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Friday, June 12, 2026

Trump accuses Iran of attacking Indian ships; Tehran rejects charge as 'baseless'

Washington, Jun 12 (PTI): US President Donald Trump on Friday accused Iran of carrying out drone attacks against Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz, describing the alleged action as "totally unacceptable", while Tehran rejected the charge as "baseless". Three vessels with Indian crew came under attack off the Oman coast this week. One of them resulted in the death of three Indian seafarers on Wednesday. "Their (Iran's) totally rebuffed Drone attack last night against Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE," Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social. In the same post, Trump also accused Iran of leaking the terms of the peace deal to the media that had nothing to do with the points under discussion. Iran vehemently rejected Trump's allegation. "The US president's accusation against Iran regarding an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is simply baseless," the Iranian Embassy in India said in a social media post late Friday night. "It is an attempt to divert public attention from the brutal fact that the US has attacked 3 Indian vessels in less than a week and killed 3 innocent Indian sailors. That's pathetic!" it said. Trump's remarks came after India summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in New Delhi to protest against US attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian nationals near the Oman coast. India has described the attacks on commercial vessels as "deeply worrisome" and it has strongly taken up the matter with the US. PTI SKU ZH 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/trump-accuses-iran-of-attacking-indian-ships-tehran-rejects-charge-as-baseless-1849915

US-Iran Deal Explained: What Trump's Proposed Agreement Means For Nuclear Talks

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that an agreement with Iran could be imminent. He spoke of a "memorandum of understanding" (MoU) that both sides aim to conclude in the coming days. Iranian officials said that no draft MoU had yet been approved. However, if the United States were to accept the proposal put forward by Iran, it was likely that Iran would follow suit. An agreement would mark the most significant diplomatic development since the Iran war began over three months ago — a conflict that has cost thousands of lives and pushed global energy prices higher. <h2>Iran's Nuclear Program Remains Key Hurdle</h2> At the center of the US-Iran negotiations is Tehran's nuclear program, in particular the handling of what is believed to be around 400 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to around 60%. If further enriched, this material could theoretically be sufficient to produce several nuclear weapons — something the United States is seeking to prevent. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency said that "Iran's right to enrich uranium and the retention of enriched material... will be emphasised with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement." While the US side has reportedly proposed a long-term moratorium of up to 20 years, Tehran has so far rejected this approach. Instead, talks have instead centered on a much shorter pause of around five years. <h2>Dispute Over Highly Enriched Uranium</h2> Iran views its enriched uranium as a bargaining chip in negotiations and is unwilling to give it up. The country has proposed downblending the material to lower enrichment levels itself, but only in exchange for lifting US sanctions. The involvement of a third country is also under discussion as a possible compromise. Russia has repeatedly offered to take custody of Iran's highly enriched uranium for secure storage or further processing on its own territory. China is also said to have signaled its willingness to be involved in a new deal as a mediator and logistical partner. Alongside the nuclear issue, the economic dimension also plays a central role. A key point of contention is how to handle Iranian assets frozen abroad, which are estimated to amount to as much as $100 billion (€86 billion). Much of these funds stem from oil exports that have been blocked by US sanctions in countries such as South Korea, China and Japan. Tehran is calling for the release of between $6 billion and $12 billion, as well as an easing of sanctions. The US government, meanwhile, wants to release funds only gradually and strictly for humanitarian purposes. At the same time, officials in Washington are reportedly discussing using parts of Iran's frozen assets to compensate for damages suffered by US allies in the Gulf region. In response to US strikes, Iran targeted US bases and their logistical facilities in Arab countries along the Persian Gulf. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is said to have tasked a team of experts with estimating the costs of the recent escalation and exploring possible funding options. <h2>A Marshall Plan Or Iraq Deja Vu?</h2> In a post on Truth Social on June 8, Trump said peace talks were proceeding "subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way." When asked to clarify his post during an interview with US broadcaster ABC News, Trump said, "If people are stupid, we'll end up in something where we have to wipe out an entire infrastructure of a nation, and I don't think that's a good thing, because somebody's going to have to rebuild it." Trump suggested that in such a scenario, the US would likely end up helping to fund the rebuilding of Iran. "Somebody's going to have to build all that infrastructure ... You know, they're talking about a trillion dollars, probably more. And you know that's why we'll probably get involved in rebuilding, right, helping them rebuild," he said. Asked if that would be like a Marshall Plan for Iran, Trump replied, "Yeah." He added, "But we'll get half their oil." Iran, however, rejects any foreign control over its oil resources as a violation of national sovereignty. Public opinion is also shaped by the experience of neighboring Iraq. A significant share of Iraq's oil revenues — the country's main source of income — has effectively been handled from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in an arrangement dating to the aftermath of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. The system was originally set up by the US-led transitional administration to safeguard funds for reconstruction. Infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing the economy are still incomplete. <h2>What Will Happen With Strait Of Hormuz?</h2> As an initial step following any agreement, shipping traversing the Strait of Hormuz is to be gradually normalized and the US blockade of Iranian ports lifted. Disruptions to shipping in the key waterway are already having significant effects on global trade and energy prices. Around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports passed through this narrow chokepoint before the conflict. Despite a ceasefire between Iran and the US in place since April 8, the past weeks have seen near-daily military clashes between the two sides in the Persian Gulf. According to US statements, the operations have targeted Iranian positions along the coast, including surveillance facilities, communication systems and air defense sites, with the aim of weakening Tehran's military capabilities — and in particular its potential control over the strait. Iran, for its part, responded with direct attacks on US targets in the region and most recently escalated further by shooting down a heavy combat helicopter. On Friday, Iran's state media said that Tehran would not give up control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. "Iran makes no commitment … to cede the management of the strait or the restoration of conditions that existed prior to the American and Israeli military aggression," IRNA reported. 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/us-iran-deal-explained-what-trump-s-proposed-agreement-means-for-nuclear-talks-1849908

