politics

US-Israel war on Iran Day 13: Trump pledges to end war

Dubai Civil Defence contained a minor fire at a Dubai Creek Harbour building after a drone fell nearby, with no injuries reported. UAE authorities later issued an all-clear as air defences responded to regional missile and drone threats. Elsewhere, tanker attacks near Iraq killed one crew member, while Saudi Arabia and Bahrain intercepted drones and heightened security. Follow all the latest developments here:

11:48 AM, 12 March 2026

India says sailor killed in attack on tanker off Basra

An Indian sailor was killed after a US-owned crude oil tanker was attacked near the Iraqi port city of Basra, India’s embassy in Baghdad said Thursday.

The vessel, Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, came under attack March 11 while operating near Basra, the embassy said.

The remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated and are safe, the embassy said.

11:40 AM, 12 March 2026

Qatar condemns Iranian attack on Salalah Port in Oman

Qatar has strongly condemned an Iranian drone attack on the port of Salalah in Oman that damaged fuel tanks.

Doha called the strike a blatant violation of international law and an escalation that undermines regional stability, expressing full solidarity with Oman and support for measures to protect its sovereignty and security.

11:18 AM, 12 March 2026

Iranian footballer who received asylum returns to Iran

One of the seven Iranian women’s football team players has requested to return back to her homeland after being granted asylum in Australia confirms Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

Burke said that one of the two individuals who had chosen to remain in Brisbane before the team travelled to Sydney later reversed their decision.

“(She) had spoken to some of the teammates that had left and had changed her mind,” said Burke.

10:48 AM, 12 March 2026

Italy says its military base in Iraqi Kurdistan attacked

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Thursday there had been an “attack” on an Italian base in the Iraqi Kurdish city of Erbil, but there were no injuries.

“I strongly condemn the attack on the Italian base in Erbil,” Tajani said on X, without giving details. “I just spoke with the Italian ambassador to Iraq. Fortunately, all our soldiers are well and safe in the bunker,” he said.

Italy has soldiers in Erbil training Kurdistan security forces as part of an international force.

Drones were shot down on Wednesday over Erbil by the US-led international forces, which are based at Erbil airport, a Kurdish security source said.

No casualties were reported, the source said.

AFP journalists reported hearing loud bangs near Erbil airport from air defences engaging drones.

10:30 AM, 12 March 2026

Drone shot down in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a drone in the Empty Quarter heading toward the Shaybah field, said the country’s Ministry of Defense.

10:25 AM, 12 March 2026

Dubai gold dips below Dh620 after recent spike

Gold prices in Dubai eased on Thursday morning, with the 24K rate falling to Dh619.75 per gram from Dh623.75 a day earlier, while 22K slipped to Dh574 from Dh577.50. The pullback follows recent swings in global bullion markets after prices briefly climbed above Dh640 earlier this month, with traders reacting to US inflation signals, a stronger dollar and rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.

10:17 AM, 12 March 2026

UAE reiterates ban on drones and light sport aircraft

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has reaffirmed the complete ban on operating all types of drones and light sport aircraft in the UAE, citing exceptional circumstances currently facing the country.

In a statement, the authority stressed that the prohibition remains strictly in force and applies to all operators without exception. The GCAA said compliance with the decision is mandatory and urged the public and hobbyists to fully adhere to the regulations to avoid legal consequences.

The GCAA reaffirms the temporary suspension of all drone operations across the UAE. Strict compliance with official instructions protects you from legal action and ensures the safety of our airspace. Updates will be shared via our official channels in due course

09:12 AM, 12 March 2026

Pakistan Ambassador visits injured nationals in UAE hospital

Shafqat Ali Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, visited Sheikh Shakhbout Hospital to meet Pakistani nationals receiving treatment. He wished them a speedy recovery, praised the hospital administration for their care, and commended the UAE government for its commitment to providing top-tier medical services to all affected residents.

