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Saturday, August 1, 2026

Iran Warns Neighbours Against Backing US, Says Region Faces 'Flames Of War'

<ul> <li>Tehran said any country acting as a shield for the US could be drawn into the war</li> <li>Donald Trump has threatened to hit Iran 'very hard,' with US reports pointing to possible strikes on energy infrastructure</li> <li>The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claim to have diverted eight Saudi oil tankers around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope</li> </ul> Read below for all the latest headlines on the Iran war on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026. Tired of missing our real-time updates? Click here to add us as a Preferred Source on Google. Then tap the "Star" or "Preferred" to keep DW News at the top of your feed. <hr /> <h2>Houthis claim Saudi oil shipments diverted</h2> Yemen's Houthi movement says eight Saudi oil tankers have been pushed off their usual routes as part of a newly declared blockade targeting the kingdom's energy exports. According to the Iran-backed group, the ships will now have to make the much longer journey around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope to reach Asian markets. Riyadh has not confirmed that any tankers were diverted. The Houthis announced the blockade last week, framing it as retaliation for what they describe as years of Saudi pressure on Houthi-held parts of Yemen. The group controls much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, after seizing territory in 2014 and setting off a war that drew in a Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognized government. A major concern for global shipping is the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the narrow passage between Yemen and the Horn of Africa that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Any serious disruption there would add to pressure on trade routes already affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis said they do not intend to levy transit charges on vessels using the strait. <h2>Iran warns regional states against helping US</h2> Iran's military has accused the United States of "escalating tensions" in the Middle East and warned regional neighbors against supporting Washington during the conflict. "The United States is rapidly moving down the path of escalating tensions in the region," Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran's military central command, said in a statement broadcast on state television on Saturday. "Any country serving as [a] defensive shield for criminal and aggressive America will be engulfed by the flames of war," he added. The warning came after US President Donald Trump again threatened to hit Iran "very hard." US media reported that Trump was considering renewed large-scale strikes as early as this weekend, potentially including attacks on energy infrastructure. Iran and the United States resumed exchanges of fire this week after several days of relative calm, although no strikes were reported overnight from Friday into Saturday. <hr /> <h2>Welcome to our coverage</h2> Welcome to DW's coverage of the situation in Iran and wider Middle East. After US President Donald Trump again threatened to hit Iran, the head of Iran's military central command accused Washington of "escalating tensions" in the region. Elsewhere, Yemen's Houthi movement says it has forced eight Saudi oil tankers away from their usual routes as part of a new blockade targeting the kingdom's energy exports. Stay tuned for more news and analysis. For our previous day coverage of the conflict and the wider Middle East on July 31, 2026, you can catch our blog here. 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/iran-warns-neighbours-against-backing-us-says-region-faces-flames-of-war-1859886

Political Unrest: Pakistan’s Youth-Led ‘Cockroach Party’ Challenges Shehbaz Sharif Government

Pakistan is witnessing growing political discontent as a youth-driven movement known as the "Cockroach Party Pakistan" gains attention on social media. According to the report, the group claims to be campaigning against corruption, economic hardship, and what it describes as authoritarian governance under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's administration. The movement, which reportedly launched its Instagram account in May this year, has attracted more than 112,000 followers and says it seeks political and economic reforms. The report also states that Pakistan's Interior Minister acknowledged the government's inability to meet the aspirations of the country's youth, warning that a united young population could bring significant change. The movement has reportedly raised concerns over issues including unemployment, rising poverty, governance, and Pakistan's economic crisis. The report further highlights Pakistan's mounting foreign debt, unemployment, and security challenges, noting that many young people are demanding better opportunities and accountability. It also claims that the movement has criticized the military and government policies, making it an emerging political challenge for the current administration.

source https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/world-political-unrest-pakistan-s-youth-led-cockroach-party-challenges-shehbaz-sharif-government-1859838