Texas Shooting: Suspect Killed After Standoff Leaves 1 Dead, 10 Injured

A suspect was killed following a shooting and subsequent standoff in Midland, Texas, on Friday morning that left at least one person dead and 10 others injured, authorities said. Police responded to reports of an active shooter in the 4600 block of West Wall Street, where officers encountered gunfire coming from a building, according to officials. Video footage shared on social media captured multiple gunshots during the incident. In an update issued around 12.35 pm ET, city officials confirmed that the suspect had died and the immediate threat had been neutralised. However, authorities said the scene remained active and had not yet been cleared. <h2 class="isSelectedEnd">Victims Sent To Midland Memorial Hospital, Odessa Hospital</h2> Nine victims were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital, according to a hospital spokesperson. Three underwent surgery, while another was recovering. Two victims were reported to be in stable condition in the emergency department, and three others were later discharged. An additional victim was taken to Odessa Medical Center Hospital. Officials have not yet confirmed whether all of the injured individuals sustained gunshot wounds. <h2 class="isSelectedEnd">'Our Thoughts And Prayers With Victims': Midland Mayor</h2> "Our thoughts and prayers are absolutely with the victims and their families," Midland Mayor Lori Blong said during a press conference. SWAT teams and multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene as authorities worked to contain the situation. Blong said investigators have not released confirmed details about the suspect or the victims. Preliminary information suggests the incident began in southeast Midland before moving across the southern part of the city. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues. "Additional information will be released as it becomes available," the city said in a post on X.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/texas-shooting-suspect-killed-after-standoff-leaves-1-dead-10-injured-1849906

Thursday, June 11, 2026

‘Pakistan Se Lenge Azaadi’: Massive PoJK Protest Movement Gains Momentum After Deadly Crackdown

Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) witnessed a dramatic escalation in anti-establishment protests as more than 80,000 demonstrators gathered in Rawalakot and openly demanded freedom from Pakistan while condemning the actions of the Pakistani military in the region. The latest mobilisation came despite a deadly crackdown at Rawalakot’s Eidgah Ground a day earlier, in which 16 protesters were killed. Rather than dispersing, thousands remained at the protest venue throughout the night, signalling a new phase in the movement. Shortly after midnight, demonstrators launched fresh calls for independence, transforming the gathering into one of the largest displays of resistance seen in the territory in recent years. Videos obtained by ABP News from the protest site show crowds chanting slogans including “Hum Kya Chahte? Azaadi!”, “Pakistan Se Lenge Azaadi!”, “China Se Lenge Azaadi!” and “Gilgit Bhi Mange Azaadi!”. The slogans represented a direct challenge to Pakistan’s control over the territory and also criticised China’s presence in the Shaksgam Valley. <h2>Protest Movement Pushes Constitutional Demands</h2> The movement is being spearheaded by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which submitted a series of political and constitutional demands to Pakistan on April 20, 2026. Among the key proposals accessed by ABP News is a demand to amend the oath currently taken by members of the PoJK Assembly, the prime minister and ministers. At present, elected representatives are required to pledge loyalty to Pakistan and support the territory’s accession to Pakistan. The AAC wants that provision replaced with an oath affirming the “geographical unity and integrity of the State of Jammu and Kashmir”. Protest leaders argue that such a change would better reflect the region’s political aspirations and constitutional identity. ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/js1JpeF" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'We Lodged A Strong Protest': MEA On Attack That Killed 3 Indian Sailors</a> <h2>Calls for Electoral Reforms and End to Special Privileges</h2> The committee has also demanded the abolition of 12 refugee seats in the PoJK Assembly. According to the AAC, these seats have been used by Islamabad and Pakistan’s intelligence establishment to influence political outcomes and install governments favourable to the federal authorities. In addition, the group is seeking fresh delimitation of constituencies, updated voter rolls and voting rights for Overseas Kashmiris through digital mechanisms or postal ballots. Protest organisers have also called for an end to what they describe as special privileges enjoyed by political elites, arguing that broader reforms are necessary to improve democratic representation in the territory. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7PdCUDBzTg?si=RpKO9HUhIz9qUnnh" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2>Crackdown Deepens Standoff Across Region</h2> The AAC’s demands have directly challenged Pakistan’s control over PoJK and contributed to a breakdown in talks between protesters and authorities. As a result, tensions have continued to rise across the region. According to the report, at least 53 civilians have been killed and more than 100 others injured since Friday in firing involving Pakistani Rangers, Frontier Corps personnel and army units. Medical treatment for those wounded is continuing at various facilities. Authorities have simultaneously intensified action against the movement’s leadership. Key organisers, including Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Sardar Usman Nazir, Sardar Aman Khan and Khawaja Mehran, have been declared wanted. Bounties of PKR 10 million each have reportedly been announced for their arrest, while cases involving sedition, public disorder and other charges have been registered against them. ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/c1i0OUq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump Calls Off Planned Strikes On Iran, Cites Progress In Talks</a> <h2>Protesters Remain Defiant</h2> The Awami Action Committee has also been designated a terrorist organisation by the authorities, further escalating the confrontation between the movement and the state. Despite repeated firing incidents and an ongoing security crackdown, thousands of demonstrators continue to occupy public spaces and participate in protests. The movement has shown little sign of losing momentum, with participants maintaining their demands and refusing to retreat. The unfolding unrest has emerged as one of the most significant public challenges to Pakistan’s administration of PoJK in recent years. Protesters are openly questioning Islamabad’s role in the territory, accusing the establishment of political interference and repression while demanding political reforms, democratic rights and an end to what they describe as decades of imposed rule and military dominance.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-se-lenge-azaadi-massive-pojk-protest-movement-gains-momentum-after-deadly-crackdown-1849701

