Nine with Links To Pak's ISI, Dawood Ibrahim Arrested, Were Planning Attacks In Delhi, Mumbai
New Age Islam News Bureau
31 May 2026
A large quantity of ammunition and weapons was also recovered from their possession
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• NineWith Links To Pak's ISI, Dawood Ibrahim Arrested, Were Planning Attacks In Delhi, Mumbai
• Pooja Bhatt opens up on Mahesh Bhatt converting to Islam to marry Soni Razdan: 'He’d never part ways with my mother'
• ‘Ceasefire Is a Joke’: Israeli Soldiers Recount Ongoing Indiscriminate Killings in Gaza
• Remembering Ziaur as “bravest son” of Bangladesh on his 45th death anniversary
• Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls for love, kindness and moderation in Wesak Day message
• After performing the Hajj rituals, the Kingdom’s guests head to Medina to continue their spiritual journey
• General Staff: Russia has lost 1,364,060 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
• US says it is 'more than capable' of resuming war with Iran as talks remain unresolved
• Nigeria: I’m tired of being a ‘Chief Security Officer’ without teeth – the Allied People’s Movement candidate Makinde
Pakistan
• Pakistani traders warn of nationwide protests if business restrictions are reimposed
• True friendship developing: US defence chief's praise for Asim Munir, Pakistan
• Pakistani journalist flubs with poser on India's Agni-6; how US war secretary Peter Hegseth reacted
• Pakistan hires US firm after scaling down lobbying blitz
• Pakistan Signs $1.2 Million US Lobbying Deal Months After Op Sindoor
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India
• ‘TMC failed to protect Hindus’: Abhijit Majumdar says party has become a sectarian outfit, chasing Muslim vote banks
• Case against imam, his brother over Rs 5 crore land fraud in UP's Sambhal
• Complaint against Mamata, others for Eid 'violations'
• Temple, mosque razed in Faridabad demolition drive to make way for RRTS corridor
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Mideast
• Killing Palestinians is ‘pleasure’: Shocking testimonies from Israeli soldiers in Gaza
• Iran warns military vessels interfering in Hormuz Strait will be targeted
• Two killed, including Palestinian doctor, in Israeli attacks on Gaza
• Interruption of speech of former U.S. Ambassador to the UN in protest of Gaza war
• Baqaei: We said goodbye to language of 'must' 47 years ago; Future management of Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran and Oman
• IRGC Downs U.S. MQ-1 Drone After Territorial Waters Violation
• Gaza-bound aid convoy dissolves in Libya after activists arrested at Sirte crossing, ten in custody
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South Asia
• Islamic Emirate Pledges Continued Investment in Healthcare, Public Well-Being
• Supreme Leader Emphasizes Economic Growth, National Reconciliation in Eid Address
• Prime Minister Calls for Unity, Support for Vulnerable Citizens in Eid Message
• Kabul to Host Afghan–Kazakh Trade Conference, Joint Exhibition
• Defense Minister: Russia Deal Is Technical, Not Military Defense Agreement
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Southeast Asia
• Malaysia now requires identity checks for sponsored social media ads, says deputy comms minister
• Khaled questions Oslo’s commitment to ties with Malaysia as missile refund hangs in balance
• Five men arrested over armed brawl at flat in Port Klang
• MIC respects Perikatan’s revocation of entry approval, says Vigneswaran
• Sabah embarks on five-year initiative to document multi-ethnic heritage, says Hajiji
• Norway apologises but sticks to decision on Malaysia missile deal
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Arab world
• Mecca in the Eyes of Travelers and Artists: Rare Maps Documenting the Features of the Holy City Through Centuries
• Busra Al-Sham: The City That Opened the Gates of the Levant to Islamic Armies
• Saudi Arabia wraps up successful Hajj 2026, begins planning for next season
• Madinah Region Command hosts defense Hajj delegation
• Saudi defense minister conveys leadership’s condolences to family of former Yemeni president Hadi
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Europe
• Anti-Islam mural unveiled in Co Antrim being treated as ‘hate incident’
• On This Day: Bradfordians prepare for Eid al-Adha 2025
• Bosnian refugee in Scotland marks White Armband Day
• 'Eid event's a party – who can argue with that?'
• How Many Pantsir Systems Has russia Placed on Moscow Rooftops to Protect Kremlin From Ukrainian Drones
• Ukrainian Drones Strike Saratov Oil Refinery, Fire Breaks Out
• Drones Strike Strategic Russian Oil Refinery Supplying Military Fuel Deep Inside Russia
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North America
• Hegseth says US will ‘find a way’ to help Ukraine after Zelensky's plea for air defense missiles
• Michigan Democrat Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed a protégé of firebrand Muslim activist Linda Sarsour
• Lt. Gov. Beckwith defends remarks on Islam as 'demonic death cult'
• Disabled another ship trying to defy blockade to reach Iran: US
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Africa
• The Chairman of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria felicitates Muslim Ummah
• Opening of EXEED’s Second and Main Showroom in Jordan on Mecca Street
• Sallah Messages, Dark Tunnels And The Work Ahead
• Breaking: Peter Obi Announces His Running Mate For 2027 Elections
• Dangote Refinery reduces petrol to N1,250, diesel N1,700
• 2027: Peter Obi reveals plan for Nigeria’s healthcare system
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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9 With Links To Pak's ISI, Dawood Ibrahim Arrested, Were Planning Attacks In Delhi, Mumbai
by:Mukesh Singh Sengar
May 30, 2026
A large quantity of ammunition and weapons was also recovered from their possession
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New Delhi: Nine men with links to Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim have been arrested for planning attacks in Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of the country, officials said on Saturday.
