US Intercepts Iranian Missiles Targeting Kuwait, Bahrain; Launches Strike On Qeshm Island

<p>The US military said on Tuesday that it had successfully thwarted a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks directed at neighbouring countries in the region, while also carrying out what it described as self-defence strikes on Iran&rsquo;s Qeshm Island.</p> <p>According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles towards regional states, but none reached their intended targets.</p> <p>&ldquo;Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbours; however, all failed to hit their intended targets,&rdquo; CENTCOM said in a statement.</p> <h2>US and Regional Air Defences Intercept Missiles</h2> <p>The US military said two Iranian missiles fired towards Kuwait either fell short of their targets or broke apart during flight.</p> <p>CENTCOM also said that three missiles launched at Bahrain were intercepted immediately by US and Bahraini air defence systems before they could cause damage.</p> <p>Meanwhile, explosions were reportedly heard across Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain and Erbil on Wednesday, underscoring growing tensions across the region.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/7lXFcih" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'You're F***ing Crazy...': Trump Rebukes Netanyahu In Heated Phone Call Over Lebanon Bombing</a></strong></p> <h2>IRGC Claims Responsibility for Missile Strikes</h2> <p>Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later claimed responsibility for missile strikes that it said targeted American military bases in Kuwait.</p> <p>In a statement, the IRGC said the operation was carried out in response to what it described as a US attack on Iran&rsquo;s Qeshm Island.</p> <p>The Iranian force said its Aerospace Force launched what it called &ldquo;precise and concentrated missile attacks&rdquo; against US military facilities in Kuwait.</p> <h2>Iran Issues Warning to United States</h2> <p>The IRGC described the strikes as retaliation for what it characterised as an assault on Iran&rsquo;s sovereignty.</p> <p>&ldquo;In response to the provocation and blatant aggression of American terrorist forces targeting the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the beloved island of Qeshm, the Air and Space Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, by the grace and support of Allah and in line with its commitment to protect the homeland, subjected the military bases of American occupiers in Kuwait to precise and concentrated missile attacks, resulting in the successful destruction of their targets and the ignition of the aggressors' trenches,&rdquo; the IRGC said.</p> <p>The statement also contained a warning directed at Washington and countries that allow their territory or airspace to be used against Iran.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/9qlsFN8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marco Rubio Hints At Ending Russian Oil Waiver That Allowed India&rsquo;s Purchases</a></strong></p> <h2>&lsquo;Hit and Run&rsquo; Era Has Ended, Says IRGC</h2> <p>The IRGC said any future action that violates Iran&rsquo;s borders or sovereignty would trigger a severe response.</p> <p>&ldquo;Any new stupidity, further aggression, or any action that violates even a single inch of our borders and sovereignty will be met with a devastating, crushing, and decisive response that goes beyond all laws and established boundaries,&rdquo; the statement said.</p> <p>The Iranian force further warned that it would not hesitate to target what it described as the interests and headquarters of aggressors across the region, adding that the era of &ldquo;hit and run&rdquo; operations had ended and that those responsible would face the consequences of their actions.</p>

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WH Correspondents' Association dinner on July 24; Trump to attend

<p>Washington, Jun 2 (PTI): The White House Correspondents' Association dinner, which had to be put off due to an assassination attempt against President Donald Trump, will now be held on July 24.</p><p>The White House Correspondents' Association President Weijia Jiang made the announcement on Tuesday.</p><p>Trump announced on Truth Social that the dinner will be hosted at The Waldorf Astoria, which was built by him. “We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word, especially during a year when we are reflecting on America 250 and everything we stand for,” Weijia said in a post on X.</p><p>President Trump, First Lady Melania, Vice President J D Vance and a host of cabinet ministers had to be evacuated from the Washington Hilton on April 25 after an armed man opened fire in the hotel as the dinner got underway.</p><p>“In a sign of Strength and Fortitude, it was just announced that The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which violently ended rather abruptly on April 25th, will be rescheduled to July 24th,” Trump said.</p><p>“This announcement is a very good thing in that we cannot allow Lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling,” the US President said.</p><p>Trump said he has accepted the invitation to speak at the event.</p><p>“I don’t know whether or not I will give the same rather nasty statements, at least as it concerns certain people, but we will soon find out. In any event, it will be a “HOT” ticket! Interestingly, the location will be The Waldorf Astoria, on Pennsylvania Avenue, a Building and Ballroom that I built,” Trump said. PTI SKU AMS</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>

