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Saturday, April 18, 2026

‘Non-Starter’: Iran Refuses Uranium Transfer, Snubs Face-to-Face Talks With US

Iran has said it is not prepared to move to direct, face-to-face negotiations with the United States, citing unresolved differences over key issues. Speaking at a diplomacy forum in Turkiye, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said discussions remain at an early stage and are continuing through indirect channels. “We are still not there yet to move on to an actual meeting because there are issues that the Americans have not yet abandoned their maximalist position,” he said, according to AP. He added that Tehran wants a “framework agreement” in place before any in-person talks. <h2>Strait Of Hormuz Tensions And Trump’s Response</h2> The comments came as tensions escalated around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said control over the waterway would include payment of costs related to security, safety and environmental protection. US President Donald Trump rejected the move, saying Tehran cannot use the strait as leverage and cannot “blackmail” Washington. <h2>Iran Rejects Uranium Transfer Proposal</h2> Khatibzadeh also dismissed suggestions that Iran could transfer enriched uranium to the United States. "I can tell you that no enriched material is going to be shipped to United States," he said. "This is non-starter and I can assure you that while we are ready to address any concerns that we do have, we're not going to accept things that are non-starters." His remarks followed Trump’s statement that the US would retrieve nuclear material from Iranian sites, referring to an estimated 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium. <h2>Sanctions Remain A Key Sticking Point</h2> While not detailing all points of contention, Khatibzadeh identified US sanctions as a major obstacle to progress. "The other sides also should understand and address our main concerns, which are illegal unilateral sanctions that Americans have imposed on Iranians and this economic terrorism which has targeted Iranian people to suffocate them and make them to revolt against the political structure inside Iran," he said. He added that multiple exchanges of messages have taken place, but significant gaps remain. <h2>Ceasefire Scope And Regional Tensions</h2> Khatibzadeh reiterated Iran’s position that the ceasefire should extend to Lebanon, where Israel has been engaged with Hezbollah. "Iran negotiated with good faith, accepted a ceasefire and told everybody that this ceasefire should include all countries, including Lebanon," he said. "Then the other side said that, it is not committed to this and then started atrocities." Asked about Iran’s response to renewed attacks, he said, "Iran has no option, just to stop aggressors once and forever." The United States has said Israel is “prohibited” from further offensive strikes on Lebanon, though it can act in self-defence. <h2>Strait Of Hormuz Central To Negotiations</h2> The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical element in ongoing discussions. Khatibzadeh said a “new protocol” could be introduced to ensure safe civilian shipping. He added that the strait would “remain open and safe for all civilian passage.” The developments follow a series of moves linked to the ceasefire. While Iran and Pakistan said the truce extended to Lebanon, Israel and later the United States denied this. Israel subsequently carried out airstrikes in Beirut, after which Iran again closed the strait before reopening it following a truce in Lebanon. Trump has said the US blockade will continue and warned that attacks could resume if no agreement is reached.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/non-starter-iran-refuses-uranium-transfer-snubs-face-to-face-talks-with-us-1837323

Friday, April 17, 2026

US-based Hindu advocacy group wins two awards for public outreach

Washington, Apr 18 (PTI): Two public outreach initiatives of US-based advocacy group Hindu American Foundation have won awards of excellence from an association of communication professionals working for faith-based organisations.The Hindu American Foundation's (HAF) fundraising campaign video "Back to the (Hindu) Future" and podcast "All about Hinduism Series 2" were presented with a 2026 DeRose-Hinkhouse Award of Excellence by the Religion Communicators Council.The "Back to the (Hindu) Future" was produced by the HAF marketing team. It was filmed and edited by Todd Lewis."...we're thrilled that the Religion Communicators Council has recognised the creativity and quality of this fundraising campaign, which has succeeded in both that primary goal, but also in raising awareness about the critical need for accurate, nuanced, and comprehensive educational materials in America's schools," HAF senior creative director Tejus Shah said in a statement.The "All About Hinduism" podcast is a 23-part educational series presenting the basic tenets of Hinduism and its history, as well as answering commonly asked questions about the world's third-largest religion and addressing contentious contemporary issues faced by the Hindus.The second series of the podcast was produced, written, narrated and edited by HAF senior director of communications Mat McDermott with assistance with script development by HAF senior director of education strategy Vijay Satnarine and HAF education research assistant Devala Gupta.The DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Awards are given annually to active members of the Religion Communicators Council who demonstrate excellence in religious communications and public relations. PTI SKU RUK RUK(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/us-based-hindu-advocacy-group-wins-two-awards-for-public-outreach-1837168

