of evacuated residents, operations carried out by the various emergency, security and response services remain a priority and must be able to proceed under the best possible conditions." Two villages in the Bütgenbach municipality, meanwhile, remain cleared, with conditions not yet safe there. Wallonia's Agriculture Ministry also said on Tuesday that it would review compensation for farmers who volunteered to help with the firefighting efforts. This is was "under review — regarding both the substance and the procedure, as well as the legal feasiblity of doing so," Agriculture Minister Anne-Catherine Dalcq's office said on Tuesday. This followed an appeal from the presdient of the Royal Federation of Belgian Firefighters, who demanded reciprocal aid after the farmers' help battling the blaze. "Who will cover the cost of the equipment damaged during this operation? Without them, the situation would be far worse," Marc Gilbert had said in an interview with the Belga news agency. The vast fire gathered pace just after another a few kilometers east across the German border in the Hürtgenwald forest was contained late last week. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/uae-detects-missile-threat-issues-brief-alert-residents-told-to-seek-shelter-1862735">UAE Detects ‘Missile Threat’, Issues Brief Alert; Residents Told To Seek Shelter</a> If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google, so you'll always see our verified news first. Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/rain-aids-firefighters-battling-massive-high-fens-wildfire-in-belgium-1862737

Monday, August 17, 2026

Iran Warns Of ‘Fully Offensive’ Posture As Trump Rejects Extending Ceasefire

Iran has warned that it will adopt a “fully offensive” military posture after efforts to negotiate a permanent end to its war with the US stalled, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday. The warning came as Washington ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire agreement, raising fears that the conflict could intensify. Progress towards renewed peace talks has also stalled, while efforts to restore oil tanker traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz have failed to advance. The deadlock threatens to prolong the conflict that began after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28. The Iranian official said Tehran was prepared to take action if diplomacy failed, including a “timely and precise” military strike aimed at breaking the US naval blockade. Iran also warned that tensions could rise across the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-tehram-says-60-day-us-talks-timeline-lost-relevance-blames-washington-for-violations-of-memorend-1862522">Iran Says 60-Day US Talks Timeline ‘Lost Relevance’, Blames Washington For ‘Violations’</a> <h2>Iran Warns Of Action In Strait Of Hormuz</h2> “Iranian entities must be prepared to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider region, as Iran will be ready to make decisions and take action on difficult decisions,” the official said. A memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 had set a 60-day deadline for Iran and the US to reach a broader agreement covering Tehran’s nuclear programme and US sanctions. The arrangement called for the “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts”. However, the agreement quickly came under strain over the issue of control of the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway had carried about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas before the war, making the dispute a major obstacle to efforts to secure a lasting settlement. Asked on Monday whether Washington was seeking to extend the interim agreement reached in June, US President Donald Trump said it was not. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u3s92ruiTZg?si=QOxyvqHr4p7jpjfb" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/uIZcnjl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump Threatens To Bomb Oman Over Strait Of Hormuz Reopening Efforts</a> <h2>Back-Channel Contact With IRGC</h2> One potential opening for diplomacy emerged through reported back-channel contacts between the Trump administration and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has gained greater influence during the war and controls significant parts of Iran’s armed forces and economy. Axios, citing two sources familiar with the discussions, reported that former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard spoke with an Iraqi Kurdish leader who has close links to the IRGC. Through that intermediary, the US reportedly conveyed a message to IRGC commander Gen Ahmad Vahidi. Fox News later reported that Trump confirmed the contact in a telephone interview. The Trump administration has reportedly questioned whether Iranian negotiators involved in formal talks have the authority to speak on behalf of the IRGC, according to Axios. Reuters has separately reported that Vahidi had emerged as a pivotal figure during the conflict. Axios said Vahidi responded that he was aligned with the Iranian negotiating team. Despite the uncertainty, Trump's son-in-law and special envoy Jared Kushner said in an interview with Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst on Monday that communication between Washington and different parts of the Iranian government was extensive. “I can't go into the details of it, but I will say that the conversations between the US government and different areas of the Iranian government at all areas is probably more robust than it's maybe ever been,” Kushner said.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-tehran-warns-of-fully-offensive-posture-as-trump-rejects-extending-ceasefire-1862556