The Delhi Police's Special Cell said the arrested accused are residents of Delhi, Mumbai, and Punjab, and some are foreign nationals. A large quantity of ammunition and weapons was also recovered from their possession.
Officials said the module was under surveillance for some time. They are now probing possible cross-border linkages, funding channels and the role of overseas handlers in directing the activities of the module.
Delhi has been on high alert following intelligence inputs indicating a possible terror threat. Security agencies had earlier this month received intelligence regarding possible attempts to target prominent offices and crowded areas in central Delhi using suicide attacks, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs), shootings and coordinated strikes.
All district units have been instructed to remain alert and maintain close coordination with intelligence agencies and central paramilitary forces.
Last year, 15 people were killed and over a dozen injured in a high-intensity vehicle-borne IED blast near the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. Umar-un-Nabi, a Kashmiri doctor working at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, near Delhi, was driving the Hyundai i20.
The other key accused in the case were identified as Kashmir residents Muzammil Shakeel Ganai, Adeel Ahmed Rather and his brother Muzaffar Ahmed Rather, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, and Uttar Pradesh's Shaheen Saeed. Some of them also worked at Al-Falah University.
The accused were part of a "white-collar" terror module linked to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group, that was busted just before the Delhi blast.
Source: www.ndtv.com
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Pooja Bhatt opens up on Mahesh Bhatt converting to Islam to marry Soni Razdan: 'He’d never part ways with my mother'
May 29, 2026
Pooja Bhatt has often spoken candidly about her unconventional family dynamics and the bond she shares with every member of her blended family. As the eldest daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and Kiran Bhatt, Pooja grew up alongside brother Rahul Bhatt before Mahesh later married actor Soni Razdan, with whom he has daughters Shaheen Bhatt and Alia Bhatt.
Pooja reflected on her father’s decision to leave his marriage with her mother once he realised the relationship had changed. She explained that she respects his honesty rather than living a double life for appearances.
“Would I rather have a father who acknowledges he’s human, that there’s been a shift in his affection, who moves out of the house to stand by the woman he’s met? Or would I prefer a father who stays under the same roof as my mother for society’s sake, has 200 affairs outside, but there’s an air of normalcy and conspiracy of silence maintained by everybody?” asked Pooja during a chat with Vickey Lalwani.
Speaking about the phase when Mahesh Bhatt fell in love with late actor Parveen Babi during the late 1970s, Pooja said, “Because they are mard, so they can do it. That never happened at my home. They both thought the relationship was over.” She also recalled how her parents briefly tried to reconcile after “the tragedy played out with Parveen”, referring to the actor’s struggles with mental health, but eventually realised the marriage could not be revived.
Pooja also opened up about a memorable conversation she once shared with Soni Razdan during the filming of Love Affair, a project inspired by the 1959 Nanavati murder case. Though the film was never completed, Pooja remembered Soni confessing under the stars in Ooty that she carried guilt over her relationship with Mahesh Bhatt.
“So, I told her from my heart, ‘Soni, you couldn’t have broken up a relationship that was together. There’s no space for anybody in a relationship that’s solid. Something was lacking, so somebody else could come and find that space,'” recalled Pooja.
Reflecting on how relationships evolve over time, she added, “When I look at my parents today, the nature of love has changed. But they’re one unit. When people ask me, ‘What about love?’, so I say if love can be like that, when two people can be there for each other morally through thick and thin… Even if the world is on one side, and you’re wrong but you can still stand by my side nonetheless.”
Pooja also maintained that she does not believe there are “villains” in her family’s story. “She forgave him years ago otherwise they wouldn’t have reached where they are. Who’s the villain? Is Soni the villain? Is Parveen Babi the villain? Is Mahesh Bhatt the villain? Is Kiran the villain, or Lorraine Bright rather?” she said, referring to her mother’s maiden name, before adding, “Is life the villain? Or circumstances? Is being wretchedly human the villain?”
Recalling the early days of Mahesh Bhatt’s relationship with Soni Razdan, Pooja shared that Soni was already a regular presence at their home while working on Saaransh in 1984. She revealed that her father eventually decided to openly acknowledge the relationship instead of hiding it.
“When the relationship bloomed, my father decided to give it a name, and not keep it hidden. That’s when one night, he woke me up and told me he’s involved with Soni and he’d be setting up a new home with her, and that shouldn’t make me feel abandoned as a child because he’d never abandon me,” said Pooja.
She also addressed Mahesh Bhatt’s decision to convert to Islam before marrying Soni in 1986, which allowed him to avoid divorcing Kiran Bhatt. “He’d never part ways with my mother. I know one thing about my father that once he holds your hands, whoever you are, he doesn’t let go. That’s applicable to the women in his life, people he’s worked with, and people whom he’s groomed and launched. He’s there. He’s reliable,” she said.