Thailand:Two Men Sentenced To Death For 2015 Bangkok Shrine Bombing

Edited by: Wesley Rahn A court in Thailand sentenced two ethnic Uyghur men to death over a deadly bombing attack in Bangkok that took place over a decade ago. The defendants, both Chinese nationals, were convicted on charges of premeditated and attempted murder for their role in planting a bomb at the popular Erawan Shrine on August 17, 2015. The shrine is a popular spot for Chinese tourists in the heart of Bangkok. The explosion killed 20 people and injured 120. "The defendants committed a single act that violated multiple laws. The court therefore imposed the harshest penalty available under the law, the death sentence," a member of the four-judge panel that delivered the verdict said. They allegedly were linked by video, fingerprints and other evidence to the bombing. The two men allegedly confessed during initial questioning but pleaded not guilty when the trial began in 2016. The two men have since denied the charges against them and will appeal the sentence within a month, one of the suspect's lawyers told the media. "I don't accept any of this. I didn't do anything wrong," Yusufu M said after the verdict. <h2>Decade-long trial in Erawan shrine attack</h2> No group had claimed responsibility for the attack. After the bombing, police named 17 suspects, but only arrested the two men who ended up facing charges. Thai officials said the attack was carried out by a people-smuggling gang in retaliation for a crackdown the gang's alleged trafficking of Uyghurs into Thailand. In the month that preceded the bombing, Thailand's then ruling-junta deported over 100 Uyghurs back to China. rights groups say the Muslim minority Uyghurs from China's northwest Xinjiang region face cultural and religious repression at the hands of Beijing. Chinese authorities deny cracking down on Uyghurs. However, mass camps for Uyghurs have been built in Xinjiang under the guise of "vocational education and training centers" used to combat "extremism and terrorism." The trial opened in 2016 and spanned over ten years, with delays due to problems securing translators, and later, the COVID-19 pandemic. (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. for DW)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/uyghur-men-thailand-bangkok-erawan-shrine-bombing-death-sentence-1849664

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Trump hails Modi as 'great' leader on becoming India's longest-serving elected PM

Washington, Jun 10 (PTI): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected prime minister, describing him as a "great" leader and wishing him many more years of "greatness and success". Modi thanked Trump for his warm wishes and said he looked forward to working with him to further advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Modi reached the milestone of becoming India's longest-serving prime minister on Wednesday, with an unbroken tenure of 4,399 days in office, surpassing the record of the first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. "Congratulations to my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on becoming India's longest-serving Prime Minister – And a Great One he is,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "He is a strong, healthy, and wise man, and will have many years of Greatness and Success ahead of him," he said. Responding to the message, Modi said on X: "Thank you, President Trump, for your warm wishes. I look forward to working with you to further advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, for the benefit of both our nations and the world." Apple CEO Tim Cook also congratulated Modi on the milestone. “Congratulations on becoming the longest serving prime minister elected in India’s history, and thank you for supporting innovation that enriches people’s lives,” Cook said in a post on X. Several US political leaders also shared posts congratulating the Indian prime minister. Congressman Shri Thanedar said Prime Minister Modi's "journey from humble beginnings to national leadership is one that reflects a life of hard work and public service". Democratic lawmaker Bennie G Thompson said the milestone "speaks to the enduring strength of India's democratic system and the participation of millions of citizens in shaping their nation's future". "I look forward to the continued friendship and cooperation between the United States and India," he said. Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith commended Modi on becoming India's longest-serving prime minister. "As a leading agricultural state, Mississippi understands the value of strong international partnerships, particularly when it involves offering what we produce to the world. I look at trade and economic ties between our two nations," she said. Congressman Rich McCormick congratulated PM Modi on "leading the world's largest democracy" for 12 years. "That kind of sustained leadership earns respect. India is a critical partner for the United States, and strong allies matter. Here's to many more years of friendship between our two nations," he said. PTI SKU 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/trump-hails-modi-as-great-leader-on-becoming-india-s-longest-serving-elected-pm-1849456

US calls Modi 'great one', Russia hails him as 'doyen' of Indian PMs on longest continuous elected tenure