Friday, July 31, 2026

Russia Launches Fresh Overnight Missile & Drone Barrage On Kyiv; 3 Killed, Several Feared Trapped

Russia Ukraine war: Russia launched another large-scale overnight assault on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, into Saturday, leaving at least three people dead and injuring more than a dozen others, according to local authorities. The latest barrage of ballistic missiles and drones caused extensive damage to residential buildings and industrial facilities, while emergency teams continued rescue operations amid fears that several residents remained trapped beneath the rubble. <h3>Residential Buildings Hit As Rescue Efforts Continue</h3> One of the worst-hit locations was a five-storey apartment building in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district, where falling debris caused significant structural damage. Rescue personnel rushed to the scene as fire spread through the courtyard, with concerns that people were still trapped inside the damaged building. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko also reported damage in the city's Shevchenkivskyi district, where parts of the first and second floors of another residential building partially collapsed, raising fears that more residents could be trapped beneath the debris, as per reports. Elsewhere in the capital, warehouses in the Darnytskyi district caught fire following the overnight strikes, adding to the widespread destruction caused by the attack. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LaPGDAHDUL0?si=I4y0IIf7d7ZU0T6p" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> ALSO READ: <a title="2 Labourers Killed In Kulgam Terror Attack; Terrorists Asked Their Names Before Opening Fire, Say Sources" href="https://ift.tt/qmlGWKg" target="_self">2 Labourers Killed In Kulgam Terror Attack; Terrorists Asked Their Names Before Opening Fire, Say Sources</a> <h3>Renewed Assault Comes Days After Previous Deadly Strike</h3> The latest bombardment comes just two days after another major Russian attack across Ukraine that claimed 10 civilian lives and injured more than 50 people. That earlier strike also saw a missile briefly enter Polish airspace, underscoring concerns over the conflict's wider regional implications. The repeated attacks have placed renewed pressure on Ukraine's air defence network as Russia continues to deploy ballistic missiles and drones against major population centres. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued urging Ukraine's Western partners to strengthen the country's air-defence capabilities, particularly by supplying additional Patriot missile defence systems capable of intercepting ballistic threats. ALSO READ: <a title="Commercial LPG Cylinder Prices Reduced By Over Rs 200 In Delhi, Kolkata: Check Revised Rates" href="https://ift.tt/dO0CGcb" target="_self">Commercial LPG Cylinder Prices Reduced By Over Rs 200 In Delhi, Kolkata: Check Revised Rates</a> <h3>Zelenskyy Reiterates Need For Patriot Air Defence Systems</h3> Following the latest attacks, Zelenskyy said he had spoken with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Friday night, with the conversation also covering his recent meeting in Washington with President Donald Trump. Speaking about Ukraine's urgent military requirements, Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of strengthening the country's defensive capabilities. "The Russian air strikes on our country continue and air defense, specifically interceptors for Patriot systems against ballistic missiles, remains a top priority," Zelenskyy wrote in a Friday Telegram post. He also described his recent discussions in Washington as “positive and productive.” <h3>Questions Remain Over US Patriot Production Commitment</h3> Ukraine's appeal for more Patriot systems comes as uncertainty surrounds an earlier U.S. proposal related to the advanced air-defence platform. During the NATO summit held in Ankara in July, President Donald Trump had indicated that Washington would provide Ukraine with a licence to manufacture Patriot systems domestically. However, speaking to reporters during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, Trump said that no final decision had yet been taken, casting doubt over whether the proposal will move forward.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-launches-fresh-overnight-missile-drone-barrage-on-kyiv-3-killed-several-trapped-1859792

US, Israel Weigh Joint Air Strikes On Iran's Energy Infrastructure To Pressure Tehran: Report