At the same time, Pooja admitted that the separation deeply affected her mother. “Relationships don’t end well. I did see my mother’s pain that it’s happening again,” she confessed. However, she praised Kiran Bhatt for maintaining dignity throughout the situation and never allowing the children to be caught in the middle.
“They’ve always maintained a decorum and grace with each other. They never pitted the children against each other. In fact, there have been times I’ve fought my mother and my father has taken her side. He’s told me, ‘Listen, please don’t ever think where my priorities lie’ (laughs). So, they’ve always been very solid when it came to me. My father moved out, but that’s truly a matter of geography,” she shared.
Pooja also revealed that her relationship with Soni Razdan has grown much stronger over the years and that she shares a close bond with sisters Shaheen and Alia Bhatt, whom she considers her extended family.
“When Shaheen was born, the first person my father called was my mother. And I’ll never forget the moment when my mother came to me and said, ‘Hey, you have a sister now.’ So, it just naturally became what’s become now,” Pooja concluded.
Source: timesofindia.com
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‘Ceasefire Is a Joke’: Israeli Soldiers Recount Ongoing Indiscriminate Killings in Gaza
Brett Wilkins
May 30, 2026
Relatives mourn as the body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli attack is brought to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Gaza, Palestine, on May 28, 2026. (Photo by Abdalhkem Abu Riash/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Israel Defense Forces soldiers interviewed for an article published Friday by The Associated Press described ongoing indiscriminate killing of Palestinians—including civilians—despite a purported ceasefire.
One IDF combat soldier told the AP that he saw his teammates “yelling in celebration” and “congratulating one another” after blowing up a vehicle driving near the ever-expanding so-called “yellow line” dividing the Gaza Strip into Israeli and Palestinian-controlled zones. The strike killed everyone inside the vehicle.
The problem is, the yellow line is often unclear, invisible, and often shifts. It cuts through farmland, roads, neighborhoods, and areas where Palestinians live and work.
Nadav Weiman, an IDF veteran who is now the executive director of the veterans’ whistleblower group Breaking the Silence, told the AP that the military’s permissive shoot-to-kill policy has “created a reality where countless civilians have and are being killed for crossing invisible lines.”
One IDF soldier interviewed by the AP said “there was a general feeling that human lives are not valuable.” The soldier said his commanding officer told him it would be “too much work” to clearly mark the yellow line, and that Palestinians were supposed to somehow know where it was.
According to the AP, one soldier said that “sometimes snipers fired warning shots at people close to the line... but commanders told troops to do more to protect themselves. The soldier understood that to mean firing more lethal shots.”
“Soldiers shooting or ordering drone strikes don’t always know who’s crossing the line,” the AP reported, citing interviewed troops. “Although soldiers must provide coordinates and get approval from superiors before striking, it’s hard to give exact information as people are moving,” and soldiers reported colleagues “calling in coordinates based on a hunch or the last place they saw someone.”
IDF troops interviewed by the AP also described “a sense of confusion” and “a lack of clarity on rules of engagement around the yellow line.” Some commanders “paid lip service” to the ceasefire agreement that’s been in effect since last October, but in practice ignored it.
According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, Israel has violated the ceasefire more than 3,005 times, resulting in more than 900 Palestinians killed and nearly 2,800 others injured, despite the truce.
Israel claims that the entire length of the yellow line is now clearly marked. However, as Common Dreams reported this week, the IDF has incrementally shifted the boundary deeper into Gaza, where Israel now controls more than 60% of the coastal strip. This has left Palestinians sometimes waking up to learn they’re in “open-fire zones” where they are subjected to being shot on sight.
Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, Israeli forces have killed or wounded more than 250,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including thousands of people who are missing and presumed dead and buried beneath rubble. Israeli troops have previously described indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians, including children and aid-seekers.
“We need to stop using this term,” one soldier told the AP, referring to the word ceasefire. “It’s not serving people that want to stop the war.”
Source: www.commondreams.org
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https://www.commondreams.org/news/israeli-soldiers-ceasefire-violations
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Remembering Ziaur as “bravest son” of Bangladesh on his 45th death anniversary
31 May, 2026
The Indian High Commission paid tribute to former Bangladesh Prez Ziaur Rahman. PIC/X@_Imtiaz1899
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The Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Saturday recalled former Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman’s role in the 1971 Liberation War, saying India stood alongside the people of Bangladesh then and continued to do so now, as it marked the 45th anniversary of his death.
“We recall his famous radio address of March 1971, which electrified the masses, inspired them on a path of resistance against oppression and led to national liberation,” the mission said in a statement, describing Rahman as “one of their nation’s bravest sons”. It added: “Today, as then, India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh in a saga of shared sacrifices and a common journey towards progress and prosperity of both our peoples.”
A serving major in the Pakistan Army in 1971, Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh’s independence after Pakistani troops launched “Operation Searchlight” on the night of March 25, 1971, in Dhaka and other major cities. After independence in 1971, Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978 and served as president until his assassination in 1981.
Source: www.mid-day.com
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls for love, kindness and moderation in Wesak Day message
31 May 2026
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visits a Tenom Murut traditional house after opening the Sabah state-level Kaamatan Festival 2026 at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association in Penampang, May 30, 2026. — Bernama pic
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KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Malaysians to reflect on the noble values that form the foundation of harmonious community life in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration today.