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Marco Rubio Hints At Ending Russian Oil Waiver That Allowed India’s Purchases

<p>The United States is looking to end the waiver that allowed countries, including India, to purchase Russian oil, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday.</p> <p>India was among the key beneficiaries of the waiver, which enabled New Delhi to resume Russian oil imports amid disruptions in global energy supply.</p> <h2><strong>Rubio Says Waiver Was &lsquo;Time-Limited&rsquo;</strong></h2> <p>Appearing before a US Congress hearing, Rubio said the waiver was introduced as a temporary measure to ease supply disruptions caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.</p> <p>&ldquo;We would like to end it as soon as we possibly can because the underlying policy of this country has been to sanction their oil. These are time-limited waivers for the purpose of opening up more global supply,&rdquo; Rubio told the Committee.</p> <p>The US first announced the waiver in March. Since then, it has been extended twice, with the latest extension due to expire on June 17.</p> <h2><strong>Treasury Department To Take Final Call</strong></h2> <p>During the hearing, Democrat ranking member Jeanne Shaheen questioned Rubio about the future of the waiver.</p> <p>Rubio said the final decision on whether to end the waiver would be taken by the US Treasury Department.</p> <p>Shaheen also sought clarity on whether the waiver would be extended again, arguing that the measure had benefited Russia despite Washington&rsquo;s position on sanctions.</p> <p>When the waiver was initially introduced, the US had said sanctions on seaborne Russian oil would be eased temporarily and maintained that the arrangement would not financially benefit Moscow.</p> <h2><strong>Global Oil Supply Concerns Continue</strong></h2> <p>Rubio said the waiver remained necessary due to continued volatility in global oil prices.</p> <p>&ldquo;The problem we're facing, too, is there's a contagion potential, and that is that at some point we can do strategic reserves, we can do some of the other things that we've done to alleviate global supply, but at some point you have to ensure -- this is not so much for us,&rdquo; he told the Senate Foreign Policy Committee.</p> <p>The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial global energy route, handling nearly 20 per cent of the world&rsquo;s oil and gas supply and around 40 per cent of South Asia&rsquo;s energy flows.</p> <h2><strong>India&rsquo;s Russian Oil Purchases Had Earlier Drawn US Criticism</strong></h2> <p>India had earlier faced pressure from the US to reduce purchases of Russian oil after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff, accusing India of &ldquo;fuelling Putin's war in Ukraine&rdquo;.</p> <p>Trump had also repeatedly claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had &ldquo;assured him&rdquo; India would stop buying Russian oil.</p> <p>While there was no official comment from the Indian side on the claim, the commitment was later reflected in a bilateral trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington.</p> <p>A White House fact sheet had stated, &ldquo;President Trump agreed to remove the additional 25% tariff on imports from India in recognition of India&rsquo;s commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, the President signed an Executive Order last Friday removing that additional 25% tariff.&rdquo;</p> <h2><strong>Shift Towards Venezuelan Oil</strong></h2> <p>As part of efforts to reduce India&rsquo;s dependence on Russian oil, the US pushed New Delhi towards Venezuelan crude supplies, particularly after the American military raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.</p> <p>However, the outbreak of conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran on February 28 disrupted energy supply routes after Tehran blocked the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p>The disruption affected India&rsquo;s Gulf oil route and prompted Washington to temporarily allow the resumption of Russian oil purchases through the waiver mechanism.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/denmark-pm-mette-frederiksen-secures-third-term-after-forming-new-coalition-govt-1847587">Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen Secures Third Term After Forming New Coalition Govt</a></strong></p> <p>The US, however, has continued to advocate for Venezuelan oil supplies, a push that is expected to gain momentum with interim president Delcy Rodriguez&rsquo;s visit this week.</p> <p><a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israel-hezbollah-fighting-trump-claims-all-shooting-will-stop-as-iran-threatens-to-suspend-talks-with-us-1847548">ALSO READ: Israel, Hezbollah Agree To Halt Attacks, Claims Trump As Iran Suspends Talks With US</a></p>

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Gurudwara in South Africa lauded for vehicle donation to school for indigent local children