The United States and Israel are preparing for what could become one of the most extensive bombing campaigns of the conflict against Iran's energy infrastructure, according to a CBS News report. Citing multiple US sources, the broadcaster reported that strikes targeting Iranian energy facilities could begin over the weekend, with discussions also considering whether operations should conclude before global financial markets open on Monday because of concerns over the potential economic impact. However, President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval for the operation and no final timeline has been agreed upon, the report said. <h2 data-start="1619" data-end="1648">US And Israel Coordinating</h2> According to the report, Israeli officials have been informed of the planning and are coordinating with Washington. A joint operation would mark Israel's return to direct military action after it halted combat operations during a US-brokered truce. An Israeli official, however, told CBS News that no decision had been communicated. "Israel is unaware of a decision to restart full military operations, nor has been requested of Israel to join any military actions against Iran," the official said. Iran has not launched attacks on Israel since the collapse of the memorandum of understanding and the resumption of US military operations in early July. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/jaishankar-speaks-to-iranian-fm-urges-protection-of-commercial-shipping-1859762">Jaishankar Speaks To Iranian FM, Urges Protection Of Commercial Shipping</a> <h2 data-start="2307" data-end="2351">Energy Facilities Among Potential Targets</h2> The proposed operation reportedly focuses on energy-related infrastructure, including power plants and oil refineries. According to the report, senior US officials also discussed the possibility of disrupting electricity supplies in Tehran, although no decision had been taken as of Friday afternoon. A former US military official told CBS News that targeting energy infrastructure could weaken Iran's ability to sustain military operations and govern effectively. <h2 data-start="2821" data-end="2856">Trump Yet To Give Final Approval</h2> The proposed military campaign was discussed during President Trump's Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, according to people briefed on the discussions. Some White House aides focused on political strategy reportedly opposed the plan. While speaking to reporters before the meeting, Trump signalled a hardline approach towards Iran. "We'll be hitting them very hard. At some point, they're going to say, 'We just can't take it anymore,'" he said. When asked about reviving diplomacy, Trump replied: "I think we just want to win." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later said, "As President Trump said at his cabinet meeting today, the United States will win, and Iran will not have a nuclear weapon under his watch." Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to discuss possible targets before any presidential decision. "The Department of War is locked and loaded, ready to execute the President's directives at a moment's notice," Parnell said. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pojk-protest-pakistan-trained-mujahideen-turned-gainst-state-india-mea-slams-islamabd-for-crackdown-on-civilians-in-pojk-1859740/amp">'Pak Trained Mujahideen Turned Against State': India Slams Islamabd For Crackdown On Civilians In PoJK</a> <h2 data-start="3838" data-end="3884">Netanyahu Briefed Trump On Military Options</h2> The report said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined three military options during his meeting with Trump earlier this week, including strikes focused on Iran's land resupply routes. Netanyahu also held talks with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during his Washington visit. Earlier, Trump warned on Truth Social that the US would bomb and destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for every attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. No final decision on launching the strikes had been announced by the White House at the time of publication.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-israel-weigh-joint-air-strikes-on-iran-energy-infrastructure-to-pressure-tehran-amid-ceasefire-push-1859784

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Trump Announces 'Historic' Gaza Deal As Board Of Peace Agrees On 'Complete Disarmament' Of Hamas

