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Trump visit is to strengthen Israel against Iran: Tillerson

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Trump visit is to strengthen Israel against Iran: Tillerson

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says Iran has destabilized the Middle East

By Abu Turab

US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia is aimed to “stand in unity” with Israel against Iran.

In an exclusive interview to NBC on Sunday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, “I think there is a broad view and consensus among all in the region, among all Arab nations, among Israel and among others of Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region.”

In a recent interview to al-Arabia TV, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is also the Defence Minister, had rejected the possibility of normalising ties with Iran and threatened military intervention in Iran. He said, “We will not wait until the battle is in Saudi Arabia, but we will work so the battle is there in Iran.”

Arguing the purpose of Trump’s maiden foreign trip to Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Vatican, Tillerson said, “I think the important aspect of this visit that the President is making is to bring a message of unity’ among the followers of these religions (Judaism, Christianity and Muslims) in the face of the threats posed by Daesh (IS) and al-Qaeda.”

When NBC anchor Chuck Todd asked if Trump was going to touch sectarian conflicts (Sunni-Shia) in the region, Tillerson said, “However, there is a strong element of the role that the nation of Iran plays in support of terrorism.”

Meanwhile, renowned writer Patrick Cockburn, in his article published in the Independent on May 12, said, “The next week’s meeting of Donald Trump, the most dangerous man on the planet, with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, a source of instability in the Middle East, is a threat to peace.”

Cockburn is an Irish journalist who has worked as Middle East correspondent for the Financial Express and Independent. His professional assignments took him to Moscow and Washington as well. He has written three books on recent Iraq history and received several prizes. Renowned American journalist Seymour Hersh has described him the “best western journalist at work in Iraq today”.

The writer criticised the Prince’s aggressive and reckless foreign policy approach, especially his aggression against Yemen and Saudi support for al-Qaeda linked militants in Syria. He said the 31-year-old Deputy Crown Prince “has won a reputation for impulsiveness, aggression and poor judgment in the two-and-a-half years he has held power”. Cockburn said the Prince would seek Trump’s help in his confrontation with Iran.

Press TV, Iran’s official network, in its May 5 report, said that Trump is planning to sign a multi-billion dollar weapons deal with Saudi Arabia, including the possible sale of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system, developed by Lockheed Martin, similar to the one the US has sent to South Korea.

Trump will also offer a $11.5-billion deal for four multi-mission warplanes and technical support, which was approved by the State Department in 2015, but could not be finished because of disagreements on both sides.

Saudi Arabia had distanced itself from Washington after former US President Barack Obama’s push for the historic nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers.

It would be interesting to note that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was founded on May 25, 1981, a few months after then Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein invaded Iran in September 1980. The GCC member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE, all US allies in the region, extended full moral and material support to Saddam Hussein for crushing the newly-established government after the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

In 2011, Saudi Arabia moved a proposal to transform the GCC into a ‘Gulf Union’ with tighter economic, political and military coordination to counterbalance the Iranian influence in the region.

According to the Saudi Gazette, Riyadh will host three different summit meetings including US-Saudi, US-GCC and US-Leaders from Arab and Islamic States, which are part of the Islamic Alliance to combat terrorism.

This alliance is engaged in the war against Yemen since March 2015. Till date over 12000 civilians have been killed while 3.3 million people, including 2.1 million children, are currently suffering from acute malnutrition.[/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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