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Saturday, April 18, 2026

‘Red Flag’ Or Key Mediator? US Report Cautions Trump Over Asim Munir's Ties With Iran

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has been flagged as a potential “red flag” for the administration of US President Donald Trump, according to a report by Fox News, citing intelligence chatter and security assessments. The report highlights concerns over Munir’s longstanding connections with Iran’s senior military leadership, raising questions about his reliability as a strategic interlocutor at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. <h3>Concerns Over Iran Links and Back-Channel Role</h3> According to the report, Munir maintained personal ties with prominent Iranian figures, including slain Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and Hossein Salami of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Retired Pakistani General Ahmed Saeed told Fox News Digital that these relationships are now under scrutiny, particularly as Munir plays a central role in facilitating informal communication channels between Washington and Tehran. While Trump has publicly praised Munir, reportedly calling him his “favourite field marshal,” US intelligence officials caution that his dual engagement with both sides could complicate American strategic interests. <h3>‘Perfidious Ally’ Concerns Resurface</h3> The report also revisits longstanding US concerns about Pakistan’s strategic posture. Analysts pointed to Islamabad’s past role in Afghanistan, where it was accused of supporting the Taliban while receiving US assistance. Bill Roggio of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told Fox News Digital, "Trump should not trust the Pakistanis. Pakistan was a perfidious 'ally' in Afghanistan... Munir's ties to the IRGC should be a massive red flag for the Trump admin." FDD analysts further suggested that Munir could be leveraging his rapport with Trump to position Pakistan as an indispensable, yet potentially unreliable, intermediary, or even to shield Iranian interests. <h3>Military Dominance And Domestic Concerns</h3> Pakistani analyst Raza Rumi argued that Munir’s rise reflects a broader shift in Pakistan’s power structure, with the military increasingly overshadowing civilian leadership. Critics have pointed to an intensified crackdown on political opposition since Munir assumed office in late 2022, including the sidelining of former Prime Minister <a title="Imran Khan" href="https://ift.tt/hpAi5eU" data-type="interlinkingkeywords">Imran Khan</a>. Fox News also referenced Munir’s remarks at the Margalla Dialogue in November 2024, where he stated that "absence of proper regulations for freedom of expression is leading to the deterioration of moral values in societies worldwide." The outlet interpreted the comment as indicative of his inclination toward centralised authority. Rumi described Munir’s worldview as “transactional, state-centric rather than ideological,” with foreign policy increasingly directed by Pakistan’s military headquarters. <h3>Trump Relies On Munir Despite Internal Divisions</h3> Despite internal concerns, Trump appears to maintain confidence in Munir. Their working relationship strengthened during the 2025 India-Pakistan crisis, where Munir was credited with helping reduce tensions. Currently, Munir is said to be facilitating back-channel communications involving Trump allies such as Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff with Iranian counterparts. Trump has publicly acknowledged Munir’s role, saying he has done a “great job” in advancing peace efforts. However, divisions within the administration persist, highlighted by Vice President JD Vance reportedly walking out of recent talks in Pakistan over Iran’s reluctance to commit to nuclear terms. The evolving situation underscores a broader dilemma within the Trump administration, balancing the President’s preference for personalised, “strongman”-style diplomacy with the intelligence community’s caution regarding Munir’s regional alignments. As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, Munir’s role as both facilitator and potential risk remains a contentious issue shaping US policy calculations.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-us-report-cautions-trump-relying-on-pak-army-chief-asim-munir-red-flag-ties-with-iran-1837337

‘Can’t Blackmail Us’: Trump Calls Situation Room Meet As Iran Reimposes Hormuz Blockade

