Andrew Tate, Brother Tristan Arrested In US Over Fresh Rape, Trafficking Charges In UK

<p>Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate have been arrested in the United States after British authorities announced fresh criminal charges against them and initiated extradition proceedings.</p> <p>The UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Andrew Tate faces seven additional counts of rape, along with further charges linked to alleged offences including sex trafficking and child pornography, the BBC reported.</p> <p>Tristan Tate has been charged with one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape, and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.</p> <h3>Fresh Charges Add To Existing Case</h3> <p>According to the CPS, the alleged offences took place between July 2010 and August 2017.</p> <p>"These charging decisions followed receipt of a further file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police and bring the total number of alleged victims in this case to seven," Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Special Crime Division at the CPS, said.</p> <p>The Tate brothers have previously denied all allegations against them.</p> <h3>US Confirms Arrests</h3> <p>The US Marshals Service confirmed that Andrew and Tristan Tate had been taken into custody, the BBC report said.</p> <p>A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice said the arrests were made "pursuant to extradition proceedings".</p> <p>The CPS said prosecutors would seek the brothers' extradition to the United Kingdom to face the new charges.</p> <h3>Earlier Charges Against Tate Remain</h3> <p>The latest charges come in addition to an existing criminal case.</p> <p>In May 2025, prosecutors confirmed that Andrew Tate, 39, and Tristan Tate, 37, would face 21 charges in the UK. Those alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2012 and 2016.</p> <p>The fresh charges increase both the number of alleged offences and the number of complainants in the case, which continues to expand as British authorities pursue extradition proceedings.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/andrew-tate-brother-tristan-arrested-in-us-fresh-rape-trafficking-charges-uk-extradition-request-1857261