The visit highlights ongoing bilateral support and attention to the welfare of Pakistani citizens in the UAE.

08:59 AM, 12 March 2026

Lebanon says 7 killed in Israeli strike on central Beirut

Lebanon said an Israeli strike on central Beirut’s seafront killed at least seven people early on Thursday, another attack in the heart of the capital as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel.

The Israeli military said separately it had carried out strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs overnight against Hezbollah, which had announced a major new operation against Israel.

Local media aired footage showing smoke rising along the seaside road area after the strike in central Beirut, which state-run National News Agency (NNA) said targeted a car.

“The Israeli enemy strike on Ramlet al-Bayda in Beirut led to an initial toll of seven dead and 21 wounded,” the health ministry said in a statement.

08:07 AM, 12 March 2026

Three crew ‘believed trapped’ aboard Thai ship attacked in Gulf: firm

Three crew members were “believed to be trapped” aboard a Thai bulk carrier that was hit by two projectiles on Wednesday while travelling through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the vessel’s owner said.

“Three crew members are reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room” of the Thai-registered Mayuree Naree which was damaged in the strikes, Thai transport company Precious Shipping said in a statement Wednesday evening.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday they struck the ship because it had ignored “warnings”.

07:55 AM, 12 March 2026

Drone targets residential building in Kuwait, 2 injured

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that an enemy drone struck a residential building in a southern region of the country at dawn today, KUNA reported.

The attack injured two people, who are receiving medical treatment, and caused material damage, the ministry’s official spokesman added.

07:46 AM, 12 March 2026

Dubai tourist police available 24/7 to assist visitors

Tourists in Dubai can now access round-the-clock support from the Dubai Tourist Police, ensuring safety and assistance throughout their stay.

Visitors can reach the service via:

Dubai Police App – Tourist Support Service
Smart Police Stations (SPS)
Call Center: 901
Email

From guidance and general assistance to emergency support, the Dubai Tourist Police are on duty 24/7 to help travellers across the city.

07:21 AM, 12 March 2026

Brent crude oil tops $100 a barrel amid Iran attacks

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, topped $100 a barrel early Thursday, just days after it spiked near $120.

Oil prices shot more than 9% higher as supply concerns worsened with Iranian attacks on commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. benchmark crude oil jumped to about $95 a barrel.

07:20 AM, 12 March 2026

Israeli strikes kill 3 near Beirut

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli strikes early Thursday a town in the hills overlooking Beirut killed three people and wounded a child.

Aramoun, a town about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Beirut where dozens of displaced families have found shelter, has been targeted twice since the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel renewed after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel on March 2.

The Health Ministry also said the death toll from an earlier Israeli strike on central Beirut had risen to eight people, with 31 wounded.

07:10 AM, 12 March 2026

UAE sends missile threat alert

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that UAE air defence systems were actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Authorities have emphasised the importance of staying in safe locations, relying only on verified government updates, and remaining alert while the situation is closely monitored. Residents received mobile alerts through official channels to ensure timely warnings.

The UAE continues to monitor the situation and coordinate defensive measures to protect residents and critical infrastructure.

07:04 AM, 12 March 2026

Saudi Arabia says shot down drone approaching embassy district

Saudi Arabia shot down a drone approaching a district housing foreign embassies, the country’s defence ministry said on Thursday.

“An enemy drone was shot down while attempting to approach the embassies district,” a defence ministry spokesperson posted on X, after confirming Saudi Arabia had also intercepted a drone in the east of the country.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence also said on Thursday its air defences had intercepted several drones as Iran carries out strikes on oil-rich Gulf countries, vowing to target global energy markets in response to US-Israeli strikes.

06:51 AM, 12 March 2026

Iraq shuts oil terminals after deadly strike hits Basra port

An attack on Iraq’s Basra port early Thursday killed at least one person and forced authorities to halt operations at all the country’s oil terminals, officials said.