<p>Johannesburg, Jun 2 (PTI): The Gurudwara Sahib of Johannesburg (GSJ) has been lauded by South African and African continental leaders after its members donated a mini-bus to safely transport indigent local children to and from school.</p><p>“A vehicle may seem like a small donation, but for the children it represents access to opportunity and independence,” said GSJ trustee Harbinder Singh Sethi at the handover ceremony at the Gurudwara on Sunday.</p><p>“The GSG management and sangat purchased this mini-bus as a gift to the Look Forward Creativity Centre, which has been running this school for almost two decades now, with many of the children finding a better life there than where they had been living on the streets. It has been our privilege to support the activities at the Centre for the past 15 years now,” Sethi added.</p><p>“The true owners of this bus are these beautiful children. May Wahe Guruji protect every child who rides in this bus and bless it to carry them to brighter and safe futures,” Sethi said.</p><p>Some of the traditional leaders and Kings from across Africa who had gathered in Johannesburg to discuss the future of their nations took time out to attend the handover.</p><p>Zolani Mkiva, Secretary General of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa, said Sethi has been leading a team that represents true values of humanity that are always there to touch the lives of the people in a way that contributes to their betterment.</p><p>“We coexist as a diverse community of South Africans and every time I come here, I am so humbled not just with the gestures that you do but with the tangible contributions that you are making into the development of our country. This is an investment in the future of our country- the education of the children who are the future of our country,” Mkiva said.</p><p>Ketia Bikouta, board secretary for the Look Forward Creativity Centre, presented a special citation to GSJ chairperson Pamela Kaur Sethi.</p><p>“The (Sikh) community has been a longtime donor, one of our most consistent donors that give every single month. This is something that we cannot say thank you enough for,” Bikouta said. PTI SH MNK MNK</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>

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Nepal Parliament Disrupted Over PM Shah’s Border Remarks, Opposition Demands Apology

<p><strong>Kathmandu:</strong> Proceedings in both houses of Nepal's Parliament were disrupted on Monday as lawmakers protested against Prime Minister Balendra Shah's recent remarks on the border-related issue.</p> <p>Members of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly of Nepal staged demonstrations, demanding an apology from Shah and the removal of his remarks from the parliamentary records.</p> <p>Opposition parties, who had obstructed the session in the House of Representatives, continued their protest on Monday, insisting that the Prime Minister retract his statement.</p> <p>Gyan Bahadur Shahi, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party in the House of Representatives, said any remarks made by the Prime Minister should be based on facts.</p> <p>"When a Prime Minister makes any statement or claim, then it becomes the official announcement; the international community perceives it as the official view; the public accepts it as the ultimate truth. Any statement given by the Prime Minister should be based on the facts, evidence and reality. A nation can never moves ahead based on projections but on the facts and figures; emotions might draw applause, but it is the facts that win the trust."</p> <p>Shahi said the House Speaker should remove the Prime Minister's remarks.</p> <p>The protest extended to the National Assembly, where lawmakers also objected to the statement. Ranjit Karna, member of the National Assembly, said if the Prime Minister cannot give the evidence about his remarks, he should apologise to people.</p> <p>"I want to send a request to the government via the Chairman of the (upper) house about the places where Nepal has encroached on the land of our neighbour India within 24 hours. If he (the Prime Minister) cannot give the evidence about it, then he should apologise to the public, and I also demand the formation of the investigation committee to look into the scenario where the Prime Minister got to make such a statement from the National Assembly."</p> <p>Other MPs, including Rajendra Lakshmi Gaire, Ram Kumari Jhakri, and Tula Prasad Bishwakarma, demanded an official clarification from the government.</p> <p>Lawmakers stood in protest, effectively halting the assembly's proceedings.</p> <p>The controversy stems from Prime Minister Shah's statement on Sunday which drew immediate protests from opposition lawmakers, who called the claims baseless and demanded evidence.</p> <p>In response, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a clarification.</p> <p>Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri said the Prime Minister's comments refer to issues "related to boundary pillars, no-man's land (dashgaja), and cross-border land usage".</p> <p>He explained that, based on technical studies, there are areas where land currently used by Nepal may fall on the Indian side, and vice versa.</p> <p>Reaffirming Nepal's position, the ministry said the government remains committed to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue based on historical treaties, maps and agreements.</p> <p>India's Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal last month responded to media queries regarding comments made by the Foreign Ministry of Nepal on the border issue in the context of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and said India's position in this regard had been consistent and clear.</p> <p>"Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954, and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development," he said.</p> <p>Jaiswal further said that with regard to territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.</p> <p>"Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable," he added.</p> <p>Jasiwal stated that India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues of the bilateral ties.</p> <p>"India remains open to a constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship, including on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy," it added.&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)</strong></em></p>

