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US urges de-escalation as India, Pakistan exchange missile attacks

After India’s anti-terror strikes under Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched missiles on Indian cities, triggering blackouts and air sirens. US has called for urgent de-escalation.

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In a critical development following India’s retaliatory airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the United States has called for “immediate de-escalation” of hostilities between the two neighbouring countries.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a telephonic conversation with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, extended support for direct India-Pakistan dialogue and reaffirmed cooperation with India in combating terrorism. The conversation came shortly before Pakistan launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on Indian cities.

Cities under blackout, missiles intercepted

Late Thursday night, air raid sirens were heard across parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to impose complete blackouts to safeguard civilian and strategic sites. Key locations including Pathankot and Chandigarh observed power cuts as a precaution.

According to defence sources, Pakistan fired eight missiles targeting areas in Jammu and Kashmir. All were successfully intercepted by Indian air defence systems. Visuals shared by residents online showed trails of missiles streaking across the night sky, followed by explosions from Indian countermeasures.

Reports also indicate that an F-16 fighter jet belonging to Pakistan was downed during the attempted offensive.

India’s Operation Sindoor strikes terror hubs

The surge in military action follows India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror facilities—four in Pakistan and five in PoK—using advanced munitions including HAMMER bombs and SCALP missiles.

The strikes began around 1:05 am on Wednesday and lasted 25 minutes, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirming the elimination of over 100 terrorists. These actions were in direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where four terrorists from The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, killed 26 people at the Baisaran Valley tourist site.

Pakistan’s response and air defence countermeasures

In retaliation, Pakistan fired missiles late Wednesday and early Thursday at Indian military sites in cities like Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. However, these were intercepted by India’s Russian-built S-400 air defence systems.

In a strategic move, India deployed Israeli-made HARPY drones to destroy Pakistani air defence positions in cities like Lahore, thereby weakening the adversary’s ability to prevent further strikes.

Global concerns and US intervention

The United States’ appeal for calm comes amid heightened global concerns over the potential for a full-scale conflict between the two nuclear-armed countries. Secretary Rubio also extended condolences for the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack, reiterating America’s support for India’s counter-terrorism initiatives.

As tensions remain high along the border, the international community is closely monitoring developments, with the US encouraging diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

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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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