US President Donald Trump convened a high-level meeting in the White House Situation Room on Saturday following Iran’s renewed move to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz, according to Axios. The meeting comes at a critical juncture, with a ceasefire nearing expiry and no clarity on the next round of US-Iran talks. Senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, were present during the discussions. Officials described the moment as key point, warning that failure to secure progress could trigger a return to active conflict. <h3>‘They Can’t Blackmail Us’: Trump’s Warning</h3> Reacting to Tehran’s actions, Trump issued a sharp warning, rejecting any attempt to use the strategic waterway as leverage. He remarked that Iran "got a little cute," but is not in a position to "blackmail" the US. “Iran got a little cute… they wanted to close up the Strait again,” he said, as quoted by Axios. "They (Iran) have no navy, no air force. They have no leaders; they have nothing. But we are talking to them. They wanted to close the Strait again, as they have been doing for years. They can't blackmail us. They have killed a lot of people. A lot of your fellow soldiers have been killed over the years by Iran. They have gotten away with murder for 47 years. They are not getting away with it anymore," Trump said. His remarks came as Iran moved to reassert control over the Strait, citing the continued US naval blockade of its ports as justification. <h3>From Breakthrough To Breakdown In 24 Hours</h3> The escalation follows a dramatic reversal after Iran had briefly declared the Strait open, triggering optimism in global energy markets and hopes of de-escalation. The Strait had reopened briefly on Friday, allowing more than a dozen vessels, including sanctioned tankers, to pass through after nearly two months of disruption. However, the window proved short-lived. As the blockade returned on Saturday, tensions escalated sharply. Two IRGC gunboats reportedly opened fire on a commercial tanker roughly 23 miles northeast of Oman. While the vessel and crew were reported safe, the incident marked a decisive end to the fleeting de-escalation. According to maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.com, the situation worsened when two Indian vessels were forced to retreat under direct fire from IRGC naval units. "According to two Channel 16 audio recordings captured today, two Indian vessels were forced back west out of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran's Sepah (IRGC) Navy. Firing was involved. One of the vessels is an Indian-flagged VLCC supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil," the platform said. Despite some signs of progress in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and broader security concerns, no fresh dialogue schedule has been announced. Mediation efforts, reportedly involving regional actors, have yet to yield a breakthrough. With nearly one-fifth of global oil supply passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the renewed disruption has raised alarms over energy security and global markets.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-trump-says-iran-can-t-blackmail-us-calls-situation-room-white-house-1837334

Days after ordering burgers at Oval Office, Trump dubs move as 'tacky'

Washington, Apr 19 (PTI): US President Donald Trump celebrated the first anniversary of "no tax on tips" policy with a doorstep delivery of burgers at the Oval Office -- a staged campaign he dismissed days later as "tacky" and "embarrassing".The White House ordered McDonald's cheeseburgers that were brought to the Oval Office by DoorDash delivery driver Sharon Simmons, a Republican supporter from Arkansas, and received personally by Trump."We do these things in politics; they're a little embarrassing. They're a little tiny embarrassing, but we do them and you win by landslides," Trump said at a rally to celebrate the "no tax on tips" policy in Las Vegas on Thursday.Simmons had delivered two bags full of burgers and fries at the Oval Office on Monday with the White House highlighting that she had saved USD 11,000 in takes due to the "no tax on tips" policy."Sharon delivered to the Oval Office -- to be honest, it was a little tacky," Trump said."They come up with these crazy ideas like McDonald's … the garbage truck," he said, referring to the presidential campaign moments from 2024 when he served fries at a burger-chain outlet and climbed into a campaign-branded garbage truck while wearing a safety vest.DoorDash faced backlash on social media with users pointing out that Simmons testified before Congress in July to promote "no tax on tips". At the time, she identified herself as a resident of Nevada. She has since moved to Arkansas and ostensibly became a DC-area DoorDash driver this week, if only for a day."No one is claiming it was a real delivery," DoorDash spokesperson Julian Crowley said on X."It was clearly and obviously a planned event to mark a new policy starting. To claim Sharon is a prop, plant or an actor is totally wrong and off base. She is a Dasher and she participated to support the policy that benefits her," Crowley said. PTI SKU RUK RUK(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/days-after-ordering-burgers-at-oval-office-trump-dubs-move-as-tacky-1837333

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

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

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

Friday, April 17, 2026

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

Washington, Apr 18 (PTI): Two public outreach initiatives of US-based advocacy group Hindu American Foundation have won awards of excellence from an association of communication professionals working for faith-based organisations.The Hindu American Foundation's (HAF) fundraising campaign video "Back to the (Hindu) Future" and podcast "All about Hinduism Series 2" were presented with a 2026 DeRose-Hinkhouse Award of Excellence by the Religion Communicators Council.The "Back to the (Hindu) Future" was produced by the HAF marketing team. It was filmed and edited by Todd Lewis."...we're thrilled that the Religion Communicators Council has recognised the creativity and quality of this fundraising campaign, which has succeeded in both that primary goal, but also in raising awareness about the critical need for accurate, nuanced, and comprehensive educational materials in America's schools," HAF senior creative director Tejus Shah said in a statement.The "All About Hinduism" podcast is a 23-part educational series presenting the basic tenets of Hinduism and its history, as well as answering commonly asked questions about the world's third-largest religion and addressing contentious contemporary issues faced by the Hindus.The second series of the podcast was produced, written, narrated and edited by HAF senior director of communications Mat McDermott with assistance with script development by HAF senior director of education strategy Vijay Satnarine and HAF education research assistant Devala Gupta.The DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Awards are given annually to active members of the Religion Communicators Council who demonstrate excellence in religious communications and public relations. PTI SKU RUK RUK(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-based-hindu-advocacy-group-wins-two-awards-for-public-outreach-1837168

