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Hariri avoids returning Beirut, to reach Paris and other capitals before arriving home

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France invites to dispel notion of his detention in Saudi Arabia

Amid political uncertainty in Lebanon, Prime Minister Saad Hariri has decided to travel from Saudi Arabia to France and some other European and Arab countries before returning to Beirut. After his sudden announcement of resignation while in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, he is considered to be detained against his will.

French President Emmanuel Macron sent an invitation to Saad Hariri and his family to “spend few days in Paris” after he  spoke with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday. Macron has reportedly clarified that he was not offering Hariri political “exile”. The move is considered to be an effort to dispel the notion that Saudi Arabia has detained him.

In a related development, French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh at dinner on Wednesday. Some observers believe that France was trying to mediate between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile Aljazeera has quoted Okab Sakr, a leader associated with Hariri’s Future Movement political party, saying on Wednesday that Hariri will arrive in Paris in the next 48 hours.

“It is likely he will visit other countries as well before heading to Beirut. It is very likely he will be doing a tour of some European and Arab countries to explain Lebanon’s position on the current crisis before he returns [to Lebanon],” he said. Okab’s location is not disclosed.

Hariri announced his resignation, on November 4, after he dropped in Riyadh complying with a telephone call to visit the kingdom without aides or officials. He was shocked to see no one turning up to receive him; instead his cell mobile was confiscated immediately after touching down at Riyadh airport.

While announcing his resignation Hariri criticised Iran for interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs by supporting Hezbollah which was responsible for “directing weapons” at Yemenis, Syrians and Lebanese. In his comments directed towards to Iran Hariri said Arab world would “cut off the hands that wickedly extend to it”.

On Sunday last, Hariri chose to be interviewed by his own party’s mouthpiece Future TV in Riyadh for announcing that he was free in Saudi Arabia and pledged to return to Beirut “within days”.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun had alleged that Hariri was detained by Saudi authorities against his will and his resignation will be considered only after his returns to Beirut.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrullah, in a speech on last Friday in Beirut said Hariri’s “forced” resignation was unconstitutional because it was done “under pressure”. He said he was certain that Hariri was forced to resign as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts of stoking sectarian tension in the country.

On November 12, Reuters had confirmed that Lebanese PM Saad Hariri is in illegal custody of Saudi Arabian authorities at an unknown location. Quoting sources close to Hariri, the agency said that Saudi Arabia has concluded that Saad Hariri had to go because he was unwilling to confront Hezbollah.

Even French President Emmanuel Macron, before conducting unscheduled visit to Riyadh on November 12 said that all Lebanese officials should live freely, “which means having very demanding stance on those who could threaten any leader”.

Macron  was the first European leader indicating that Saudi Arabia was holding Hariri against his will saying it wished for him to have “all his freedom of movement and be fully able to play the essential role that is his in Lebanon”.

Hariri was leading a coalition government with Hezbollah’s participation.

According to observers, Saudi move to force Hariri to resign was aimed to weaken Hezbollah by creating political vacuum in Lebanon at a time when Daesh (IS) is defeated in Syria and Iraq with active Iranian support.

Iran, Iraq and Syria have been alleging Saudi Arabia for its support to Daesh terrorists and consider it as an act of sharing responsibility of implementing the larger US-Israeli plan in the region.

The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran was witnessed in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, where they support rival sides. Saudi has long tried to weaken the Iran-backed Hezbollah, one of the main political parties in the Lebanese ruling alliance.

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Trump says Iran agrees to never have nuclear weapons, rejects $300 billion fund claim

Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to never possess nuclear weapons under a proposed framework, while dismissing reports that the US would provide Tehran with a $300 billion reconstruction fund.

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Donald Trump statement

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran has agreed to a commitment that it will never develop or possess nuclear weapons, describing it as a central element of a proposed understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking about the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump also rejected reports suggesting that the United States planned to provide Iran with a reconstruction or investment package worth $300 billion. He described such claims as false and said no such arrangement had been agreed.