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Breaking: Iran Denies President's Resignation Reports

<p data-start="0" data-end="360">Amid heightened tensions following the conflict between the United States and Iran, attention has shifted to political developments within Iran. Reports circulating in some Iranian media outlets claimed that Iranian President <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Masoud Pezeshkian</span></span> had resigned from his position. However, the Iranian government has firmly denied these reports. Elias Hazrati, head of Iran&rsquo;s Information Council, rejected the resignation claims and described them as misinformation spread by individuals seeking to undermine national unity. According to him, certain groups are attempting to create confusion and instability by circulating false rumors. To counter the speculation, the Iranian President&rsquo;s Office released a video message featuring President Pezeshkian. In the video, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the country and stated that he would continue on the current path with determination and strength for as long as he is able. He also expressed support for Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Ali Khamenei</span></span>, emphasizing loyalty to the nation&rsquo;s leadership and honoring those who have sacrificed for the country.</p>

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Trump Pushes For Revisions To Proposed Iran Deal Amid Ongoing Nuclear Dispute: Report

<p>US President Donald Trump has requested further revisions to a proposed agreement with Iran aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and advancing negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme, CBS News reported.</p> <p>The latest development indicates that key differences remain unresolved despite months of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BcHqz4gtoYU?si=bTTJcL6NMe5J7gC9" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h3>Trump Seeks Stronger Terms</h3> <p>According to US media reports, the latest draft agreement includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities, provisions related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a framework for renewed discussions on Iran's nuclear activities.</p> <p>However, no formal agreement has been announced.</p> <p>A high-level meeting chaired by Trump in the White House Situation Room on Friday ended without a final decision, despite earlier indications that a breakthrough could be imminent.</p> <p>Speaking to Fox News, Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remained a non-negotiable condition.</p> <p>"The one guarantee that I have to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons," he said.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/myanmar-ammo-depot-blast-kills-50-over-100-houses-damaged-1847316">Myanmar Ammo Depot Blast Kills 50; Over 100 Houses Damaged</a></strong></p> <p>Trump also indicated that he was not rushing to conclude negotiations, while reports suggested he had sought multiple changes to the draft agreement during and after Friday's discussions.</p> <p>A White House official echoed that position, saying, "President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines."</p> <h3>Key Issues Under Negotiation</h3> <p>According to CBS News, the proposed framework addresses several contentious issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.</p> <p>If finalised, the agreement could potentially lead to the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets through sanctions relief.</p> <p>The framework has previously been described as a memorandum of understanding pending formal approval by both governments.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-florida-judge-scrutinise-trump-10-billion-irs-lawsuit-settlement-amid-allegations-of-fraud-and-collusion-1847180/amp">US Judge To Scrutinise Trump&rsquo;s $10 Billion IRS Settlement Amid Allegations Of Fraud And Collusion</a></strong></p> <h3>Iran Remains Cautious</h3> <p>Iranian officials have continued to stress that any agreement must safeguard the country's interests and sovereign rights.</p> <p>Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reportedly said Tehran would reject any arrangement lacking adequate guarantees.</p> <p>Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also urged caution regarding reports of an imminent breakthrough.</p> <p>"Until a conclusion is reached... everything that is being said now is speculation," he said.</p> <p>Iranian media reported that negotiations remain active, with both sides continuing to exchange proposed amendments to the draft text.</p> <p>Tehran has also reportedly demanded the unfreezing of financial assets before broader nuclear discussions move forward.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-deal-trump-says-close-to-very-good-deal-warns-of-military-action-if-talks-fail-nuclear-programme-hormuz-1847186">Trump Says US-Iran Close To 'Very Good Deal', Warns Of Military Action If Talks Fail</a></strong></p> <h3>Military Warning Amid Diplomatic Efforts</h3> <p>The negotiations come after months of conflict followed by a tentative ceasefire that began on April 8.</p> <p>Although Trump has repeatedly suggested that an agreement could be close, a final settlement has yet to emerge.</p> <p>Adding pressure to the talks, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that military operations could resume if negotiations fail to meet Washington's objectives.</p> <p>"Our stockpiles are more than suited for that," Hegseth said during remarks in Singapore.</p> <p>The latest round of revisions underscores the continuing disagreements between Washington and Tehran over critical elements of the proposed framework, leaving the future of the agreement uncertain despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.</p>

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