Farhan al-Fartousi, the director-general of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, made the announcement in a statement carried by the state-run Iraqi News Agency on Thursday. Al-Fartousi said the attack targeted a ship engaged in a ship-to-ship transfer of oil in the Basra port on the Persian Gulf. He said it remained unclear if the ship was targeted by a flying or seaborne drone or a missile.

Rescuers recovered one dead body and helped 38 others after the attack. He said commercial ports in Iraq remained open, though the oil terminals had been shut.

06:50 AM, 12 March 2026

Drones intercepted in Kuwait

Official Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Saud Al-Otaibi said Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted a number of hostile drones that breached the airspace in the north of the country at dawn.

06:17 AM, 12 March 2026

Israeli military says more missiles from Iran heading towards Israel

The Israeli military said Thursday that a new barrage of missiles was heading for Israel, following an early wave of strikes that coincided with Israeli strikes on Tehran and Beirut.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the Israeli military said on its official Telegram channel.

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05:47 AM, 12 March 2026

Bahrain arrests four over espionage with Iranian Guard

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior announced that the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science has arrested four Bahraini nationals and identified a fifth, currently at large abroad, in connection with espionage activities linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps through terrorist elements operating in Iran.

Investigations revealed that the first arrestee, acting on organisational instructions and with the assistance of the others, used high-resolution photography equipment to record and photograph coordinates of vital and sensitive locations in Bahrain. This information was reportedly transmitted to the IRGC via encrypted software. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the arrested individuals have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

05:35 AM, 12 March 2026

Trump says Iran near point of defeat

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran was on the verge of defeat, but warned that US forces could escalate strikes such that the country would be “almost impossible” to rebuild.

“They are pretty much at the end of the line,” Trump told reporters in Washington.

He added: “We can hit sections of Tehran and other places that if you do it, it’ll be almost impossible for them to rebuild their country, and we don’t want that.”

05:31 AM, 12 March 2026

Bahrain arrests six for sharing videos of Iranian attacks

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior announced that the Anti-Cybercrime Directorate at the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security has identified and arrested six individuals for filming and posting videos showing the aftermath of the recent Iranian aggression.

The videos, shared via social media, were found to express sympathy for the hostile acts, potentially misleading public opinion, spreading fear among citizens and residents, and undermining security and public order.

Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the arrestees have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

The Ministry of Interior urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to refrain from circulating or reposting unreliable videos or news, warning that doing so could carry legal consequences and compromise the Kingdom’s safety and security.

05:20 AM, 12 March 2026

Bahrain authorities urge residents to stay indoors amid fire

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior has urged citizens and residents in Hidd, Arad, Qalali, and Samaheej to remain in their homes and close windows and ventilation openings as a precaution against smoke from a fire currently being fought.

Authorities earlier sounded the siren, advising residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location. Relevant authorities have said they will provide continuous updates.

05:00 AM, 12 March 2026

Bahrain authorities respond to Iranian attack on fuel facility

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior reported that the recent Iranian aggression targeted fuel tanks at a facility in Muharraq Governorate. The competent authorities are taking all necessary measures to manage the situation.

No injuries or further details have been reported at this time.

04:58 AM, 12 March 2026

UAE condemns unprovoked drone attack on Oman’s Salalah port

Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the unprovoked Iranian drone attack targeting the Port of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman, which resulted in damage to several fuel tanks at the port.

04:55 AM, 12 March 2026

UAE residents told: Situation safe after emergency alert

Authorities have issued an all-clear alert, confirming that the situation is currently safe and residents can resume normal activities.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that UAE air defence systems were actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Residents have been urged to stay informed through official sources as authorities continue monitoring the situation.

04:45 AM, 12 March 2026

UN Security Council condemns Iran’s unprovoked attacks on the Gulf nations and Jordan

The UN Security Council, through Resolution 2817, has condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s unprovoked attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The resolution had overwhelming support – the highest number of co-sponsorships in the Security Council’s history – a clear message from the international community to Iran.