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced what he described as a "historic" agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas, saying the move would pave the way for a new Palestinian administration in Gaza. The announcement came as senior Hamas officials confirmed that understandings had been reached with Israel on the group's weapons and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. Israel did not immediately respond to the claims. <h2 data-section-id="1c8isv0" data-start="1320" data-end="1359">Trump Announces 'Historic' Agreement</h2> Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the agreement would see Hamas and other armed groups gradually surrender their weapons under a structured process. "Today, the Board of Peace reached a HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. This is a monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY," Trump wrote, adding that the disarmament would be carried out in "carefully structured phases." "As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors," he added while thanking mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/nepal-violence-spreads-beyond-sunsari-curfews-army-deployment-as-death-toll-rises-to-3-1859542">Nepal Violence Spreads Beyond Sunsari; Curfews, Army Deployment As Death Toll Rises To 3</a> <h2 data-section-id="154ozqe" data-start="2109" data-end="2151">Hamas Confirms Understanding On Weapons</h2> Senior Hamas officials told AFP that negotiations had resulted in an agreement covering the movement's weapons and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. "An agreement has been reached regarding the issue of weapons...Furthermore, an agreement has been reached on a gradual withdrawal of (Israeli forces)" from the strip, a senior Hamas official said. Earlier, sources involved in the Cairo-mediated negotiations had told AFP that Hamas was moving closer to accepting a framework involving the decommissioning of its weapons. <h2 data-section-id="14n8lps" data-start="2683" data-end="2728">Disarmament Remains Central Sticking Point</h2> The issue of Hamas's disarmament has remained one of the most contentious aspects of ceasefire negotiations since fighting erupted in Gaza in October. According to Trump's proposed 20-point peace plan, the second phase of the ceasefire would include Hamas's disarmament alongside the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. The proposal also envisions the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) taking over civilian governance during the territory's post-war transition. The committee would be supported by the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), a proposed multinational force operating under Trump's Board of Peace. Egyptian state-linked broadcaster Al-Qahera News reported early Friday that mediators from Egypt, the United States, Qatar and Turkey are expected to meet in Cairo "soon" to discuss implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. The broadcaster did not specify a date for the meeting but said discussions would focus on advancing the roadmap already agreed upon by Hamas and other Palestinian factions. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/sheikh-hasina-to-face-arrest-the-moment-she-returns-to-bangladesh-says-minister-1859548">Sheikh Hasina To Face Arrest The Moment She Returns To Bangladesh, Says Minister</a> <h2 data-section-id="18jg2pc" data-start="3839" data-end="3868">'No Exceptions' On Weapons</h2> A diplomatic source familiar with the negotiations told AFP that the proposed roadmap seeks the complete dismantling of armed infrastructure in Gaza. "We continue to advance the implementation roadmap that offers a balanced and pragmatic path forward, with all weapons decommissioned and a phased transition of responsibilities taking place to hand over full authority to the technocratic government," the source said. The official added there would be "no exceptions for certain weapons or certain people. One authority, one law, one weapon". The roadmap also calls for dismantling tunnels, weapons depots and arms production facilities. "All weapons, heavy and light, will be under full control of the NCAG in coordination with and with the support of the ISF," the AFP report quoted the source as saying, adding that a verification mechanism would be established to monitor compliance by all sides. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nv3G3_T4HpM?si=0WbaVlrTpRNoPq-U" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2 data-section-id="81j7y8" data-start="4741" data-end="4773">Hamas Awaits Israeli Response</h2> As per the AFP report, a Hamas source familiar with the negotiations said the group was "awaiting the Israeli response to the amendments we recently submitted to the mediators". The source said the revisions related to two provisions in the proposed roadmap. Regarding the article concerning weapons, the Hamas source said that "some points were removed, and alternatives were proposed". However, an Israeli political source told AFP that the current proposal does not "satisfactorily" address Israel's security demands. "Israel demands the complete disarmament of Hamas, including the removal of weapons from Gaza and full demilitarization of the Strip as a precondition for any process," the source said. The source also maintained that "the issue of Gaza did not come up at all" during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with Trump in Washington earlier this week.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-announces-historic-gaza-deal-as-board-of-peace-agrees-on-complete-disarmament-of-hamas-1859576

Trump mulling USD 1,00,000 fee for students keen to work in US after graduation: Report

