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Syria reopens Damascus-Homs Highway after seven years

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Syria reopens Damascus-Homs Highway after seven years

Continuing its struggle to normalize life after defeating Daesh (IS) and other terror groups, Syrian government has succeeded in reopening a strategic highway linking capital Damascus to Homs Province on Thursday after a gap of seven years. This was made possible after clearing Eastern Ghouta from terrorists who were using the area as launching pad to attack the capital region.

According to Tehran based Press TV, the international highway was opened to public traffic after its reconstruction was completed. In normal situation the same highway is used to travel to Turkey.

Since 2012, the highway had been completely out of service because terrorists in the area were overlooking the road and conducting indiscriminate attacks on passing vehicles and the Syrian army checkpoints.

Read More: Syria gives 48 hour ultimatum to terrorists to leave

The reopening of the highway also shortened the travel time between Damascus and Homs. A Syrian refugee residing in al-Wafideen refugee camp described the opening of the highway as “a new victory” for the Syrian army. “We had difficulty reaching Damascus, now it only takes seven minutes for me to return home,” he added.

A Syrian army officer said, “Thanks to the Syrian army and allied forces, who defeated the terrorists in [the cities of] Harasta and Douma, now the way is open.”

Mahmoud Alsoufi, a road engineer, was cited as saying, “There used to be lots of piles of dirt and burnt vehicles on the road, as well as passages dug over and under the roadbed. In the past few weeks, we’ve repaired the entire road, removed the damaged road surface, and repaved it with tar asphalt. We’ve also cleared the obstacles from the road surface.”

Read More: Russia: US, allies bombed UN-backed peace talks in Syria

A driver also said, “I came from Hama. In the past, to get to Damascus you certainly couldn’t take this road. Instead, you had to take other small roads which took four to four and a half hours. Now, it only takes an hour or 45 minutes.”

The terrorist groups have lost much of the Syrian territory they once held amid sweeping gains by government forces on the ground. Syrian forces were supported by Iranian advisors and Hezbollah fighters on the ground while Russian air force bombed the terrorist hideouts.

Read More: Syria is fighting war against Wahabism, says Ambassador

In April, Syrian forces managed to retake the Eastern Ghouta and Eastern Qalamoun regions near the capital. Syrian forces later moved to liberate other militant-held areas in the provinces of Homs and Hama.

The extension of the road from Homs to Hama Province is also being rehabilitated amid the Syrian army advances against militants in Hama countryside.

Read More: Russian helicopter crashes in Eastern Syria, 2 pilots killed

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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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Latest world news

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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