Germany To Tighten Grip On Tax Fraud, Eyes €1 Billion Extra Revenue In 2027

<p>The 2027 federal budget proposal, with its estimated revenues and expenditures, is alarming. With projected expenditures of around &euro;555 billion ($634 billion), Germany will have to take on approximately &euro;200 billion in new debt next year.</p> <p>No wonder the federal government is thinking hard about ways to boost revenue. It quickly zoomed in on the billions the government loses each year due to financial crimes. While there are no official figures, experts estimate the loss at between &euro;100 and &euro;200 billion per year.</p> <p>Even if only a small portion of that could be recovered through more effective auditing and stiffer penalties, it would still be a big help to Germany's federal government, federal states and municipalities, whose budgets are funded almost exclusively by tax revenue.</p> <h2>Police, Tax Investigators And Customs Authorities To Work Together</h2> <p>"The majority of citizens in this country pay their taxes, and they do so without question, without fail and without making a fuss," said Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig in Berlin. "But there are also those who conceal their income from the tax authorities."</p> <p>This ranges from illegal employment to offshore tax shelters, shell companies and slush funds, all the way to many other deceptive practices.</p> <p>Together with Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, Hubig has developed a 26-point action plan aimed at better combating tax fraud and money laundering. She also announced plans to establish a "Joint Center Against Tax and Financial Crime" within the Customs Department. A total of 1,500 new posts are planned in order to consolidate investigations, analysis and prosecution of money laundering and tax crimes.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:e3c15f9d-4aa2-4179-9846-5119092712a4-14" 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-WEB:e3c15f9d-4aa2-4179-9846-5119092712a4-14" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:e3c15f9d-4aa2-4179-9846-5119092712a4-14" data-testid="conversation-turn-30" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-15 [--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="9cc13e29-3c42-47cf-b0c5-8d3fa907d090" 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"> <h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="0" data-end="55">Tax Evaders 'Cannot Be Allowed To Get Away With It'</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>"A key component of the center will be a new data analysis center," said Klingbeil. "Artificial intelligence will help sift through large amounts of data, decipher complex corporate structures and better identify front men."</p> <p>Tax investigators from the federal states, the Federal Criminal Police Office and financial investigators from the Customs Department aim to collaborate more closely on major cases.</p> <p>"No one should be able to rest assured that they won't be caught," said Klingbeil. "We cannot let honest people be the ones who lose out while tax evaders line their pockets with illegal tricks &mdash; they cannot be allowed to get away with it."</p> <p>But that's exactly what has been happening in Germany for a long time. Take, for example, what became known as the Cum-Ex scandal. For more than 10 years, the government allowed capital gains taxes on stock dividends &mdash; which had been paid only once or not at all &mdash; to be refunded multiple times. It wasn't until 2011 that the scandal led to numerous investigations, court proceedings and political debates about the responsibility of banks, investors and regulatory authorities.</p> <h2>Could Tax Evaders Simply Pay Back Taxes?</h2> <p>Another frequently debated topic is the option of voluntarily reporting tax evasion in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Germany has allowed this practice since 1919.</p> <p>The idea behind it has been to encourage taxpayers to voluntarily disclose previously hidden income so that the government can collect the back taxes owed. This arrangement became hugely important starting in 2008, as authorities began uncovering an increasing number of Germans who had been maintaining anonymous bank accounts abroad to hide assets from taxation.</p> <p>In 2011 and 2012 alone, there were around 30,000 voluntary disclosures after German tax authorities acquired several "tax CDs" with data on German clients at Swiss banks. Those who feared being caught chose to go to the tax office themselves, disclose their accounts and pay the outstanding taxes. Voluntary disclosure with immunity from prosecution has always been a thorn in the side of the center-left Social Democratic Party.</p> <p>"Criminals should no longer be able to buy their way out of trouble that easily," said Klingbeil.</p> <h2>Plans To Seize Porsches, Rolexes</h2> <p>Together with Hubig, Klingbeil is also pushing for harsher penalties. The maximum sentence for organized crime involving tax fraud is set to increase from 10 to 15 years in prison. Additionally, serious tax fraud will be reclassified to carry a minimum sentence of one year in prison.</p> <p>Klingbeil and Hubig's action plan also provides for more opportunities to seize assets obtained through dubious means. Previously, such seizures were only possible after evidence of a specific crime, such as money laundering, was found and a criminal conviction was handed down.</p> <p>In the future, customs authorities will be able to seize assets for 180 days. "The Porsche and the Rolex will be gone for the time being. That will really hit offenders hard," said Klingbeil.</p> <p>Those affected would then have to prove that they acquired the assets legally.</p> <h2>Cryptocurrency Deals Under Scrutiny</h2> <p>New regulations will also be introduced for the purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies. Currently, they are tax-exempt provided that more than one year elapses between acquisition and sale. That is set to change.</p> <p>"We will also introduce blockchain analyses," said Klingbeil. "Tax crime in the digital realm is increasingly eluding traditional investigative methods, and we must respond to that."</p> <p>But the government also intends to take a closer look at the traditional business world as well &mdash; especially where large amounts of cash change hands over the counter. Starting in 2028, anyone with annual sales exceeding &euro;100,000 will be required to use a cash register. Jewelry and antique dealers, for example, would be affected by this.</p> <h2>&euro;1 Billion In Additional Revenue Projected For 2027</h2> <p>The action plan will now be turned into legislation as quickly as possible. Initial findings should be out in August.</p> <p>In his budget plan for 2027, Klingbeil has already factored in new revenue. He has estimated an additional &euro;1 billion ($1.1 billion) from the fight against tax crime, but expects the total to be much higher.</p> <p>The nongovernmental organization Finanzwende has welcomed the new plans, applauding the effort to more seriously and vigorously fight tax fraud. Now, it added in a press release, these plans must be followed by action.</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></em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/germany-to-tighten-grip-on-tax-fraud-eyes-1-billion-extra-revenue-in-2027-1857251

Iran's Supreme Leader Accuses US Of Repeatedly Breaching MOU, Says Trump's Signature 'Worthless'