Today, the UN Security Council condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s unprovoked attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

The UAE strongly welcomes the adoption of Resolution 2817. The overwhelming support – reflected in… pic.twitter.com/lPZbLEJtZV

— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) March 11, 2026

04:35 AM, 12 March 2026

Saudi Arabia intercepts multiple drones

The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed that several drones were intercepted and destroyed across the Eastern Region and the Empty Quarter.

A drone heading toward the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter was intercepted and destroyed.
In the Eastern Region, authorities intercepted and destroyed 18 drones, including multiple incidents reported over the past hours.
Additional reports confirm at least three more drones were intercepted and neutralised in the Eastern Region.

The Ministry of Defence spokesperson emphasised that Saudi air defence systems continue to actively monitor and respond to aerial threats to protect vital facilities.

04:25 AM, 12 March 2026

Dubai firefighters bring a minor fire under control following drone incident

Dubai Civil Defence teams have brought a minor fire in a Dubai Creek Harbour building under control, with no injuries reported so far, as per the Dubai Media Office. Authorities earlier responded to an incident involving a drone that fell on a building in the vicinity of Dubai Creek Harbour.

Civil Defence teams have brought a minor fire in the building under control. No injuries have been reported so far. pic.twitter.com/CDQwp4JmwD

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 11, 2026

03:51 AM, 12 March 2026

1 killed, 38 rescued as 2 tankers hit in ‘sabotage’ attacks off Iraq

Two oil tankers were attacked off Iraq in what authorities called a “sabotage”. An attack on oil tankers near Iraq killed one crew member, Iraqi state television reported on Thursday, citing port authorities.

Farhan Al-Fartousi, from Iraq’s General Company for Ports, told state television that one crew member had been killed and 38 rescued so far, and the “search continues for the missing.”

He did not specify their nationalities or provide details on who was behind the attack.

03:46 AM, 12 March 2026

US to release 172 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve: Energy department

The US government will release 172 million barrels from the strategic petroleum reserve “beginning next week,” as the Middle East war disrupted oil prices, the US Department of Energy said Wednesday.

The release would “take approximately 120 days to deliver based on planned discharge rates,” the agency said in a post to X.

01:44 AM, 12 March 2026

Firefighting efforts continue to extinguish fire at fuel storage tanks at Salalah Port

Emergency crews in Oman are continuing efforts to extinguish a fire that broke out at fuel storage tanks at the Port of Salalah following an Iranian drone attack, authorities said.

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority confirmed that specialised response teams were immediately dispatched to the site after the incident and began firefighting operations to contain the blaze.

The operation is being carried out with support from the Sultan’s Armed Forces as well as companies operating in the surrounding industrial area, as authorities work to bring the situation under control.

Officials said teams are deploying extensive resources to limit the spread of the fire and protect nearby facilities, adding that extinguishing the blaze may take some time due to the nature of fuel storage fires.

The authority stressed that all necessary safety and security procedures are being implemented while emergency crews continue their operations.

Authorities have also urged the public to follow official updates and avoid the area while response teams work to fully contain the fire and ensure the safety of the port and surrounding infrastructure.

01:04 AM, 12 March 2026

Qatar intercepts 9 ballistic missiles, several drones from Iran

Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said the country’s air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats after Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones on Wednesday.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that the Qatari Armed Forces intercepted nine ballistic missiles and a number of drones, neutralising most of the incoming threats before they could reach their targets.

“Our Armed Forces successfully intercepted nine aerial threats, of which eight ballistic missiles were destroyed, while one missile fell in an uninhabited area,” the ministry said.

Authorities added that the interception operation was carried out as part of Qatar’s integrated air defence system, which is designed to protect the country’s airspace, critical infrastructure and civilian areas.

Gulf News

world

4-Year Stay Limit: What It Means for International Students

A sweeping change to US immigration rules could soon reshape how international students plan their education in the country, with a proposed policy introducing a fixed four-year limit on student stays.