He said these values, particularly wisdom, moderation, compassion and kindness towards fellow human beings, are not only celebrated within religious traditions but remain highly relevant in building a society founded on mutual understanding and respect.
In a nation characterised by diverse cultures, religions and backgrounds, he said the values of love, compassion and kindness highlighted during Wesak carry profound significance, especially at a time when certain groups seek to sow discord among different races and faiths.
“I believe that the spread of love and compassion will drown out the incitements for hatred, dispel prejudice, and strengthen mutual respect and understanding, which are the foundations of national harmony and unity,” he said in a Facebook post today.
The Prime Minister also expressed hope that this year’s Wesak Day celebration would bring peace, well-being and happiness to Buddhists in the country.
He said the occasion should also serve as a catalyst for further strengthening the humanitarian values that unite Malaysians as a civilised and dignified nation.
Wesak Day is celebrated by Buddhists around the world to commemorate three significant events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama — his birth, enlightenment and death.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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After performing the Hajj rituals, the Kingdom’s guests head to Medina to continue their spiritual journey
Medhat Elsheikh
31/05/2026
Makkah, Saudi Arabia – Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Hajj and Umrah Program departed Makkah for Madinah after completing their Hajj rituals in a spiritually uplifting and exceptionally well-organized atmosphere. This reflected the tremendous efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving the pilgrims.
The pilgrims’ transfer to Madinah is part of their pre-arranged program. They will visit the Prophet’s Mosque and pray there. In addition, they will visit a number of Islamic and historical landmarks related to the Prophet’s life, as part of a comprehensive religious and cultural journey.
The program organizers affirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the comfort of guests during their travel and stay, through an integrated system encompassing transportation, accommodation, healthcare, and religious guidance. This allows pilgrims to perform their rituals and visits with ease and convenience.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Hajj and Umrah Program is one of the most prominent humanitarian initiatives implemented by the Kingdom annually. It hosts thousands of pilgrims and Umrah performers from around the world. The program also focuses on hosting prominent Islamic figures, families with special circumstances, and the families of martyrs and the wounded. The goal is to enable them to perform their rituals in a comfortable and safe environment.
This year’s Hajj season witnessed high levels of organization and service. The relevant Saudi authorities dedicated their human and technological resources to facilitating the movement of pilgrims, managing crowds, and providing necessary care at the various holy sites.
Several program participants expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome and comprehensive care they received from their arrival in the Kingdom until the completion of their Hajj rituals. They also praised the services provided and the meticulous organization that contributed to performing the rituals with peace of mind and ease.
The Kingdom continues to develop its Hajj and Umrah system by leveraging the latest technologies and smart solutions. This enhances the quality of services provided to pilgrims and improves the efficiency of crowd management, logistics, and healthcare.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Hajj and Umrah Program embodies the Saudi leadership’s commitment to serving Muslims from around the world. It also reinforces the Kingdom’s mission to care for the Two Holy Mosques and provide the best possible conditions for pilgrims and Umrah performers, enabling them to perform their religious rites in safety, comfort, and tranquility.
Source: www.voiceofemirates.com
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General Staff: Russia has lost 1,364,060 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
May 31, 2026
Russia has lost around 1,364,060 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on May 31.
According to the report, Russia has also lost 11,962 tanks, 24,657 armored combat vehicles, 101,237 vehicles and fuel tanks, 42,987 artillery systems, 1,819 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,399 air defense systems, 436 aircraft, 353 helicopters, 320,327 drones, 1,519 ground robotic systems, 33 warships and boats, and two submarines.
Independent Western think-tank reports agree that the Russian casualties significantly surpass Ukraine's losses, with the D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies estimating the ratio to be "roughly 2.5:1 or 2:1."
A January 2026 CSIS report said Ukraine has likely suffered between 500,000 and 600,000 casualties from February 2022 to December 2025, of which between 100,000 and 140,000 are thought to be killed in action (KIA).
Source: kyivindependent.com
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US says it is 'more than capable' of resuming war with Iran as talks remain unresolved
May 31, 2026
The United States on Saturday warned that it remains prepared to resume military operations against Iran if necessary, as President Donald Trump reiterated that any agreement with Tehran must meet key US conditions, including a permanent end to Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions.
According to US officials cited by AFP, a draft framework is awaiting Trump's approval. However, the president stopped short of making a decision following a meeting in the White House Situation Room on Friday.
Speaking at a defence summit in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed Washington's military readiness, saying the US was "more than capable" of restarting the war if required and that "our stockpiles are more than suited for that."
US Central Command (CENTCOM) reinforced that message, stating on X that American forces "remain present and vigilant across the region."
The remarks came amid conflicting signals over a possible breakthrough in negotiations. While the White House has indicated that Trump is weighing a potential agreement, Iranian officials insist that talks have not yet produced a final deal.
Although a ceasefire brokered in April has largely held, tensions continue to simmer. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that the country's air defence systems intercepted a drone on Saturday, describing it as one "belonging to the US-Zionist aggressor enemy."
At the same time, diplomatic efforts have continued. Discussions have also focused on the conflict in Lebanon, which Iran has insisted on as a condition to any broader agreement with Washington. Israeli forces have continued advancing in southern Lebanon even as military delegations from Israel and Lebanon met at the Pentagon on Friday.