<div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="a65b4de4-e525-467f-9cbc-b224a5fd5d14" data-is-intersecting="true">Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday accused the United States of repeatedly violating the memorandum of understanding signed by the presidents of Iran and the US, saying the alleged breaches had proved that President Donald Trump's signature was "utterly worthless and devoid of credibility".</div> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The repeated breaches of the agreement by the Great Satan [the US] regarding the MOU signed by the Presidents of Iran and the US have once again laid bare a fundamental truth: the signature of the US President is utterly worthless and devoid of credibility.</p> &mdash; Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (@MKhamenei_ir) <a href="https://ift.tt/WHdqgCS 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/hvwil0F" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:e3c15f9d-4aa2-4179-9846-5119092712a4-7" 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-WEB:e3c15f9d-4aa2-4179-9846-5119092712a4-7" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:e3c15f9d-4aa2-4179-9846-5119092712a4-7" data-testid="conversation-turn-16" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-15 [--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="46e9334f-4ca9-49fb-8f59-9c994bc8f82b" 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 data-start="313" data-end="505">His remarks came after Washington and Tehran exchanged strikes following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement last week, fuelling fears that the conflict could escalate into a full-scale war.</p> <p data-start="313" data-end="505"><em><strong>Also Read: <a title="Snake, Life Insurance: How Meerut Woman Plotted Husband's Murder With Her Lover" href="https://ift.tt/e9vgRCn" target="_self">Snake, Life Insurance: How Meerut Woman Plotted Husband's Murder With Her Lover</a></strong></em></p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:e3c15f9d-4aa2-4179-9846-5119092712a4-11" 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-WEB:e3c15f9d-4aa2-4179-9846-5119092712a4-11" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:e3c15f9d-4aa2-4179-9846-5119092712a4-11" data-testid="conversation-turn-24" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-15 [--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="1508efd3-a64d-4c58-afc3-5b399efb8d0a" 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="92" data-end="332">Khamenei accused the US of escalating tensions and warning that Iran and the "Resistance Front" have "unforgettable lessons" in store for Washington.</p> <h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="92" data-end="332">Khamenei Calls Adversaries 'Bewildered, Enraged'</h2> <p data-start="334" data-end="655">In a statement addressed to the Iranian nation, Khamenei praised the public's turnout at the funeral of Iran's slain leader, saying the unprecedented display of unity had demonstrated the country's "Islamic-Iranian identity" and left Iran's allies inspired while its adversaries were "bewildered, enraged and frightened".</p> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q1DLY0vx3mI?si=1umzbHMAw2YIizq3" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p data-start="657" data-end="804">Khamenei described the United States as the "Great Satan", alleging that coercion, authoritarianism and brutality were embedded in American policy.</p> <p data-start="806" data-end="1062">"Today, the Great Satan has once again revealed its true, unmasked face," he said, claiming that recent events had become "yet another indisputable testament" to what he described as the US's "dishonesty, irrationality, unreliability and malicious nature".</p> <h2 data-start="806" data-end="1062">'America Seeking To Escalate Conflict'</h2> <p data-start="1064" data-end="1158">He further accused Washington of seeking to intensify the conflict despite the costs involved.</p> <p data-start="1160" data-end="1417">"Now that the American enemy is seeking to escalate the conflict, thereby incurring even heavier costs and further humiliation, it should know that the noble nation of Iran and the Resistance Front have unforgettable lessons in store for it," Khamenei said.</p> <p data-start="1419" data-end="1598">The Iranian leader also hailed what he called the "valour of the Islamic fighters" and the "honour of the courageous people in the southern regions" as examples of Iran's resolve.</p> <p data-start="1419" data-end="1598"><em><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/science/pm-modi-s-handwritten-postcard-vande-matram-reaches-space-gold-rocket-lotus-diamond-skyroot-s-vikram-1-1857244">PM Modi's Postcard Reaches Space: What Else Did Skyroot's Vikram-1 Carry?</a></strong></em></p> <p data-start="1600" data-end="1813">Calling for national unity, Khamenei urged both the public and government officials to preserve Iran's "dignity and independence", particularly in the face of what he described as the "criminal, cunning US enemy".</p> <p data-start="1815" data-end="2005" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement and the recent exchange of military strikes between the two countries.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <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" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="pointer-events-none -mt-px h-px translate-y-(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom)" aria-hidden="true">&nbsp;</div>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-accuses-us-of-repeatedly-breaching-mou-donald-trump-s-signature-worthless-1857249