The White House has cleared a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation that would replace the long-standing “Duration of Status” (D/S) system with a time-bound admission model for foreign students and exchange visitors.

According to Bloomberg reports, under the proposed changes, most international students would be permitted to stay in the US for up to four years. After this period, those continuing their studies would be required to obtain formal approval to extend their stay.

Currently, students can stay for the full length of their academic programme as long as they maintain valid status, without a fixed expiry date.

If implemented, the change could affect F-1 student visa holders, J-1 exchange visitors and other categories, requiring more frequent interaction with US immigration authorities.

The rule has cleared review by the White House Office of Management and Budget and is expected to move toward publication in the Federal Register, with implementation likely within 30 to 60 days of final notification.

What is the proposed change?

Under current plans reported by Bloomberg, international student stays could be capped at around four years, regardless of how long their academic programme runs.

The rule would apply to multiple visa categories, including:

F-1 student visas
J-1 exchange visitor visas
Other related study-based visa categories

If implemented, students whose programmes extend beyond the limit would need to apply for formal extensions through US immigration authorities.

The regulation has already cleared review by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is expected to be published in the Federal Register, with an implementation window of 30 to 60 days after publication.

How the current ‘Duration of Status’ system works

At present, international students in the US are admitted under the Duration of Status (D/S) framework.

This allows students to stay in the country for as long as they:

Remain enrolled full-time
Maintain valid student status
Comply with visa conditions

There is no fixed end date attached to their stay.

This system allows flexibility to:

Extend academic programmes
Switch universities or courses
Progress from undergraduate to postgraduate studies
Complete Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT

What would change under the new rule?

The proposed system would replace this flexible model with a fixed admission period, likely around four years for most students.

Key implications include:

Students would no longer have automatic stay based on enrolment
Extensions would require approval from USCIS
Additional documentation and biometric checks may be required
Processing delays could affect academic timelines
Overstaying without approval could lead to legal consequences

In effect, continued study in the US would depend on periodic immigration approvals rather than academic enrolment alone.

Why the US government is proposing the change

The Department of Homeland Security argues that the current system makes it harder to track compliance and identify visa overstays.

A fixed end-date model, officials say, would:

Improve monitoring of foreign students
Strengthen immigration enforcement
Standardise visa oversight across categories

Why Indian students could be most affected

India is the largest source of international students in the United States.

According to the Open Doors 2024 report, more than 331,000 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions in the 2023–24 academic year — nearly 30% of all international students.

Many of these students are in programmes that exceed four years, including:

PhD and doctoral research programmes
Long-duration master’s degrees
Technical and professional courses

Under the proposed system, these students may face:

More extension applications
Increased immigration scrutiny
Greater uncertainty around long-term academic planning

Key concerns raised by experts and institutions

Organisations such as the Association of American Universities (AAU), American Council on Education (ACE) and NAFSA have warned that fixed stay limits could:

Increase administrative burden
Create uncertainty for research-based programmes
Make it harder to maintain legal status in longer academic tracks

They also caution that changes could affect transitions into work pathways such as OPT.

What happens if a visa stay expires?

A major concern under the proposed framework is enforcement.

If a student’s authorised stay expires:

They may begin accruing unlawful presence immediately
Delays in extension processing could create legal risks
Immigration penalties could affect future US travel eligibility

According to immigration firm Fragomen, this could significantly raise the stakes for administrative delays or paperwork errors.

Impact on OPT and post-study work pathways

The effect on Optional Practical Training (OPT) is still unclear.

However, experts warn that moving away from the D/S system could:

Complicate transitions from study to employment
Add procedural steps before work authorisation
Increase pressure on visa timelines for STEM OPT participants

OPT remains a key pathway for international graduates seeking US work experience.

What about the grace period?

Earlier versions of the proposal suggested reducing the post-study grace period for F-1 students from 60 days to 30 days.