Ex-US NSA moots Hippocratic oath for corporates to prevent Chinese takeover

Washington, Apr 18 (PTI): Former US National Security Adviser H R McMaster has called for a Hippocratic oath -- an ethical vow taken by medical practitioners -- for corporate leaders making investments in research of cutting-edge technologies in foreign countries such as China.General McMaster, who served as the National Security Adviser in the first Trump administration, said such an oath was necessary to ensure that potential enemies of the US do not develop weapon systems and other capabilities using American investments."I think if you're making a business or a finance decision related to technologies and technological development and investment in maybe research enterprises abroad, you ought to take a Hippocratic oath in every boardroom," McMaster said in an interactive session at the THRIVE 2026 Summit organised by Global Science Innovation Forum at Stanford University in San Francisco Friday.The retired lieutenant general, who served in the Gulf War in 1991 and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, noted that unchecked globalisation in the post-Cold War period had granted primacy to free and open societies and free-market economies based on the belief that the great power rivalry was a relic of the past."We became complacent and supply chains prioritised efficiency over resilience. So we're behind in competition in critical technologies that China in particular has weaponised," McMaster said, referring to Beijing's squeeze on the supply of critical rare earth minerals in response to the US tariff imposition last year.McMaster argued that China's status as a mercantilist economic model against the US' free-market economies affects the whole range of technologies that have a military or security application."The revisionist powers China and Russia are doing their best to pull others into the fold, what I would call an axis of aggressors. Each of them has distinct objectives in mind, what they share in common is a desire to tear down the existing rules of international discourse in trade, security and finance, and replace it with a new set of rules that are sympathetic to their authoritarian form of government and, in China's case in particular, its status as a mercantilist economic model," the former US NSA said.McMaster stressed the need for a new set of rules for the development and application of technologies that are competitive in nature, such as artificial intelligence, supercomputing, energy-related technologies, materials science technologies, genetics and genomics.He said it was unrealistic to assume that the Chinese Communist Party leadership will sign up for the rules that the US would think are in its interests.McMaster suggested that an oath of ethics, along the lines of the Hippocratic oath taken by medical doctors, should be taken by board members of companies dealing in such critical technologies.He said the Hippocratic oath for board rooms should have three components: do not help potential enemies develop weapon systems that could be used to "kill our children and grandchildren"; do not help authoritarian regimes extinguish human freedom or commit cultural genocide; and do not compromise the long-term viability of American companies in exchange for short-term profits or access to the Chinese market.McMaster said China may offer cheap manufacturing and access to markets, but companies falling for such attractions may end up losing intellectual property to Chinese companies, which eventually put the companies out of business.According to the GSIF, the THRIVE-2026 Summit is a global convention where scientific innovation meets ancient wisdom in pursuit of a better world. PTI SKU RUK RUK(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/ex-us-nsa-moots-hippocratic-oath-for-corporates-to-prevent-chinese-takeover-1837167

India's rail expertise can benefit South Africa: envoy

Johannesburg, Apr 17 (PTI): India's experience in railway infrastructure and management can benefit South Africa, Indian High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar has said, highlighting growing interest among Indian firms to expand cooperation in the sector. Addressing industry leaders and members of the CII India Business Forum here on Thursday, Kumar said Indian companies are exploring opportunities to supply railway equipment to South Africa. He said Texmaco Rail and Engineering is "planning to bring railway wagons from India to South Africa" and is in talks with local companies. Kumar said RITES, which is one of India's railway consultancies, is engaged in discussions on supplying railway engines to South Africa. The envoy noted that recent budgets of both India and South Africa have prioritised infrastructure development. India, he said, has focused on building infrastructure such as railways, ports and airports. "Every year, we are inaugurating several new airports," Kumar said. Referring to India's semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat, he said the technology can run on existing tracks at speeds of up to 200 km per hour and could be a viable option for South Africa. "I have been suggesting South Africa that it adopts the technology, which will not need a new infrastructure,” Kumar said. South Africa is currently on a massive drive to restore its once-thriving passenger and goods rail infrastructure, which has been left derelict in many areas through years of vandalism and theft of materials. Kumar said India's first bullet train is expected to begin operations in 2027, but noted that such projects are expensive and not feasible for all cities. “Semi-high-speed trains are the way forward and South Africa must look into that. We have the technology, and using the existing infrastructure, trains will be much easier and much quicker,” he said. Highlighting energy cooperation, Kumar said India has achieved round-the-clock electricity supply for its population and Indian firms are active in South Africa’s power sector, including solar projects. He also underlined India’s advances in digital payments, saying visitors are often surprised by the ability to make transactions instantly, even with small vendors. Kumar said India is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), comprising South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini, and expressed hope that the pact would be finalised soon. PTI FH SCY SCY(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-s-rail-expertise-can-benefit-south-africa-envoy-1837156