UN human rights agency voices concern over 'wave of unrest' in PoK

<p> United Nations, Jul 17 (PTI): The United Nations human rights agency on Friday voiced concern over the “wave of unrest” in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, calling for investigations into killings of protesters as well as members of security forces.</p><p> UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk appealed for calm in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid a wave of unrest ahead of regional elections at the end of the month, a statement issued in Geneva said.</p><p> It added that dozens of people, mostly protesters but also law enforcement personnel, have reportedly been killed since June ahead of the vote for the legislative assembly on July 27.</p><p> The High Commissioner called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths that have occurred due to the unrest, both amongst protesters and members of security forces.</p><p> The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) - a movement behind the protests comprising traders, transporters, students, lawyers, activists and others – has been banned under anti-terrorism laws for allegedly threatening public order and security.</p><p> Some of the group’s leaders have subsequently been arrested. The criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, the statement said.</p><p> Detained JAAC leaders must have access to legal representation and their families. Their rights to due process and fair trial must be fully guaranteed, Turk added.</p><p> Restrictions in the area on access to the internet are also concerning, as they disproportionately restrict the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression, including freedom to seek, receive and impart information at a time when tensions are running high.</p><p> “We urge the authorities to ensure full internet access throughout the territory,” the statement said, adding that Turk calls for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the underlying issues and grievances of the local population. PTI YAS GRS GRS GRS</p><p><i>(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.)</i></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/un-human-rights-agency-voices-concern-over-wave-of-unrest-in-pok-1857109

WATCH: US Destroys Key IRGC Surveillance Tower At Chahbahar Port; Iran Claims Strikes On American Assets

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="121" data-end="423">The United States said its forces destroyed a key maritime surveillance tower at Iran's ChahBahar Shahid Kalantari Port on July 16, claiming the facility formed part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) network used to monitor and target commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p data-start="425" data-end="703">According to the US, the surveillance tower had been used for decades by the IRGC to track shipping along Iran's Gulf of Oman coastline. Washington said its destruction would significantly reduce the IRGC's ability to coordinate attacks on commercial vessels and civilian crews.</p> <p data-start="705" data-end="930">The US also claimed the strike would help safeguard freedom of navigation in regional waters, while maintaining that vessels attempting to breach the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran would remain subject to enforcement.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">On July 16, U.S. forces successfully destroyed the Chah Bahar Shahid Kalantari Port surveillance tower, part of a maritime surveillance network along Iran&rsquo;s Gulf of Oman coastline used for decades by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to track and target commercial&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/CgBNvgOFf9">pic.twitter.com/CgBNvgOFf9</a></p> &mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://ift.tt/5meROWk 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <p> <script src="https://ift.tt/hvwil0F" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </p> <h2 data-section-id="2ixhet" data-start="932" data-end="968">IRGC Claims Strikes On US Assets</h2> <p data-start="970" data-end="1222">Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Friday that it had launched retaliatory attacks targeting US radar systems and military aircraft in Qatar, describing the operation as punishment for overnight US strikes on Iranian territory.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VBdNdUlMETM?si=aKkK6sVXp07HxQN8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p data-start="1224" data-end="1532">The IRGC also claimed it struck US military aircraft stationed in Jordan using ballistic missiles and drones. In a statement, it alleged that several US aerial refuelling aircraft and fighter jets had been destroyed, while others sustained significant damage. The claims have not been independently verified.</p> <p data-start="1534" data-end="1646">The Iranian force further called on Jordanians to target what it described as American interests in the country.</p> <h2 data-section-id="63jfqc" data-start="1648" data-end="1691">Kuwait Reports Damage To Power Facility</h2> <p data-start="1693" data-end="1876">Separately, Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said one of the country's power generation and water desalination stations was hit during the Iranian attacks.</p> <p data-start="1878" data-end="2100">The ministry said the strike caused damage to infrastructure, sparked a fire and disrupted several electricity generation units. It did not immediately provide details on casualties or the extent of the operational impact.</p> <p data-start="2102" data-end="2291" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">The latest developments mark a further escalation in the conflict, with both Washington and Tehran exchanging military action and accusations as tensions continue to rise across the region.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-america-destroys-key-irgc-surveillance-tower-at-chahbahar-porty-tehran-claims-strikes-on-american-assets-1857094

