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Afghanistan: Taliban announce three-day Eid ceasefire

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Afghanistan: Taliban announce three-day Eid ceasefire

First such response to Afghan government eight day ceasefire

Responding to Afghan government’s eight day ceasefire on the occasion of Eidfestival, the Taliban in Afghanistan has for the first time announced a three-day ceasefire on Eid al-Fitrholiday at the end of this week.

According to Kabul based Tolo News, Taliban on Saturday issued a statement that it has ordered its fighters not to clash with Afghani Security forces for the first three days of Eid. Most of the Muslim countries observe three day holidays for the Eid celebrations.

However, the statement said that the ceasefire would exclude foreign forces ordering their fighters to continue attacks on them.

Taliban have not given exact dates according to Gregorian calendar as Eid is celebrated according to lunar Islamic calendar. Eid starts when the moon is first sighted on either the 29th or 30th day of Ramadan. Sometimes moon appears at different days in a single country.

Read More: Afghan President declare temporary ceasefire against Taliban

Taliban’s response came after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in a televised address on Thursday announced an unconditional ceasefire with the Taliban from June 12 to 19. Ghani said fighting against other armed groups such as Daesh (IS) will continue.

The surprise move by the government came days after over 2000 Islamic scholars in Kabul issued a fatwaagainst suicide bombings and attacks. Unfortunately, the meeting was attacked by a suicide bomber, killing at least seven people.

Moreover, the Tolo News said that Taliban also ordered their shadow governors to identify prisoners in their custody, who could provide guarantees that they would not be a future threat to the group, to be released. The group’s leadership has also asked their fighters to make arrangements for families of prisoners to visit them during Eid.

Afghanistan: Taliban announce three-day Eid ceasefire

The ceasefire announcement by the government and Taliban triggered a positive vibes among the international community. US State Department, NATO’s Resolute Support Mission and US forces in Afghanistan, Federica Mogherini, the Chief of EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Boris Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary, Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Russian foreign ministry have welcomed the move.

In 2014, the US and NATO formally concluded their combat mission in Afghanistan, but US Pentagon still has thousands of forces based in the country. The Trump administration has sent additional troops to try to change the course of America’s longest war.

At least 17 soldiers were killed when their checkpoint came under attack by the Taliban in western Herat province, just hours before the ceasefire announcement, said GelaniFarhad, spokesman for the provincial governor. One soldier was wounded while eight Taliban attackers were killed and more than a dozen others were wounded during the gun battle.

In February, Ghani offered recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group in a proposed political process that he said could lead to talks to end more than 16 years of war.

The Taliban has been fighting in  different parts of  the country since it was removed from power in 2001 by the US-led forces, in the aftermath of 9/11 terror attacks. The Taliban has set the withdrawal of foreign forces as a pre-condition for peace talks.

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Trump and Putin hold over 90-minute call, discuss Iran war and Ukraine conflict

Trump and Putin held a 90-minute call focusing on Iran tensions and the Ukraine conflict, with warnings over escalation and talks of ceasefire.

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Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation lasting more than 90 minutes, focusing on escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to official statements, the discussion was described as “frank and businesslike,” with both leaders addressing key global security concerns. A major part of the conversation centred on the situation involving Iran and developments in the Persian Gulf.

Putin supported Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire related to Iran, suggesting that continued restraint could create space for negotiations and help stabilise the region. However, he also issued a strong warning, stating that renewed military action by the United States or Israel could lead to “extremely damaging consequences” not only for Iran but for the wider international community.

Ukraine conflict also discussed

The leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has continued for several years since Russia’s invasion in 2022. During the call, there were indications of potential efforts toward a temporary ceasefire, although no final agreement has been confirmed.

Reports suggest that the idea of a short-term pause in hostilities was explored, possibly linked to upcoming symbolic dates, but significant differences between the parties remain unresolved.

Focus on diplomacy amid global tensions

The call highlights ongoing diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions involving both the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

While both sides acknowledged the importance of dialogue, the situation on the ground in both conflict zones remains complex, with no immediate resolution in sight.

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Trump rejects Iran peace plan as tensions rise, Tehran signals military readiness

Trump rejects Iran’s peace plan, keeping focus on nuclear concerns as Tehran signals readiness and tensions continue to rise.

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Donald Trump statement

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal from Iran aimed at easing ongoing tensions, signaling a continued deadlock between the two countries.

The proposal reportedly included steps linked to easing restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. However, the United States declined the offer, maintaining that any agreement must address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear programme.

Washington has made it clear that resolving nuclear issues remains a priority and that partial measures without broader commitments will not be accepted.

Nuclear issue remains central

The U.S. position continues to focus on preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. Officials believe that without a comprehensive agreement, temporary arrangements could delay a long-term resolution.

The rejection of the proposal indicates that negotiations remain stalled, with both sides holding firm on key demands.

Iran issues warning

Following the rejection, Iranian officials have issued strong statements, indicating readiness to respond if pressure from the U.S. continues.

Reports suggest that Iran has asserted its military preparedness, warning that any escalation could lead to serious consequences. The remarks reflect growing tensions as diplomatic efforts struggle to produce results.

Rising geopolitical tension

The situation remains volatile, with both countries engaged in a prolonged standoff. Measures such as restrictions on trade routes and strategic pressure points continue to impact the broader region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical factor in the conflict, given its importance for global energy supplies.

Outlook uncertain

With no immediate breakthrough in sight, tensions between the United States and Iran are expected to persist. The lack of agreement on key issues, particularly the nuclear programme, continues to hinder progress toward de-escalation.

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Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to visit India in May for BRICS meeting

Sergei Lavrov will visit India in May to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and discuss bilateral ties with S Jaishankar.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is set to visit India in May to participate in a key meeting of foreign ministers from BRICS nations, according to an official announcement.

The visit is scheduled for May 14 and 15, during which Lavrov will attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi. The meeting is being held under India’s presidency and is expected to focus on major global issues, including strengthening international governance and enhancing cooperation among member nations.

On the sidelines of the multilateral engagement, Lavrov is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The talks are likely to cover a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations, future diplomatic engagements, and preparations for upcoming intergovernmental commission meetings.

The BRICS meeting will serve as a platform for detailed discussions on pressing international matters and the evolving global order. It is also expected to play a role in shaping the agenda for the upcoming BRICS summit scheduled later this year in New Delhi.

Officials have indicated that the gathering will emphasize strengthening strategic partnerships and increasing the role of emerging economies in global decision-making processes. Participation from partner countries is also expected in select sessions.

Lavrov’s visit comes shortly after a recent telephonic conversation between him and Jaishankar, where both sides discussed regional developments and ways to expand cooperation between India and Russia.

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