Trump cites India's voter cards to make case for SAVE America Act

Washington, Aug 18 (PTI): India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar recently asked the US administration how elections in America can be held without a valid photo identification card, President Donald Trump said, making a case for mandatory photo IDs for every US voter to curb "electoral fraud".Trump, in a post on Truth Social, further said less than one per cent of voters in India used postal ballots in the recent general elections, and every voter had a valid photo identity document.The US president made these remarks to drum up support for the SAVE America Act which would require Americans to show proof of citizenship to register to vote, impose a nationwide voter identification requirement and severely limit voting by mail."Earlier this month, India's Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, asked our Administration — How can you have Elections in the US without a valid Photo ID," Trump wrote. "India's last Election had 646,000,000 Voters! Less than one per cent voted by mail, and every single Voter had to have a VALID Photo Identity Document." "We need to pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT, now," he asserted.Trump has been insisting on passing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, claiming the move would curb electoral fraud.However, both Democrats and Republicans are divided over the issue, and the US Senate adjourned for a five-week recess earlier this month without any concrete steps for its passing. PTI SKU ARB ARB(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-cites-india-s-voter-cards-to-make-case-for-save-america-act-1862555

Trump felicitates lifeguard who saved Indian American kid from surf waves

Washington, Aug 17 (PTI): US President Donald Trump on Monday felicitated a 16-year-old lifeguard who saved a 10-year-old Indian-origin boy from getting washed away at a California beach last month.Trump welcomed the lifeguard, Ryder Williams, and his family members, and the young boy Nathaniel Rai, his sister Layla and his father Sumit Rai at the Oval Office in the White House."I want to congratulate Nathaniel Rai for coming through an ordeal. That means you are going to have good luck in life,” Trump said.“You are very lucky I was not on service that day,” Trump said in jest to Nathaniel, as he lauded William for the daring rescue.On July 25, Williams saved Nathaniel from the powerful waves that engulfed him at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California.“He's a real hero,” Trump said, referring to Williams, who was seated on a chair next to him.Williams’ parents, Shane and Shannon, and another lifeguard, Aaron Bonin, who assisted in the rescue, were also present at the Oval Office.The video of the daring rescue, which went viral on social media, was noticed by Trump, who announced that he would invite the lifeguard and his family members to the White House.“It's an amazing thing. And he is a real lucky guy, too. God was watching you,” the president said, referring to Nathaniel.Williams said he saw the child lose his footing in ankle-deep water about 20 yards from the tower he was assigned to and ran to rescue him.“In those dangerous moments that we have, we always try to fall back on our training. We are trained so well by many to handle that situation as best we can. So I really was thinking about how to get the boy out of the water as fast as I can,” Williams said.Nathaniel’s father Sumit said he was grateful to the lifeguards for saving the life of his son.Trump said the visitors will also be shown around President Abraham Lincoln’s bedroom, which he used as his office and Cabinet Room—where he signed the Emancipation Proclamation. PTI SKU AMS(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-felicitates-lifeguard-who-saved-indian-american-kid-from-surf-waves-1862554

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Trump Backs 'Islamic NATO'; Praises Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan For 'Big, Bold First Step'

US President Donald Trump on Sunday backed the newly signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, describing the pact as a “big, bold, and important first step”. Signed on August 7, the agreement brings three major Islamic nations closer on defence cooperation and has drawn comparisons with Nato's collective defence principle. The emerging grouping has also been dubbed “Islamic Nato” because of its resemblance to Nato's core defence commitment. Trump welcomed the agreement in a post on Truth Social, saying it demonstrated that “the Middle East is coming together” and would allow countries in the region to defend themselves “in a more meaningful way”. <h2>Trump Hails Three-Nation Defence Agreement</h2> “Very happy to see that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have recently, and finally, signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” Trump wrote in his post. He said the pact showed how the Middle East was moving towards greater unity and suggested that the participating countries would now have a stronger ability to defend themselves. “Congratulations to the Great Leadership of the three Nations mentioned. THIS IS A BIG, BOLD, AND IMPORTANT FIRST STEP — WOW,” Trump added. <h2>Pact Signed By Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani leaders</h2> The agreement was signed in Jeddah by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The pact has brought Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan closer in the defence sphere and has prompted comparisons with Nato's collective defence framework. Its perceived similarity to that principle has led to the informal description of the three-country grouping as “Islamic Nato”. Trump's endorsement comes as the agreement marks a significant step in closer defence ties between the three nations.  

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/mecca-agreement-donald-trump-praises-saudi-arabia-turkiye-pakistan-defence-pact-middle-east-coming-together-1862405