This period is currently used to:

Apply for OPT
Transfer universities
Change visa status
Prepare for departure

Any reduction would tighten post-graduation timelines significantly.

When could the rule take effect?

The rule is not yet in force.

OMB review has been completed
Final publication in the Federal Register is pending
Implementation could begin 30–60 days after publication

Experts suggest rollout may occur later in 2026, though timelines remain uncertain.

What should students do now?

There is no immediate change for current or prospective students.

At this stage, students should:

Continue under existing visa rules
Monitor updates from DHS and USCIS
Stay in touch with university international offices

What happens next

The regulation is not yet in force. It still requires formal publication before becoming law.

Once published, the government is expected to announce an implementation timeline, which experts say could begin later in 2026.

Until then, the current Duration of Status system remains unchanged, allowing students to stay in the US for the full length of their academic programme as long as they comply with visa conditions.

Agencies

politics

US waives Iran sanctions after talks

The United States waived sanctions on Iran for 60 days from Monday after the first talks under a nascent peace deal, while officials reported a sustained lull in fighting in Lebanon under the agreement aimed at ending hostilities across the region.

The developments followed a weekend that had appeared to ‌put the week-old accord in jeopardy, including threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to restart the war if Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran declared the strategic waterway closed. Tanker traffic through the strait started to pick up on Monday and oil prices resumed their slide.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said talks with Iranian officials in Switzerland had laid a good foundation for a final peace deal, although Iran denied that it had begun discussions of its nuclear program.

U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, and Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions. The Iran war has also shaken markets around the world and raised global oil prices, which settled 3% lower on Monday after Vance reported progress had been made.

The two sides, trying to build on the interim deal they signed last week, agreed a roadmap towards a permanent agreement within 60 days at the talks in the Qatari-owned Swiss ⁠mountain resort of Buergenstock, mediators Pakistan and Qatar said.

They also agreed on a mechanism to end fighting in Lebanon between U.S. ally Israel and Iran-aligned Hezbollah, and opened a communications line to help ensure safe passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz in order to avoid conflict in the strategic waterway.

In the first of several steps envisaged under the agreement to provide economic relief to Iran, the U.S. Treasury announced a waiver until August 21 on sanctions, allowing Tehran to sell oil and related products and receive payment for them.

VANCE DELIVERS UPBEAT ASSESSMENT

Vance, who has maintained an upbeat tone since the memorandum of understanding was signed, said Tehran had agreed to allow in nuclear inspectors, and to establish mechanisms to handle its assets frozen abroad and manage ceasefires.

“We laid a very good foundation for a successful final deal,” he told reporters after taking part in the talks.

However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told the official IRNA news agency that Iran had not yet discussed nuclear issues or made new commitments.

Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Monday that Iran will agree to have weapons inspections to ensure “nuclear honesty.”

“If Iran doesn’t live up to their agreement, or if they’re not behaving, I will do what I have to do,” Trump later told reporters.

Iran has limited inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency since the U.S. and Israel launched a first round of air strikes last year, ‌and suspended them ⁠entirely when war broke out in February. It says its nuclear program is peaceful.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on social media that Tehran had secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some of its frozen assets abroad and the launch of a reconstruction and development plan for Iran.

Vance said White House envoy Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, had come up with a process whereby the U.S. and Qatar would have control over Iranian funds when they are unfrozen, and the money could be spent on U.S. corn, soy and wheat.

“So, the money that we lift is going to go to our farmers,” Trump told reporters.

However, Iran’s Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said there was no such obligation and said at least some of the remaining frozen funds could be used to ⁠buy other non-sanctioned goods, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported.

HALT TO HOSTILITIES

Technical talks were due to continue for the rest of this week.

The interim peace agreement calls for ending all hostilities, including in Lebanon, which Israel invaded in March after Hezbollah fired across the border.