Trump has outlined several conditions for a deal, including guarantees that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons and the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. "President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines," a White House official told AFP, adding: "Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon."
Iran, however, has rejected what it sees as US attempts to dictate terms. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the Islamic Republic "said goodbye to the language of 'must' 47 years ago."
While acknowledging that messages continue to be exchanged between the two sides, Baqaei maintained that "no final agreement has been reached."
Tasnim news agency also reported that the US maritime blockade remains in effect and that vessels attempting to pass through the strait are "receiving warnings from CENTCOM to stop and not cross the blockade line."
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Nikkei Asia that the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz was creating significant pressure on both Washington and Tehran. "The international impact -- including on energy security, food security, and rising prices -- is immense," Fidan said.
Meanwhile, fighting on the Lebanese front has continued despite a separate ceasefire arrangement. The Israeli military on Saturday issued fresh evacuation orders for villages in southern Lebanon, one day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops had advanced more than 30 kilometres into Lebanese territory.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on April 17 but has been repeatedly undermined by violations, with both sides blaming each other.
The latest escalation began in early March when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following the US-Israeli killing of Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with extensive strikes across Lebanon and later launched a ground offensive. Israel and Lebanon have since opened direct negotiations, with a fourth round of talks expected next week.
Source: timesofindia.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/131414356.cms
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Nigeria: I’m tired of being a ‘Chief Security Officer’ without teeth – the Allied People’s Movement candidate Makinde
30 May 2026
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, laid bare the frustrations of state governors under Nigeria’s current security architecture, lamenting that his role as Chief Security Officer is a “painful burden” because he lacks constitutional control over security agencies.
Makinde made the declaration in his acceptance speech after he was affirmed as the consensus presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) for the 2027 general elections. The event, which was held at the Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan, drew party chairmen from all 36 states of the federation.
While many political speeches focus on campaign promises, Makinde used the platform to issue a stark critique of the centralised security system. He pointed to the ongoing captivity of innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by terrorists as evidence that the current approach was failing.
“As Governor of Oyo State, I carry the painful burden of being called Chief Security Officer, yet lacking constitutional control over the security agencies needed to fully confront these threats,” Makinde said.
He argued that it was untenable for the Constitution to place responsibility on a governor’s shoulders while withholding the necessary authority.
“No Governor should be placed in a situation where responsibility is placed on his shoulders, but the necessary authority is withheld,” he stated.
The governor promised that, if elected President in 2027, his first major reform would be to dismantle the bottlenecks in national security. He vowed to prioritise decentralisation so that states would no longer be left helpless in moments of crisis.
Beyond security, the governor also took aim at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), expressing a vision of a future in which the oil company becomes leaner and more commercially driven. He promised a reset of the economy through honest and practical reforms, including fair pricing templates for petroleum products that would protect Nigerians from arbitrary costs.
Earlier, the National Chairman of APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, described Makinde’s emergence as the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s political history, stating that power must be returned to the people.
The event was attended by a former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Jatau; and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, among other dignitaries.
Source: thesun.ng
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https://thesun.ng/im-tired-of-being-a-chief-security-officer-without-teeth-apm-candidate-makinde/
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Pakistan
Pakistani traders warn of nationwide protests if business restrictions are reimposed
NAIMAT KHAN
May 31, 2026
ISLAMABAD: A prominent Pakistani traders’ union on Sunday warned of nationwide protests if the government reimposes its decision to close markets early, calling on authorities to permanently end lockdown measures intended to conserve energy.
In early April, Pakistan’s government ordered shops, markets and shopping malls to close by 8 p.m., while restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores and wedding halls were directed to shut down by 10 p.m. as part of an austerity plan to conserve costly imported fuel. However, the government announced earlier this month it was easing market restrictions till May 31 in light of the Eid Al-Adha festival.
The austerity measures were imposed after the US-Iran war, which broke out in February after Israel and the US carried out joint strikes against Iran, drove prices of fuel supplies higher. Pakistan also increased prices of petroleum products as the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass through, remains mostly closed for ships.
“With the end of the Iran-US war, there is no longer any justification for lockdowns,” Kashif Chaudhry, president of the Central Association of Traders in Pakistan, a prominent traders’ union, said in a statement.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2645524/pakistan
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True friendship developing: US defence chief's praise for Asim Munir, Pakistan
By: Ritaban Misra
May 31, 2026
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday highlighted what he described as improving ties between Washington and Islamabad, praising Pakistan's civilian and military leadership and calling the evolving relationship with the United States an important development for regional peace.
Speaking at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said US President Donald Trump had developed a "true friendship" with Pakistan's leadership and credited Islamabad with playing a constructive role in efforts aimed at maintaining stability in South Asia.
"I very easily could have mentioned Pakistan and the role that the field marshal and the prime minister are playing in peace negotiations," Hegseth said, referring to Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Calling the warming ties between Washington and Islamabad "an unexpected development", Hegseth said the relationship was becoming increasingly important. He also pointed to what he described as President Trump's role in helping broker peace between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
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Pakistani journalist flubs with poser on India's Agni-6; how US war secretary Peter Hegseth reacted
May 30, 2026
Pakistani journalist flubs with poser on India's Agni-6; how US war secretary Peter Hegseth reactedPakistani journalist flubs with poser on India's Agni-6; how US war secretary Peter Hegseth reacted
A Pakistani journalist appeared to stumble on a key factual detail while questioning US secretary of war Pete Hegseth at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, asking for Washington's view on India's alleged "Agni-6 ICBM test", a missile test that India has not officially conducted.
