WORLD

MOSCOW, 25 August, 2026(Nosheen): Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the state to temporarily take control of critical infrastructure facilities if private owners fail to adequately protect them from Ukrainian drone attacks or rebuild them after strikes.The decree, issued Monday, comes as Russia faces growing economic pressure and public frustration following months of intensified Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries, warehouses and other key infrastructure. The measure applies to a wide range of facilities, including energy, industrial, communications, transportation and logistics infrastructure. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that some business owners were not paying sufficient attention to anti-drone security measures. “Given the threat to vital e...

WASHINGTON, 25 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, lifting a major obstacle to investment and economic engagement as Washington moves to deepen ties with Syria’s new government. The decision, posted on the US Treasury Department’s website, took effect after a 45-day congressional review period. US President Donald Trump had formally notified Congress on July 8 of his intention to rescind Syria’s designation.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision reflected positive steps and further commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to fully distance the country from acts of international terrorism. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said the removal of the designation would help r...

  TEHRAN, 25 August, 2026 (Nosheen): Iran has vowed to retaliate against expanded US economic sanctions, warning that any further pressure could trigger both military action and additional reductions in oil exports from the Gulf. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new measures on Monday, saying the sanctions were aimed at cutting off what Washington described as Iran’s economic lifeline. However, he stopped short of imposing the most severe penalties, warning countries that continued trading with Iran could risk losing access to the US dollar-based financial system. The US Treasury Department also announced sanctions against 60 individuals, entities and vessels linked to Iran. The measures did not include Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iranian oil...

CAIRO, 24 August, 2026 (Web Desk): Israeli airstrikes and gunfire have killed two young children and at least two other Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to health officials in the territory.Medics and relatives said 10-year-old Amal Abu Khater was struck by a bullet in the back while she was eating inside her family’s tent in Khan  Younis in southern Gaza. According to medics and relatives, the gunfire came from Israeli forces positioned to the east of the area. Health officials said the incidents were among the latest casualties reported in Gaza amid continued Israeli military operations in the territory. The reported deaths have added to the mounting civilian toll in Gaza, where residents continue to face severe humanitarian conditions and ongoing violence.  

 BEIJING, 24 August, 2026 (Web Desk): China has strongly reacted to the United States’ indication of imposing sanctions, warning that Beijing will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, speaking at a media briefing, said sanctions and pressure tactics do not help resolve disputes. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine global economic growth and financial stability. Lin said China is closely monitoring the tense situation in the region and will take necessary measures whenever required to protect its legitimate rights and interests. Without directly naming the United States, the Chinese spokesperson said sanctions and pressu...

 JERUSALEM, 24 August, 2026 (Nosheen): Israel has moved forward with a controversial settlement plan in the occupied West Bank that has drawn strong international condemnation and renewed concerns over the future of a two-state solution. Israel’s Housing Ministry has invited bids for the construction of more than 1,200 housing units in the E1 area near Jerusalem. The project aims to establish a continuous bloc of Israeli settlements between East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Critics warn that the planned settlement could divide the West Bank into northern and southern sections and separate East Jerusalem from the rest of the territory, making the establishment of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state increasingly difficult. The deadline for construction bids falls one week ...

 CONAKRY, 24 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja): At least 30 people were killed after a massive pile of waste collapsed at the largest landfill in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, following heavy rains, government officials said. The incident occurred early Sunday at the Dar Es Salam landfill after heavy rainfall began around 2 a.m. Authorities said the rainwater swept over the huge pile of refuse, triggering a landslide that buried nearby makeshift homes. A search and rescue operation was launched to locate survivors and recover victims. Six people were seriously injured, while several homes were destroyed in the disaster. According to Lt. Col. Baldé Mamadou Bailo, sanitation officer for the military engineering battalion, the open-air landfill had been scheduled to close on Sunday.Authorities...

 KYIV, 24 August, 2026 (News Desk): UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to visit Kyiv on his first foreign trip as prime minister, where he will announce a new measure allowing Ukraine access to information needed to produce its own long-range missiles. During his visit, Burnham will chair his first meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” an initiative established by the United Kingdom and France under his predecessor, Sir Keir 4 Starmer, to coordinate international support for Ukraine. Burnham is also expected to accept an award on behalf of the British people in recognition of the UK's support for Ukraine and participate in events marking Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence. As part of the UK’s continued military support for Kyiv, Burnham will announce that his gover...

24 August, 2026 (News Desk): Global oil prices fell by more than one dollar a barrel ahead of an expected announcement of tougher US sanctions on Iran, as investors opted to take profits following gains recorded in the previous week. Brent crude fell by $1.22, or 1.29 percent, to $93.17 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined by $1.20, or 1.38 percent, to $85.86 per barrel. Oil prices had risen for a second consecutive week last week, with both benchmarks gaining more than five percent amid growing concerns over global supply. The latest decline came as investors assessed the potential impact of additional US sanctions against Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that Washington could impose some of the toughest sanctions in history against Tehr...

 TEHRAN 23 August, 2026(News Desk): Iran has rejected the threat of new US sanctions, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi describing the expected measures as a sign of Washington’s desperation and insisting they will fail to defeat Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday, where he is expected to announce what he has described as “the toughest sanctions in history” against Iran. Iran is already facing severe economic pressure from international sanctions, while its infrastructure has suffered repeated attacks and thousands of people have reportedly been killed since the United States and Israel launched military operations against the Islamic Republic on February 28. Despite the pressure, Tehran has maintained a defiant stance a...