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Iraqi Kurds vote in independence referendum

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Iraqi Kurds vote in independence referendum

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria are against separate Kurdish state

In a major development after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq in 2003, semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in the country is holding an independence referendum, on Monday, against strong objections from central government in Baghdad and in defiance of urgent calls from international community to scrap the exercise.

According to reports from various sources, Erbil, the capital of the present semi-autonomous region, witnessed lots of enthusiasm among the residents. Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani voted in a polling station near the city. Polling was in progress in Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Dahok provinces. Votes were also polled in disputed bordering zones such as the oil-rich province of Kirkuk. Initial results are expected in 24 hours. Polling began at 8 a.m. and will continue for 12 hours.

Earlier President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani  had urged “all Kurds” to go to the polls, saying “his people’s partnership with the central government in Baghdad had failed.”

Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, on Sunday, said that Baghdad will not allow the creation of an “ethnic government” in the country. In a televised speech, Abadi said “Taking a unilateral decision, which can affect the unity of Iraq and its security and the security of the region, through a referendum on separation, is unconstitutional and against civil peace. We will take the necessary measures to preserve the unity of the country.”

Iraq’s central government, had on Sunday, called on the world countries not to purchase oil from the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Central government has also asked to Kurdish region to hand over control of international border posts and its international airports.

In a fast moving development, Iran, considered to be the best friend of Iraq in the region, closed its airspace to all flights to and from the semi autonomous Kurdish region in Iraq at Baghdad’s request on Sunday.

Keyvan Khosravi, spokesman of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC)  was quoted by Press TV saying, “At the request of the central government of Iraq, all flights from Iran to Sulaymaniyah and Erbil airports as well as all flights through our country’s airspace originating in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region have been halted.”

Iran has, once again, asserted its support to Iraq’s sovereignty and integrity on Monday.  President Hassan Rouhani, in a telephonic conversation with Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi, said that Iran was against any move that would undermine Iraq’s territorial integrity and national unity.

“In this important issue concerning Iraq, we will stand by our neighbor and the Iraqi government,” Rouhani said.

Meanwhile, Turkish government, on Sunday, lined up its tanks at border crossing with Iraq’s Kurdish region, sending clear signal of their opposition to the Kurdish Regional Government’s independence referendum.

Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan, while addressing UN General Assembly on Tuesday said, “New crises in the region, such as bids for independence, could spark new conflicts and must therefore be avoided at all costs … We urge Iraq’s Kurdish Regional Government to abort the steps they have taken in that direction.”

Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moallem said on Sunday in New York that his country doesn’t recognize the Iraqi Kurdish referendum on support for independence from Baghdad, which could break up the neighbouring country. He said, “We reject any measure that leads to dividing Iraq.”

Syria, like turkey and Iran, opposes the vote in Iraqi Kurdish region fearing that Kurdish communities within Syria might eventually do the same.

Prior to the referendum in the Kurdish region, Iraq’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of suspension of the independence referendum and country’s parliament voted to reject the proposal. PM Abadi has even threatened military intervention in case the referendum leads to violence.

Despite fierce criticism from neighboring countries and US, Masoud Barzani, the president of Iraqi Kurdistan went ahead with referendum. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had recently supported creation of a separate Kurdistan state in the region. Israeli flag was also spotted during a pro-referendum rally in Erbil last week.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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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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