Washington/Moscow, Jun 10 (PTI): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “Great One”, while Russia hailed him as the “doyen of all Indian prime ministers” as world leaders congratulated him on becoming India’s longest continuously serving elected representative at the top post. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and former UK PM Rishi Sunak were among prominent leaders who extended their greetings through social media posts. Modi, who was elected to the office in 2014, reached the milestone on Wednesday, with an unbroken tenure of 4,399 days - surpassing India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Congratulating his "friend", President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, described Prime Minister Modi as "a Great One". “He is a strong, healthy, and wise man, and will have many years of Greatness and Success ahead of him,” Trump said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia hoped Modi would continue to contribute to the development of bilateral ties. "Today, on 10th of June, Prime Minister Modi became the doyen of all Indian Prime Ministers. What does a doyen mean? A doyen is a person who is the Prime Minister of the country for the longest term," he said in a felicitation speech, a video of which was shared by the Indian Embassy in Russia. "He [Modi] himself descended from a common family and his career has elevated him to the position of the leader of the largest country in the world, almost one and a half billion people," he said. Peskov further said that it was under Modi’s leadership that “250 million people were lifted out of poverty". He also described India as a country "where high technologies are being developed" and one that has become "one of the leading economic powers in the world with the fastest rates of economic growth and development". Referring to ties between Moscow and New Delhi, Peskov said: "What is most important for us is that this is the country with which we are united by partnership." "The country with which we are developing trade and economic ties in all possible areas. Dialogue is ongoing, including in the most sensitive areas," he said, adding: "And we hope that Prime Minister Modi will continue to contribute to further development of the India-Russia relations.” Others who praised Modi for achieving what they said was a milestone include Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, former Irish PM Leo Varadkar, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, Sri Lankan President Aruna Kumara Dissanayake, Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay and former Australian PM Scott Morrison. Several political leaders from the US, Africa and other parts of the world also shared posts congratulating the Indian prime minister. Addressing Modi as a “dear friend", Israeli PM Netanyahu, in a video message shared on social media, congratulated him on becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister. The EU Commission president praised Modi's leadership, saying: “With you, India not only landed on the moon, it is shooting for the stars.” In a social media post, she further said: “From our cooperation on technology, mobility, security and defence all the way to the mother of all trade deals. Thank you for all that we have achieved together.” Meloni congratulated Modi while recalling the recently-launched Special Strategic Partnership between India and Italy. "It has been a pleasure to meet again in Rome in recent weeks and to launch together a Special Strategic Partnership that looks to the future to create new opportunities for our Nations and our peoples," she posted on social media. Merz highlighted the strategic partnership between the two countries. “We look forward to further strengthening the strategic partnership between our countries and welcome you to Germany for the next inter-governmental consultations,” Merz said. Carney congratulated Modi, saying, “As Canada and India renew our partnership, I look forward to continuing our work to deliver greater prosperity for both our peoples.” Sunak called it a “remarkable milestone” and further said that it is “good for the UK-India partnership, which will continue to go from strength to strength”. Bhutanese PM Tobgay posted an open letter in which he addresses Modi as “friend, brother and mentor” and recalled his first meeting with the Bharatiya Janata Party leader during his swearing-in ceremony in 2014. “The people of Bhutan have always regarded India as our closest friend and most trusted partner. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, this friendship has grown from strength to strength, marked by mutual support, understanding, and a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of our peoples,” he wrote. Extending his greeting, Maldivian President Muizzu said: “The Maldives looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with India, guided by mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared interests.” Malaysia's PM Ibrahim praised Modi for his leadership. “This achievement stands as a testament to his years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing India’s development, prosperity and standing on the global stage,” said Ibrahim, adding that Malaysia values its close and longstanding friendship with India. Calling Modi a “trusted ally” he can “always count on”, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu posted on Tuesday that the Indian PM’s achievement reflects the “confidence and trust” his country’s citizens have reposed in his leadership over three consecutive mandates. Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto said: “Your journey from humble beginnings to this position is a testament to dedication, perseverance and public service.” Nehru, who was first elected to the post in 1952, served until May 27, 1964 - a tenure of 4,398 days. Nehru's stint from 1947 to 1952 was as head of an interim government, as elections were not held until 1952. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi served for more than 15 years, but it was not uninterrupted. Her first three consecutive terms stretched from January 1966 to March 1977. She lost power in 1977 and was re-elected for a fourth term starting January 1980. She was assassinated in 1984. PTI ABD 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/us-calls-modi-great-one-russia-hails-him-as-doyen-of-indian-pms-on-longest-continuous-elected-tenure-1849449