Myanmar Prisoner Release: Thousands Freed, Questions Over Aung San Suu Kyi Remain

Edited by: Rana Taha Myanmar's new president, Min Aung Hlaing, on Friday approved the release of 4,335 prisoners from the country's jails, reportedly including some 179 foreign nationals. Such mass amnesty schemes tend to be carried out to mark the nation's Independence Day in January and its New Year in April. <h2>What do we know about the latest release order?</h2> Hundreds of people gathered in front of Myanmar's infamous Insein Prison in Yangon on Friday in hopes of greeting freed loved ones. There has been no word on whether Myanmar's former leader, Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, will be among those released. The 80-year-old is being held in an unknown location as she serves out a 27-year sentence for what are seen as politically motivated charges. Her lawyer told the Reuters news agency that her sentence was reduced on Friday by one-sixth. It remains unclear whether she will be allowed to serve the remainder of her sentence under house arrest. Surprisingly, former President Win Myint — who was arrested alongside Aung San Suu Kyi after Myanmar's February 1, 2021, military coup — is among those to be released. <h2>President Hlaing promises stability and reconciliation as civil war rages on</h2> The release of prisoners was approved by Myanmar's new president, Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 military coup that toppled the country's leadership and plunged the nation into a civil war that has killed thousands and displaced millions. Hlaing was formally elected president by Myanmar's parliament on April 3 of this year, cementing his grip on power. The formality came on the heels of a controversial junta-organized parliamentary election that saw Myanmar's military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) run virtually unopposed. Speaking at his inauguration, Hlaing vowed that stability and reconciliation would be his top priorities. The rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) claims that more than 30,000 people have been jailed on political charges since Hlaing organized the coup that brought him to power in 2021. 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/myanmar-prisoner-release-4335-amnesty-min-aung-hlaing-1837118

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Trump Says Iran Ready To Hand Over Its Uranium; Hints At Possible Pakistan Visit If Deal Reached

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium stockpile, indicating that a potential agreement between the two countries may be close. "They've agreed to give us back the nuclear dust," Trump told reporters at the White House, using his name for the enriched uranium stockpile that the United States says could be used to build nuclear weapons. "There's a very good chance we're going to make a deal," he added. <h3>Trump Says 'Very Successful Negotiation' Underway</h3> Trump described the ongoing engagement between Washington and Tehran as productive, suggesting that both sides are nearing an agreement. "I think we have a very successful negotiation going on right now," he said. "If it happens, it'll be announced fairly soon, and that'll give us free oil, free Hormuz Strait, everything will be nice. And I think your oil price will go down to lower than what it was before." He also noted that fuel prices have already started easing amid diplomatic progress. "Well, they're not very high, if you look at what they were supposed to be, in order to get rid of a nuclear weapon with the danger that entails. So the gas prices have come down very much over the last three, four days," he said. <h3>Trump Hints At Pakistan Visit</h3> The US President indicated that he may travel to Pakistan if a deal is finalised there, pointing to Islamabad’s possible involvement in the talks. "I would go to Pakistan, yeah," Trump told reporters at the White House while en route to Las Vegas, Nevada. "If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go. They want me to go," he told the reporters. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Donald Trump says, "I would go to Pakistan, yeah. Pakistan has been great...If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go. The Field Marshal has been great. The Prime Minister has been really great in Pakistan. I might go. They want me" (Source: The White… <a href="https://t.co/qSxYTclrEg">pic.twitter.com/qSxYTclrEg</a> — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2044947919443579035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Trump also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran, calling its involvement helpful. He said Pakistani intermediaries in the negotiations over the conflict "have been so great."  Addressing domestic economic concerns, Trump said his administration is working to bring inflation under control. "I inherited the highest prices in the history of our country, the worst inflation in the history of our country. I'll get it down to a very low number and it's still low." The remarks come amid increased diplomatic engagement surrounding the Iran issue. Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran, signalling renewed efforts to revive stalled negotiations. Munir, who arrived in Tehran earlier, was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The visit is aimed at setting the stage for a possible second round of talks after earlier discussions failed to yield results. Key issues remain unresolved, including how long Iran would pause uranium enrichment and what happens to its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Munir is also expected to travel to Washington as part of Pakistan’s broader mediation push, according to reports.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-talks-trump-says-iran-ready-to-hand-over-its-uranium-hints-at-possible-pakistan-visit-if-deal-reached-1836980

Drones, AI And Robots: How Is US Clearing Mines From Strait Of Hormuz?