The remarks come as discussions continue over a broader framework aimed at easing tensions between the two countries. According to Trump, the understanding would ensure that Iran remains without nuclear weapons while opening the door for future engagement if the terms are respected.

Questions remain over final agreement details

Despite Trump’s comments, several aspects of the proposed arrangement remain unclear because the full text of the agreement has not yet been made public.

Reports indicate that negotiations have involved discussions on sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and potential economic measures linked to Iran’s compliance with future commitments. However, the exact scope of these provisions has not been officially confirmed.

Another key issue is how compliance would be monitored. Details regarding inspections, verification mechanisms and the handling of Iran’s existing nuclear materials have yet to be fully explained.

Further negotiations expected

Officials have suggested that discussions on technical nuclear matters could continue even after the signing of an initial memorandum of understanding. Such talks would likely focus on implementation and verification measures.

The proposed framework is being closely watched internationally, as any agreement between the United States and Iran could have significant implications for regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts.

For now, Trump has maintained that the core objective remains clear: ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon while denying reports that Washington has committed to a multibillion-dollar reconstruction fund.

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USA start FIFA World Cup 2026 with dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay

The USA opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey with a dominant 4-1 victory against Paraguay, earning three valuable points in Group D.

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The United States kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the hosts delivered an attacking display to collect all three points and make an early statement in the tournament. The match also marked a significant occasion as the USA hosted part of the World Cup opening festivities before turning attention to the action on the pitch.

The Americans took control early and maintained pressure on Paraguay throughout the contest. Their attacking movement and clinical finishing helped them establish a comfortable lead, while Paraguay struggled to contain the hosts’ pace and creativity in the final third.

USA seize control after fast start

The United States settled quickly and found success going forward, creating several opportunities through quick passing and aggressive pressing. Their attacking approach paid off as they built momentum and gradually stretched Paraguay’s defence.

Paraguay attempted to respond and managed to get on the scoresheet, but the South American side found it difficult to match the intensity shown by the hosts. The USA continued to create chances and added further goals to put the result beyond doubt.

With the victory, the United States moved to the top section of Group D and gained an important boost in confidence ahead of their upcoming fixtures in the tournament.

Strong opening result for hosts

A winning start is particularly important in a World Cup campaign, and the USA achieved exactly that with a comprehensive performance. The result gives the hosts valuable momentum as they prepare for the next stage of group play.

For Paraguay, the defeat means they will need a strong response in their remaining group matches to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds alive.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament featuring an expanded format and more participating teams than previous editions.

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Jaishankar raises deaths of three Indian sailors with Marco Rubio, lodges strong protest

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed India’s strong protest to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over an attack that killed three Indian sailors, stressing that lethal action against commercial shipping is unjustified.

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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday spoke with Marco Rubio and conveyed India’s strong protest over recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf that resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors.

According to reports, Jaishankar told Rubio that the use of lethal force against commercial shipping was not justified and underlined India’s serious concerns regarding the safety of civilian seafarers operating in the region. The conversation came days after three Indian mariners were killed in an attack on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello near the Oman coast.

The incident has triggered diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington. India had earlier summoned a senior US diplomat to register its concerns and seek accountability following the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized that actions endangering civilian shipping undermine maritime safety and stability in a strategically important region.

India reiterates concern over maritime safety

India has stressed the importance of protecting civilian seafarers and ensuring the security of international maritime commerce. Officials have expressed concern over multiple incidents involving Indian crew members in West Asian waters in recent days.

The deaths of the three sailors have also sparked calls within India for stronger diplomatic efforts to safeguard Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels in conflict-affected maritime zones.

Background of the incident

The attack involved the tanker Settebello, which was operating near Oman when it was struck during ongoing tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran and maritime operations in the Gulf region. Initial reports indicated that Indian crew members were among those affected, and later confirmations established that three Indian sailors had died in the incident.

India has maintained that civilian shipping should not become a target and has continued diplomatic outreach to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers working across global shipping routes.

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