World
Arab and Islamic nations condemn Israel move on Somaliland
Israel has not publicly detailed the scope or status of the reported diplomatic appointment.
Sixteen Arab and Islamic countries have jointly condemned Israel’s reported decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, warning that the move risks undermining Somalia’s sovereignty and regional stability.
In a joint statement issued in Doha, foreign ministers from countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan said the step constituted a “blatant violation” of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.
The statement referred to Somaliland as a “so-called” entity, underscoring the signatories’ position that the self-declared republic — which proclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991 — is not internationally recognised. Somalia’s federal government continues to regard Somaliland as part of its territory.
“We reiterate our categorical rejection of all unilateral actions that infringe upon the unity or sovereignty of states,” the ministers said, adding that they fully support Somalia’s federal institutions as “the sole representatives of the will of the Somali people.”
The group also argued that Israel’s reported move contravenes international law, including the United Nations Charter and the founding principles of the African Union, both of which emphasise respect for territorial integrity.
Analysts say the issue is particularly sensitive in the Horn of Africa, where questions of recognition and sovereignty remain closely tied to security and political stability. While Somaliland has developed its own government, currency and security structures over the past three decades, it has struggled to gain formal international recognition.
The ministers warned that any steps perceived as recognising Somaliland could set a “dangerous precedent,” potentially fuelling tensions in the region and complicating efforts to maintain peace and stability.
Israel has not publicly detailed the scope or status of the reported diplomatic appointment.
World
Ghalibaf accuses Donald Trump of ‘false claims’, warns on Strait of Hormuz
In a post on X, Ghalibaf said, “The President of the United States made seven claims in one hour, all seven of which were false.”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation in recent talks with the United States in Islamabad, on Saturday accused US President Donald Trump of making multiple false claims.
In a post on X, Ghalibaf said, “The President of the United States made seven claims in one hour, all seven of which were false.”
Criticising the US administration, he added, “They did not win the war with these lies, and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either.”
Ghalibaf also warned that if Washington continues its blockade, the Strait of Hormuz may not remain open. He stated that passage through the strait would be regulated via designated routes and subject to Iranian authorisation.
“Whether the strait is open or closed, and the rules governing it, will be determined in the field, not on social media,” he said, adding that media narratives would not influence the Iranian public.
He further urged audiences to rely on official sources, including statements from Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, for accurate updates on negotiations.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday confirmed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, offering temporary relief for global shipping.
“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared fully open for the duration of the ceasefire, along coordinated routes already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Araghchi said in a post on X.
Responding to the development, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iran had agreed not to close the strait again, calling it a move that would prevent its use as a “weapon against the world.”
However, he added that the naval blockade would remain in place until a broader “transaction” with Iran is completed.
World
Trump says he may go to Islamabad if Iran deal reached
Trump struck an optimistic tone about Iran as he spoke with reporters on the White House lawn on his way to a trip to Nevada and Arizona.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that if a deal with Iran to conclude the war is reached and signed in Islamabad, he might go, and that Iran has agreed to almost everything, Reuters reported.
Trump struck an optimistic tone about Iran as he spoke with reporters on the White House lawn on his way to a trip to Nevada and Arizona. He said he could extend a U.S.-Iran ceasefire set to expire next week, but may not need to do so.
“If a deal is signed in Islamabad I may go,” Trump said. “They want me.”
He also said without providing evidence that Iran has agreed to give up the enriched uranium believed buried from U.S.-Israeli airstrikes last year. Trump is pushing for a deal with Iran in which Tehran would give up its nuclear program.
World
White House denies U.S. requested ceasefire, says new talks may happen in Pakistan
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Leavitt said any fresh talks would likely be in Pakistan again as it has emerged as the “only mediator” in the effort to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Reports that the White House has requested a ceasefire in the Iran war are wrong, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday but added that discussions about a second round of talks with the Iranians were ongoing and productive, Reuters reported.
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Leavitt said any fresh talks would likely be in Pakistan again as it has emerged as the “only mediator” in the effort to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
“These conversations are productive and ongoing, and that’s where we are right now. I’ve also seen some reporting about the potentiality for in-person discussions. Again, those discussions are being had, but nothing is official until you hear it from us here at the White House, but we feel good about the prospects of a deal,” Leavitt said.
The talks last weekend broke down without an agreement to end the war, which President Donald Trump began alongside Israel on February 28, triggering Iranian attacks on Iran’s Gulf neighbors and reigniting a conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, read the report.
The war has led Iran to effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz – a vital artery for global crude and gas shipments – to ships other than its own, sharply reducing exports from the Gulf, particularly to Asia and Europe, and leaving energy importers scrambling for alternative supplies.
-
Business3 days agoAirspace transit fees generate revenue for Afghanistan as flight routes shift
-
Business3 days agoCentral Asia, Afghanistan crank up Russian fuel imports as MidEast supplies dry up
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan sends 530 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza via Egypt
-
Business2 days agoAfghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
-
Business4 days agoUzbekistan-Afghanistan trade posts steady growth in early 2026
-
World4 days agoUS hosts rare Israel-Lebanon talks, progress unclear
-
Regional4 days agoStrait of Hormuz at center of tensions as US-Iran talks show fragile signs of revival
-
Tahawol5 days agoTahawol: Calls to strengthen Afghanistan’s border security