'Use Less Power': Iran Issues Advisory After US Causes Damage To Electricity Infrastructure

<p>Iran has acknowledged that its power infrastructure has come under attack amid the ongoing exchange of airstrikes with the United States, signalling that the conflict is increasingly affecting critical civilian infrastructure.</p> <p>The country's Energy Ministry has urged residents in southern provinces to reduce electricity consumption, citing a combination of extreme heat and damage to the power network.</p> <h2><strong>Energy Ministry Issues Power Conservation Appeal</strong></h2> <p>According to the ministry, southern regions are grappling with unusually high temperatures while also dealing with the impact of attacks on the electricity network.</p> <p>The ministry said the affected areas "are currently experiencing extreme heat and attacks on power infrastructure".</p> <p>It did not specify whether the strikes had damaged power plants, transmission lines or other components of the electricity system.</p> <p>The development comes after US President Donald Trump warned that the United States could target bridges and power plants as tensions with Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz escalated.</p> <h2><strong>Iran Says Electricity Grid Has Suffered Heavy Damage</strong></h2> <p>Separately, Mohammad Allah-Dad, Chief Executive of Iran's state-run Power Generation, Distribution, and Transmission Company (Tavanir), said the country's electricity grid has sustained significant damage following the recent attacks.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/watch-dashcam-video-camera-captures-deadly-china-landslide-as-buildings-crumble-8-dead-34-missing-1857088">WATCH: Camera Captures Deadly China Landslide As Buildings Crumble; 8 Dead, 34 Missing</a></strong></p> <p>According to Iran Wire, the national grid has lost around 4,200 megawatts of electricity generation capacity, while more than 2,000 locations across Iran's power infrastructure have been damaged.</p> <p>Allah-Dad said the financial losses to the electricity sector have exceeded 60 trillion tomans, which the company estimated at about US$1 billion at current free-market exchange rates.</p> <h2><strong>Grid Capacity Falls By 4,200 MW</strong></h2> <p>Speaking about the extent of the damage, Allah-Dad said parts of Iran's critical electricity infrastructure had suffered serious damage.</p> <p>He said technical assessments showed the grid's capacity had declined by around 4,200 megawatts and that damage to more than 2,000 locations had reduced the system's resilience while slowing restoration efforts during periods of peak electricity demand.</p> <p>He added that the combined impact of infrastructure damage, extreme summer temperatures and rising electricity consumption had placed heavy pressure on the national grid.</p> <h2><strong>Power Outages Reported Across Cities</strong></h2> <p>The latest assessment comes as residents in several Iranian cities have reported electricity outages lasting several hours during the peak summer season.</p> <p>The reported loss of 4,200 megawatts comes against the backdrop of years of recurring nationwide rolling blackouts.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/ministry-of-external-affairs-rejects-bullet-train-project-claims-by-former-japan-minister-1857082">MEA Hits Back At Former Japanese Minister Over Bullet Train Project Remarks</a></strong></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-electricity-infrastructure-strike-iran-issues-advisory-iran-energy-ministry-1857089

Trump Claims China Acquired 220 Million US Voter Files In 'Largest Data Breach' During 2020 Polls