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

Washington, Apr 18 (PTI): Former US National Security Adviser H R McMaster has called for a Hippocratic oath -- an ethical vow taken by medical practitioners -- for corporate leaders making investments in research of cutting-edge technologies in foreign countries such as China.General McMaster, who served as the National Security Adviser in the first Trump administration, said such an oath was necessary to ensure that potential enemies of the US do not develop weapon systems and other capabilities using American investments."I think if you're making a business or a finance decision related to technologies and technological development and investment in maybe research enterprises abroad, you ought to take a Hippocratic oath in every boardroom," McMaster said in an interactive session at the THRIVE 2026 Summit organised by Global Science Innovation Forum at Stanford University in San Francisco Friday.The retired lieutenant general, who served in the Gulf War in 1991 and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, noted that unchecked globalisation in the post-Cold War period had granted primacy to free and open societies and free-market economies based on the belief that the great power rivalry was a relic of the past."We became complacent and supply chains prioritised efficiency over resilience. So we're behind in competition in critical technologies that China in particular has weaponised," McMaster said, referring to Beijing's squeeze on the supply of critical rare earth minerals in response to the US tariff imposition last year.McMaster argued that China's status as a mercantilist economic model against the US' free-market economies affects the whole range of technologies that have a military or security application."The revisionist powers China and Russia are doing their best to pull others into the fold, what I would call an axis of aggressors. Each of them has distinct objectives in mind, what they share in common is a desire to tear down the existing rules of international discourse in trade, security and finance, and replace it with a new set of rules that are sympathetic to their authoritarian form of government and, in China's case in particular, its status as a mercantilist economic model," the former US NSA said.McMaster stressed the need for a new set of rules for the development and application of technologies that are competitive in nature, such as artificial intelligence, supercomputing, energy-related technologies, materials science technologies, genetics and genomics.He said it was unrealistic to assume that the Chinese Communist Party leadership will sign up for the rules that the US would think are in its interests.McMaster suggested that an oath of ethics, along the lines of the Hippocratic oath taken by medical doctors, should be taken by board members of companies dealing in such critical technologies.He said the Hippocratic oath for board rooms should have three components: do not help potential enemies develop weapon systems that could be used to "kill our children and grandchildren"; do not help authoritarian regimes extinguish human freedom or commit cultural genocide; and do not compromise the long-term viability of American companies in exchange for short-term profits or access to the Chinese market.McMaster said China may offer cheap manufacturing and access to markets, but companies falling for such attractions may end up losing intellectual property to Chinese companies, which eventually put the companies out of business.According to the GSIF, the THRIVE-2026 Summit is a global convention where scientific innovation meets ancient wisdom in pursuit of a better world. PTI SKU RUK RUK(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/ex-us-nsa-moots-hippocratic-oath-for-corporates-to-prevent-chinese-takeover-1837167

India's rail expertise can benefit South Africa: envoy

Johannesburg, Apr 17 (PTI): India's experience in railway infrastructure and management can benefit South Africa, Indian High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar has said, highlighting growing interest among Indian firms to expand cooperation in the sector. Addressing industry leaders and members of the CII India Business Forum here on Thursday, Kumar said Indian companies are exploring opportunities to supply railway equipment to South Africa. He said Texmaco Rail and Engineering is "planning to bring railway wagons from India to South Africa" and is in talks with local companies. Kumar said RITES, which is one of India's railway consultancies, is engaged in discussions on supplying railway engines to South Africa. The envoy noted that recent budgets of both India and South Africa have prioritised infrastructure development. India, he said, has focused on building infrastructure such as railways, ports and airports. "Every year, we are inaugurating several new airports," Kumar said. Referring to India's semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat, he said the technology can run on existing tracks at speeds of up to 200 km per hour and could be a viable option for South Africa. "I have been suggesting South Africa that it adopts the technology, which will not need a new infrastructure,” Kumar said. South Africa is currently on a massive drive to restore its once-thriving passenger and goods rail infrastructure, which has been left derelict in many areas through years of vandalism and theft of materials. Kumar said India's first bullet train is expected to begin operations in 2027, but noted that such projects are expensive and not feasible for all cities. “Semi-high-speed trains are the way forward and South Africa must look into that. We have the technology, and using the existing infrastructure, trains will be much easier and much quicker,” he said. Highlighting energy cooperation, Kumar said India has achieved round-the-clock electricity supply for its population and Indian firms are active in South Africa’s power sector, including solar projects. He also underlined India’s advances in digital payments, saying visitors are often surprised by the ability to make transactions instantly, even with small vendors. Kumar said India is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), comprising South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini, and expressed hope that the pact would be finalised soon. PTI FH SCY SCY(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-s-rail-expertise-can-benefit-south-africa-envoy-1837156