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US withdraws from UN Human Rights Council, Supports Israel

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US withdraws from UN Human Rights Council, Supports Israel

Nikki Haley announces calling world body as “chronic bias against Israel”

Continuing isolationist moves the US administration has withdrawn from the Geneva based United Nations’ Human Rights Council accusing it of being a “chronic bias against Israel”. Washington’s move triggered criticism by human rights groups while several world leaders described it regrettable.

Nikki Haley, US ambassador to UN announced the decision to pull out of the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday. She said, “We take this step because our commitment does not allow us to remain a part of a hypocritical and self-serving organisation that makes a mockery of human rights.” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was standing beside her during the announcement.

Haley criticised Russia, China and Egypt for thwarting US efforts to reform the council. She did not spare even the countries which shared US values and encouraged Washington to remain but “were unwilling to seriously challenge the status quo.”

“Look at the council membership, and you see an appalling disrespect for the most basic rights,” she said Haley, citing Venezuela, China, Cuba and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

She also said the “disproportionate focus and unending hostility toward Israel is clear proof that the council is motivated by political bias, not by human rights.”

Reacting to the US decision, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, the UN high commissioner for human rights, called it “disappointing, if not really surprising”.  He further said , “Given the state of human rights in today’s world, the US should be stepping up, not stepping back.”

US withdraws from UN Human Rights Council, Supports Israel

The European Union said the move “risks undermining the role of the US as a champion and supporter of democracy on the world stage”, while British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson called it “regrettable”.

Read More: US Face Worldwide Condemnation for Embassy Relocation

It was appreciated by Israel, a major ally of the US, calling it a “courageous” move. The UN Human Rights Council voted last month to probe the killing of scores of Palestinian protesters in the Gaza Strip accusing Israel of excessive use of force.

The US exit from the 47-member Geneva-based body did not come as a shock, as Haley had talked about it almost from the moment she became the US ambassador to the UN in early 2017.

Commenting on the US Ambassador Nikki Haley’s announcement, Aljazeera’s Washington based reporter Rosiland Jordan said, “She was quite adamant at the time that the council held a very deep anti-Israel bias and that the US was going to try to root it out; otherwise it would leave the council.”

“But the primary reason why the US is pulling out of the council now is because of its efforts to reduce or eliminate of the unfair criticism, in the US’ view, of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians,” she added.

Read More: Isolated Trump gets Saudi Arabia, Israel support on Iran deal withdrawal

In their remarks, both Haley and Pompeo said the decision had been made after a long year of efforts to shame the council into reform.

On Monday, UNHRC’s chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein called on Washington to halt its child separation policy from their immigrant parents at the US-Mexico border. He said, “The thought that any state would seek to deter parents by inflicting such abuse on children is unconscionable.”

US President Donald Trump administration move of withdrawing from UNHRC is the latest US rejection of multilateral engagement after it pulled out of the Paris climate agreement and the Iran nuclear deal.

The US move has attracted criticism from a wide range of organisations at home and abroad.  Jamil Dakwar, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Human Rights Program, said Trump’s “misguided policy of isolationism only harms American interests.”

Read More: Mike Pompeo visits Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan

Human Rights First, Save the Children and CARE, had earlier warned Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the US withdrawal would “make it more difficult to advance human rights priorities and aid victims of abuse around the world.”

The US’ move is unprecedented in the 12-year history of the council because no country has ever dropped out voluntarily. Libya’s membership was suspended in 2011 after Tripoli’s crackdown on protesters.

The council’s 47 members are elected by the UN’s General Assembly for a three-year period, and can only serve for two terms in a row. A specific number of seats are allocated for each region of the globe.

Washington is halfway through a three year term and Trump administration had long threatened to quit if it was not overhauled. Under President Barack Obama the US was elected to the UN human rights top body for the maximum two consecutive terms. After a year off, it was re-elected in 2016.

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PM Modi arrives in France for G7 Summit 2026, Trump meeting scheduled on Wednesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in France for the G7 Summit 2026. A bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump is expected during the summit as leaders discuss major global economic and security challenges.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Évian, France, on Tuesday to participate in the G7 Summit 2026, marking the final leg of his two-nation Europe visit. World leaders have gathered in the French town for discussions on major global challenges, including economic growth, security, technology and international cooperation.

The summit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with developments related to Iran, Ukraine and global economic stability expected to feature prominently in discussions among leaders.

A bilateral meeting between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump is expected on Wednesday on the sidelines of the summit. According to reports, the two leaders are likely to discuss trade, investment, energy cooperation, supply chains, artificial intelligence and broader strategic issues.

Ahead of the summit, PM Modi had said India would represent not only its own interests but also the aspirations of the Global South. India has consistently used international forums to raise issues affecting developing nations, including sustainable development, economic resilience and equitable global growth.

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the three-day summit in Évian, where leaders from G7 nations and invited partner countries are taking part in a series of formal sessions and bilateral engagements. India is among the invited outreach partners attending the gathering.

The expected Modi-Trump meeting is attracting significant attention as it would be their first face-to-face interaction since recent discussions over trade and strategic cooperation. Officials have indicated that economic ties, visa-related matters and regional security issues could feature in the talks.

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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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