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="597" data-end="876">US President Donald Trump on Thursday declassified intelligence that he said showed Chinese interference in US elections, alleging that Beijing obtained 220 million American voter files in what he described as "the largest compromise of election data in history."</p> <p data-start="878" data-end="1095">According to the White House, the alleged breach began during the 2020 election cycle and resulted in China's acquisition of voter records containing names, addresses and other information used for voter registration.</p> <p data-start="1097" data-end="1334">"This data loss presents an unprecedented election security nightmare," Trump said during a 25-minute address in which he sought to place election security back at the centre of the political debate ahead of November's midterm elections.</p> <p data-start="1097" data-end="1334"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p7EtJrpwyRc?si=pGSGl6kK_DT9ERtl" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h3 data-start="1336" data-end="1378"><span role="text">Trump Renews Election Security Push</span></h3> <p data-start="1380" data-end="1720">Trump used the speech to reiterate his calls for stricter election laws, urging fellow Republicans in Congress to pass legislation introducing new voter identification and citizenship requirements. He has long argued that tighter safeguards are needed, although longstanding findings have concluded that voter fraud in US elections is rare.</p> <p data-start="1722" data-end="1892">The president also alleged that members of the US intelligence community deliberately withheld information about the extent of China's activities involving US voter data.</p> <p data-start="1722" data-end="1892"><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-asks-houthis-to-prepare-red-sea-bab-el-mandeb-closure-if-us-hits-power-grid-us-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-1856900">Iran Asks Houthis To Prepare Red Sea Gateway Closure If US Hits Power Grid: Report</a></strong></p> <h3 data-start="1894" data-end="1950"><span role="text">Assessment Found No Evidence Of Vote Manipulation</span></h3> <p data-start="1952" data-end="2273">Trump's claims stand in contrast to an unclassified 2021 assessment by the US intelligence community, which found no indication that any foreign actor attempted or succeeded in altering "any technical aspect" of the 2020 presidential election, including voter registrations, ballots, vote tabulations or election results.</p> <p data-start="2275" data-end="2418">The assessment was conducted under John Ratcliffe, who served as Trump's director of national intelligence at the time and is now CIA director.</p> <p data-start="2420" data-end="2663">The cover page of the report states that its classified version was briefed to Trump, senior administration officials, congressional leaders and intelligence committees on January 7, 2021, shortly before the end of his first presidential term.</p> <h3 data-start="2665" data-end="2697"><span role="text">China Rejects Allegations</span></h3> <p data-start="2699" data-end="2826">Responding to Trump's claims, Liu Chang, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, denied any involvement by Beijing.</p> <p data-start="2828" data-end="2923">"China has never and will never interfere in the presidential elections of the U.S.," Liu said.</p> <p data-start="2975" data-end="3149">Ahead of Trump's address, some White House officials expressed concern that releasing the intelligence related to China could be misleading, Reuters reported, citing sources.</p> <p data-start="3151" data-end="3430">The renewed accusations against Beijing also come at a sensitive time in US-China relations, which had stabilised after last year's costly trade dispute. Trump is expected to seek a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in September to discuss improving bilateral trade ties.</p> <p data-start="3151" data-end="3430"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-iran-s-new-billboard-at-tehran-s-enghelab-square-showing-donald-trump-in-a-coffin-with-we-will-kill-trump-message-1856840">Trump In A Coffin, 'We Will Kill Trump': Iran's New Billboard At Tehran&rsquo;s Enghelab Square</a></strong></p> <h3 data-start="3432" data-end="3476"><span role="text">Election Claims Remain Under Scrutiny</span></h3> <p data-start="3478" data-end="3857">Trump has continued to question the integrity of US elections since his 2020 defeat to Democrat Joe Biden, repeatedly claiming the election was rigged.</p> <p data-start="3478" data-end="3857">He has also promoted claims that mail-in voting is vulnerable to fraud, voting machines are insecure and non-citizen voting is widespread, despite repeated findings to the contrary by election officials and independent reviews.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-claims-china-acquire-220-million-us-voter-files-largest-data-breach-2020-polls-declassified-intelligence-1856904