Israel was not party to the peace agreement and says it will not withdraw its troops from Lebanon, but on Friday it agreed a new ceasefire. Though intense fighting continued for another day, Lebanese officials said it had abated since Saturday night.

Israel and Lebanon were due ⁠to start a new round of talks in Washington on Tuesday, with Beirut determined to press ahead with direct negotiations even as they appear to be overshadowed by Iran’s decision to make Lebanon part of its negotiations with the United States.

Hassan Wazni, director of a hospital in the heavily bombarded city of Nabatieh, said it was the first two full days of calm since the war began.

“I’m monitoring the situation day by day, and most of the time I’m sleeping in ⁠the hospital. This is the longest a ceasefire has held,” he told Reuters by phone.

More than a million Lebanese have been displaced by the war, and though some have begun returning to their homes, many are still too wary.

In Qennarit, a southern town, mourners carried the bodies of four women killed in Saturday’s wave of Israeli strikes. The coffins were draped in yellow Hezbollah flags with the group’s green logo of an arm holding an assault rifle.

Reuters

world

Who Is Colombia’s New Right-Wing President?

Colombia elected nationalist lawyer Abelardo De La Espriella as its new president on Sunday, according to an initial vote count, marking a sharp political turn and ‌bringing a hardline security agenda and market-friendly policies to the fore.

Nicknamed “The Tiger” by his followers, De La Espriella portrayed himself as an anti-establishment savior capable of reviving Colombia’s ailing economy and restoring order in a country rattled by illegal armed groups and drug trafficking.

De La Espriella began gaining popularity early in the year with his tough-on-crime discourse. He pulled off a victory in the first round in late May with 43.7% of the vote and then beat leftist senator Ivan Cepeda in the runoff with 49.66% to Cepeda’s 48.7%, according to the national registrar’s ⁠tally.

De La Espriella, who blames outgoing President Gustavo for Colombia’s economic and security woes, won over a plurality of voters with pledges to reduce the size of the state by 40%, broaden the tax base and end peace efforts with armed groups in favor of a hardened military response.

He plans to restart oil exploration and allow fracking to nearly double production to 1.3 million barrels per day.

De La Espriella claims to have self-financed his campaign and says his “Defenders of the Homeland” movement grew without support from outside political parties or business groups. Reuters could not independently verify this claim.

Aside from being an attorney, De La Espriella has a sprawling business empire that includes wine, rum, clothing and real estate. An investigative journalism outlet, La Silla Vacia, found that many of his businesses have been dissolved, are in debt and lost money overall in 2024, with his law firm being his most profitable endeavor. De La ‌Espriella’s campaign ⁠declined to answer La Silla Vacia’s questions about the candidate’s businesses, the outlet said, but later questioned its funding in a public letter. La Silla Vacia rejected allegations of bias.

LUXURY WATCHES ON AN IRON FIST

De La Espriella, 47, used a military salute throughout his campaign despite never having served in the military.

Often seen wearing luxury watches, designer sunglasses and with a well-groomed beard, De La Espriella has drawn comparisons to El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, who calls himself the “world’s coolest dictator.”

Bukele has implemented heavy-handed ⁠security policies and mega-prisons that pushed crime rates in El Salvador to among the lowest in Central America and prompted calls for other countries to adopt similar policies. He has detained more than 90,000 people in the process, drawing criticism from human rights groups.

De La Espriella denies he is imitating Bukele but has proposed 10 mega-prisons ⁠in Colombia.

De La Espriella has also faced criticism for legally representing Alex Saab, who faces charges in the U.S. of laundering money for ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He has also represented people linked to corruption scandals, financial embezzlement and right-wing paramilitaries and says his professional relationships as an attorney ⁠do not involve any complicity or crime.

De La Espriella, a married father of four, grew up in the Caribbean city of Monteria and is a known singer of the region’s traditional vallenato folk music. A citizen of the United States, Italy and Colombia, De La Espriella is set to assume the presidency on August 7.

Thomson Reuters