Washington, Jul 31 (PTI): The US is planning to impose a USD 1,00,000 fee on visas issued to international students for working in the US after graduation from an American university, The Wall Street Journal reported.The Trump administration move comes after a US court struck down a proposal to levy a USD 1,00,000 fee on H1-B visas.According to The Wall Street Journal, the Department of Homeland Security is mulling the high fee on Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas which are an extension of F-1 visas issued to students.The OPT programme allows foreign graduates to work for one to three years on their student visas in areas directly related to their studies.Roughly 4,19,000 foreigners were working on OPT in 2024, the latest year for which data are available.Tech companies, which conduct most of the recruitments from US universities, opposed the USD 1,00,000 fee on H1-B visas.A DHS spokeswoman said in a statement: “No policies should be considered final until formally announced. At DHS we are always having conversations about how to use all tools in our arsenal to protect the integrity of our legal immigration system.” In addition to the H-1B and student visas, officials at the State Department are also weighing attaching a USD 1,00,000 bond on applicants for green cards outside the US, redeemable only after they move to the US and become citizens.The OPT program is one of the primary attractions for international students choosing to study in the US.Without OPT, most international students would be forced to leave the US immediately after graduation, taking the skills they gained at American universities to foreign markets. PTI SKU PRK(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-mulling-usd-1-00-000-fee-for-students-keen-to-work-in-us-after-graduation-report-1859574

Russian Missile Violates Airspace Violation? Poland On High Alert, Amid Ukraine Assault

Edited by: Louis Oelofse Polish authorities on Thursday said they were inspecting a crater near the city of Lublin for information clarifying a violation of its airspace. Police and military said a crater, 10 meters in diameter (about 33 feet), had been created upon impact by what was likely a Russian missile during Moscow's massive overnight bombing campaign on neighboring Ukraine. Russia's attacks not only targeted the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, but also western cities such as Lviv. The point of impact in Poland, said to have been a field in Tarnawa Kolonia near Lublin, was located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Ukrainian border. ALSO READ |<a href="https://ift.tt/wfg7tR5"> Germany Records Highest Antisemitic Incident Rate as 2025 Turns Deadliest Year</a> Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk headed to the site, accompanied by his defense and interior ministers. Writing on X before he departed, Tusk wrote: "During the Russian massive missile attack on western Ukraine, a violation of Polish airspace occurred. In connection with this, I have convened a coordination team with the participation of the Minister of Defense and the relevant services, which have been working on-site for many hours and are systematically providing me with information about all the circumstances of the incident." In Lublin, Tusk said: "Everything points to it being a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile, but we do not wish to pre-empt the results of a thorough investigation." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> W trakcie rosyjskiego zmasowanego ataku rakietowego na zachodnią Ukrainę doszło do naruszenia polskiej przestrzeni powietrznej. Zwołałem w związku z tym zespół koordynacyjny z udziałem Ministra Obrony i odpowiednich służb, które od wielu godzin pracują na miejscu zdarzenia i… — Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) <a href="https://ift.tt/kt4lXVT 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/OWDV7lb" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Local police say residents reported hearing a large explosion that rattled windows around 4:00 a.m. local time (0200 GMT) after which police quickly discovered a massive "crater" and "debris from a non-identified object." A military helicopter confirmed the finding during a flyover. Poland's military said it had scrambled an F-16 prior to impact after radar picked up a violation of the NATO member's airspace around 3:40 a.m. Though the origin of the object has not been confirmed, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X that a "Russian Kh-101 cruise missile” had "crossed into Poland" and violated NATO airspace. Sybiha continued, "This is yet another clear demonstration that strengthening Ukraine's air defense now is urgent and serves as a guarantee for the protection of the entire Euro-Atlantic community." Russian jets, drones and missiles have repeatedly violated the airspace of several NATO member states throughout over four years of war. NATO said it was in close contact with Polish authorities. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/morocco-migrants-swim-ceuta-spanish-authorities-overwhelmed-reception-centers-1859446">Spain Faces Fresh Migrant Surge As Hundreds Swim To Ceuta, Border Security At Risk</a> The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich, spoke earlier today with Poland's Chief of Defense General Wieslaw Kukulan about NATO and Poland's response to the incident, which remains under investigation. He underlined the military alliance will continue to take all necessary measures to defend NATO territory. (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/poland-airspace-violation-russian-kh101-cruise-missile-lublin-1859536