As the United States has started clearing naval mines from the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after announcing the blockade, it is turning to advanced technologies, including drones, robotic systems, and helicopters, to reduce risks to personnel. Despite these innovations, mine-clearing crews remain exposed to potential Iranian attacks. The operation is part of broader efforts to restore secure shipping routes after disruptions linked to recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, which significantly impacted global energy supplies. While modern tools allow remote detection and neutralization of mines, experts caution that clearing a major waterway like the Strait of Hormuz will be a slow and complex process. The US military confirmed it has already initiated operations, deploying warships through the strait and planning to add underwater drones in the coming days, though details remain limited, Reuters reported. Iran is believed to have deployed around a dozen mines in the area, though their exact locations are unknown. Even limited mining can have outsized effects. As retired British Rear Admiral Jon Pentreath notes, “the mere threat of a minefield is enough to halt commercial shipping.” Also Read: <a title="'This Will Be My 10th War Solved': Donald Trump Announces Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire" href="https://ift.tt/aUeilr9" target="_self">'This Will Be My 10th War Solved': Donald Trump Announces Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire</a> <h2 data-section-id="1825fn7" data-start="1394" data-end="1453">From Traditional Minesweepers to Autonomous Systems</h2> Historically, the US Navy relied on manned minesweeping ships that entered minefields directly, using sonar and mechanical systems—often supported by divers—to locate and clear explosives. Much of this aging fleet has now been retired. In its place, the Navy is deploying lighter, more advanced vessels such as littoral combat ships equipped with semi-autonomous surface and underwater drones, as well as remotely operated robots. These systems allow crews to operate at a safer distance while maintaining effectiveness. Current US mine-clearing assets in the region include unmanned underwater vehicles, helicopters, divers, and some legacy vessels. However, overall capacity remains limited and partially constrained by maintenance cycles. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9AhBAqIex38?si=2AuISrfQ3w8r_3Jv" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2 data-section-id="nuh8yq" data-start="2204" data-end="2248">Varied Threats and Complex Detection</h2> Iran is thought to possess multiple types of maritime mines, including seabed “bottom” mines, tethered mines floating below the surface, drifting mines, and limpet mines that attach directly to ships. To counter these threats, US forces are likely using unmanned vehicles equipped with sonar and sensors to scan for mine-like objects. Once detected, data is relayed to operators outside the danger zone for identification and decision-making. Mines can then be neutralized using remotely operated devices such as the torpedo-shaped “Archerfish,” which carries an explosive charge and transmits live video. Helicopters may also assist in spotting near-surface mines, while unmanned boats can tow equipment designed to trigger or collect explosive devices. <h2 data-section-id="2o8xl0" data-start="3010" data-end="3044">A Slow and Risky Operation</h2> Despite technological advances, mine clearance remains time-intensive. Experts estimate that securing the strait could take several weeks, with ongoing risks of further Iranian deployments or direct attacks on clearing crews. “Finding and destroying mines is very time consuming,” said US Admiral Daryl Caudle, highlighting the vulnerability of such operations. To mitigate these risks, the US is expected to deploy defensive assets, including warships and aerial drones, to protect personnel and equipment. <h2 data-section-id="12lsf8x" data-start="3561" data-end="3591">Future of Mine Warfare</h2> New technologies aim to accelerate mine detection and removal. Innovations in sonar now allow multi-angle scanning in a single pass, while artificial intelligence is improving onboard data analysis for unmanned systems. The long-term goal is to develop fully autonomous systems capable of detecting, identifying, and destroying mines without human intervention. While that capability does not yet exist, it represents a key focus for naval forces worldwide.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-trump-administration-clearing-mines-from-strait-of-hormuz-after-announcing-blockade-us-iran-peace-talks-failed-in-pakistan-fresh-round-soon-1836977