Referring to recent US concerns over Pakistan's potential intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) ambitions, the journalist asked Hegseth: "Recently Pakistan's potential ICBM program was identified as a threat to US. I wanted your comment on India's Agni-6 ICBM test with a range of ~12,000 km which could potentially place parts of US and Europe in its reach."
“ American National Security called Pakistan of developing an ICBM which can reach the US, but INDIA recently tested AGNI 6 Of 12000 km which can reach till Europe and some parts of America”… pic.twitter.com/gai7CQgwBx
"India and Pakistan, two nuclear-capable countries. I think both sides there are going to see understandable threats coming from the other, maybe some of which we see differently, and countries are going to want to develop ICBM threats," he said.
"But we're not pointing a finger, at least from our view right now, at either country and calling them a threat to us, and we're grateful for, you know, in each of their lanes, the benefits they've given to peace around the world."
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, when asked by a Pakistani journalist whether the US considers India's Agni-6 ICBM (under development) a threat in the same way it views Pakistan's nuclear program as a threat to… pic.twitter.com/cWcLxzCSAd
His remarks echoed comments he made earlier at the summit, where he said both countries would continue to view each other through the prism of security concerns.
Ahead of the test, there was widespread buzz that India was preparing to flight-test the Agni-6 after Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir V Kamat said the organisation was technically ready and awaiting government approval.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Pakistan hires US firm after scaling down lobbying blitz
By Shashank Mattoo
May 31, 2026
Pakistan has given lobby firm Erwin Graves Strategies a two-year contract worth $50,000 per month after previously scaling down a lobbying blitz it had initiated last year.
According to a filing on May 1 by Erwin Graves with the US Department of Justice, the firm will assist the Pakistani embassy in Washington with its outreach with the US Congress, key agencies such as the State Department and Pentagon as well as think tanks and media organisations. In addition, the firm will help advance Pakistan’s efforts to pitch itself as an attractive investment destination for US firms, especially in the critical minerals sector, the filing said.
In the same filing made, Erwin Graves outlined the full scope of its work for the Pakistani embassy in Washington. These services range from reaching out to members of Congress serving on sensitive committees “with jurisdiction over foreign affairs, defence, trade, appropriations, and national security” to “positioning Pakistan as a constructive and reliable partner in areas including counterterrorism, regional stability, and democratic engagement.”
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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Pakistan Signs $1.2 Million US Lobbying Deal Months After Op Sindoor
31 May 2026
Washington DC: Following the fallout from Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has intensified its lobbying efforts in Washington DC. According to filings under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), Pakistan entered into a new multi-million-dollar agreement on May 1 aimed at strengthening its influence within US policymaking circles. The FARA report states that Pakistan signed a formal contract with Ervin Graves Strategy Group LLC, a US-based government relations and advocacy firm. The agreement, effective from May 1, 2026, provides for a monthly retainer of USD 50,000 over 24 months, bringing the total value of the contract to approximately USD 1.2 million.
The deal also includes an upfront payment of USD 150,000 covering the first three months of services. The engagement is focused on providing government relations, policy advisory support and legislative monitoring services intended to advance Pakistan's diplomatic, economic and strategic interests in the United States. Under the agreement, Ervin Graves Strategy Group will conduct targeted outreach to members of the US Congress and their staff, particularly those serving on committees overseeing foreign affairs, defence, trade and appropriations.
Pakistan's support for terror groups has been a major issue raised by India at various international forums. At a UN Security Council meeting on May 27, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Harish Parvathaneni, accused Pakistan of continuing to harbour and support terrorism, cross-border terrorism and violent extremism against India.
Source: www.deccanchronicle.com
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India
‘TMC failed to protect Hindus’: Abhijit Majumdar says party has become a sectarian outfit, chasing Muslim vote banks
May 30, 2026
HOOGHLY: Abhijit Majumdar, who resigned as Assam Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief, has alleged that the party has “lost its vision” and has “become a sectarian outfit, chasing Muslim vote banks instead of standing for all communities.”
Majumdar, who submitted his resignation to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday, said he had been associated with the party in Assam for over two decades and was among its founding members in the state.
"I was with the TMC in Assam since the very beginning, over twenty years. I was one of the founding members. I helped TMC grow in Assam. But today, I must say the party has lost its vision. What I see now is a sectarian outfit, chasing Muslim vote banks instead of standing for all communities. In the case of Sherman Ali, expelled from multiple parties, he joined TMC just days before the election and won in a constituency dominated by Muslims," Majumdar told ANI. He said the TMC claims to be a national party but is actually a Bengal-centric party led by Mamata Banerjee.
"Even the procedures show irregularities. It is regional (party) and Assam has been sidelined. As a Hindu Bengali leader, I have worked tirelessly to protect my community, to give them a voice, but the party's decisions are now against us. My conscience tells me this is the time to step out," he alleged
Source: timesofindia.com
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Case against imam, his brother over Rs 5 crore land fraud in UP's Sambhal
By: Akash Chatterjee
May 31, 2026
An alleged case of land grabbing has come to light involving the Imam of Sambhal's Jama Masjid, Maulana Aftab Hussain Waris, and his brother Mehtab Hussain.
The local administration registered a complaint against the two for registering two acres of government land as Waqf property by concealing facts. According to police officials, the market value of this prime land is estimated to be over Rs 5 crore.
According to official investigations, the disputed land is located in UP’s Saif Khan Sarai area, which is public property originally designated for community tree plantation.
Records reveal that the two brothers allegedly colluded with local land registry officials decades ago to fraudulently register the public property under their own names.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
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Complaint against Mamata, others for Eid 'violations'
May 31, 2026
KOLKATA: A BJP functionary has lodged a complaint against former Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and a TMC MLA alleging misuse of annual Eid congregations on Red Road in central Kolkata during her stint in office for political purposes in violation of Islamic principles.
BJP's Nazia Elahi Khan has claimed that Mamata's participation in these events contravened Quranic and Sharia norms on such prayer congregations that are restricted to males, reports Tamaghna Banerjee. Javed Ahmed Khan, the TMC legislator named in the complaint, is also president of Muslim Khilafat Committee which organises the Eid prayers.
The complaint alleges that political activities at the congregation hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslim community, tarnished Islam's image and fostered communal divisions.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Temple, mosque razed in Faridabad demolition drive to make way for RRTS corridor
May 30, 2026
A temple and a mosque were razed during an overnight demolition drive on Saturday amid intense security arrangements in Haryana's Faridabad to clear land for the upcoming Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor, police said.
Mobile internet, dongle and bulk SMS services in NIT Faridabad and adjoining areas were also suspended for nearly 22 hours, from 12:30 am to 10 pm on Saturday, as a precautionary measure, officers added.
As a result, authorities decided to suspend internet and bulk SMS services, while banking and mobile recharge-related services remained unaffected.
The demolition of both religious sites was carried out after midnight under tight security arrangements, officers had earlier told HT.
The official order said mobile internet services, including 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G, along with bulk SMS and dongle services, would remain suspended within a one-kilometre radius of the notified site in the NIT Zone of Faridabad district. The restrictions were to stay in place from 12:30 am to 10 pm on May 30.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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Mideast
Killing Palestinians is ‘pleasure’: Shocking testimonies from Israeli soldiers in Gaza
Rasa Evrensel
31 May 2026
Testimonies from Israeli reserve soldiers who participated in the genocidal war in the Gaza Strip revealed field orders to kill anyone who "approaches" the "Yellow Line," assuring that some soldiers seemed to take "pleasure" in killing Palestinians.
The shocking testimonies appeared in a report by The Associated Press, based on the accounts of three Israeli soldiers who requested anonymity.
The soldiers participated in military operations in various parts of Gaza between October 2025 and January 2026 before being discharged. They stated that their motivation for speaking out was their "anger and sadness at what they witnessed."
The soldiers highlight field practices that raised questions about the rules of engagement during the ceasefire, which the soldiers considered a "joke."
Source: www.aa.com.tr
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Iran warns military vessels interfering in Hormuz Strait will be targeted
Sahin Demir
30 May 2026
Iran warned on Saturday that any military vessel attempting to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz or disrupt maritime traffic would be targeted by the country’s armed forces.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, the statement was issued by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the country’s highest joint military command coordinating operations between the armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The headquarters said management of the strategic waterway is being controlled “with full authority” by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Source: www.aa.com.tr
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Two killed, including Palestinian doctor, in Israeli attacks on Gaza
30 May 2026
Two Palestinians have been killed and several others injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza, as Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian homes and property in northern and southern parts of the occupied West Bank.
The attacks across Palestine on Saturday, the fourth day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, came amid continued Israeli violations of a United States-backed “ceasefire” implemented in October aimed at halting Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
Dr Jamal Abu Aboun, head of the anaesthesia department at Al-Yafa Medical Hospital in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, was killed in an Israeli strike near the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, also in Deir al-Balah on Saturday.
“The body of Jamal Abu Aoun and three injured people, including a child, had arrived at the hospital following an Israeli drone strike that targeted a group of civilians near the hospital,” a medical source at Al-Aqsa hospital told the Anadolu news agency.
Earlier, Israeli artillery shelling targeted areas east and south of Khan Younis city in southern Gaza. Another artillery strike targeted al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza.
Later on Saturday, another Palestinian was killed and several others wounded in an Israeli drone strike near Firas Market, one of Gaza City’s busiest commercial areas, according to Palestinian news agency, Wafa.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished homes east of Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, further expanding the widespread destruction that has devastated residential neighbourhoods across the besieged enclave.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
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Interruption of speech of former U.S. Ambassador to the UN in protest of Gaza war
May 31, 2026
Pars Today — News sources have reported that students at Colin Powell College at the City University of New York interrupted Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, during her speech in protest of the Gaza war.
According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, protesting students at Colin Powell College chanted slogans, accusing Greenfield of lying and complicity in the war against Gaza.
The protest came in response to her previous positions and the repeated use of the U.S. veto against resolutions calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Source: parstoday.ir
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Baqaei: We said goodbye to language of 'must' 47 years ago; Future management of Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran and Oman
May 30, 2026
Pars Today — The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has said that the exchange of messages between Iran and the United States continues, but no final agreement has been reached.
According to Pars Today citing IRNA, "Ismail Baqaei," spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said in a telephone appearance on Friday night on the program "Be Vaght-e Iran" [In Iran's Time] on IRIB News Network: "We said goodbye to the language of 'must' 47 years ago. None of the Western parties, when speaking about the Islamic Republic of Iran, can use the language of 'must.' We make our own decisions based on the interests and rights of the Iranian nation."
He added: "What the Americans refer to as a 'naval siege' was from the beginning an illegal act; it was both a violation of the ceasefire and an interference with international freedom of navigation." Regarding the understanding with the United States, Baqaei added: "The exchange of messages continues, but no final agreement has been reached."
Source: parstoday.ir
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IRGC Downs U.S. MQ-1 Drone After Territorial Waters Violation
31 / 05 / 2026
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that one U.S. MQ-1 drone was intercepted and destroyed after entering Iranian territorial waters in the early hours of the day.
According to the IRGC, the drone entered the country’s territorial waters with the intention of conducting a hostile operation. It was immediately detected by the IRGC’s surveillance systems and targeted by advanced air defense missile systems before being shot down.
The force further warned that any violation of the sovereignty and territorial boundaries of the Islamic Republic of Iran would be met with a firm and decisive response.
Source: www.ilna.ir
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Gaza-bound aid convoy dissolves in Libya after activists arrested at Sirte crossing, ten in custody
By MICHAEL STARR
MAY 31, 2026
A Gaza-bound activist land convoy was dissolved in Libya on Thursday, after it was denied entry into the eastern half of the country and ten of its activists were arrested, according to statements by the Global Sumud Flotilla and the Government of National Stability (GNS) Foreign Ministry.
The Global Sumud Land Convoy, which was launched to complement the failed Gaza flotilla blockade run, said in a press release that it had been forced to conclude its journey across northern Africa to Gaza due to bureaucratic obfuscation, violence, and the detention of activists.
On Monday night, the day after the 10 activists were arrested, GSF claimed that the 200 participants camped several kilometers from the Sirte crossing were encircled by unmarked vehicles. Members of the convoy were allegedly physically assaulted and then forced to evacuate.
Source: www.jpost.com
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South Asia
Islamic Emirate Pledges Continued Investment in Healthcare, Public Well-Being
May 31, 2026
KABUL: Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, said that the Islamic Emirate is committed to strengthening the country’s healthcare sector, pledging continued investment in medical infrastructure and improved quality of healthcare services nationwide.
During a visit to Ali Abad Hospital and Amiri Medical Complex to assess healthcare services, facilities, and operations, Hanafi reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to expanding access to essential medical care as part of efforts to improve public well-being and meet the growing healthcare needs of citizens.
During the visit, hospital officials briefed him on their medical capacities, services, equipment, and key challenges, Arg said in a statement the other day.
Source: www.thekabultimes.com
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Supreme Leader Emphasizes Economic Growth, National Reconciliation in Eid Address
May 31, 2026
KABUL: The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Shaikh Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, has emphasized Muslim unity, economic development, and national reconciliation as key priorities during his Eid al-Adha address in Kandahar.
Addressing worshippers at the Eidgah Mosque, he stressed the importance of ending internal divisions and strengthening solidarity among Muslims.
The leader stated that the Islamic Emirate seeks engagement with other countries while remaining committed to Islamic principles and values.
Source: www.thekabultimes.com
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Prime Minister Calls for Unity, Support for Vulnerable Citizens in Eid Message
May 31, 2026
KABUL: The Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, has emphasized unity and solidarity among Muslims in his Eid al-Adha message delivered at the Grand Mosque of the Arg.
In his message, the Prime Minister instructed security forces to remain vigilant during the Eid holidays and ensure a peaceful and secure environment for citizens celebrating the occasion.
He also urged officials of the Islamic Emirate to use Eid visits as an opportunity to address the concerns of the public and provide support to orphans, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable families.
Source: www.thekabultimes.com
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Kabul to Host Afghan–Kazakh Trade Conference, Joint Exhibition
May 31, 2026
KABUL: The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said in a statement that an Afghan–Kazakh Trade Connectivity Conference, bilateral business meetings, and a joint exhibition will be held in Kabul on June 10.
According to the statement, the event aims to strengthen trade relations, showcase domestic products, create new business opportunities, and expand economic cooperation between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan.
The ministry has invited traders, investors, manufacturers, and business leaders to participate and explore investment and partnership opportunities between the two countries.
Source: www.thekabultimes.com
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https://www.thekabultimes.com/kabul-to-host-afghan-kazakh-trade-conference-joint-exhibition/
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Defense Minister: Russia Deal Is Technical, Not Military Defense Agreement
May 31, 2026
KABUL: The country’s Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid has described the recently signed agreement between Afghanistan and Russia as a military-technical cooperation pact rather than a defense or security alliance, seeking to ease concerns over the nature of the growing ties between Kabul and Moscow.
Speaking to TOLOnews after returning from an official visit to Moscow, Mujahid said military experts understand the agreement’s purpose and stressed that no country should view it as a threat.
According to him, the deal is designed solely to benefit Afghanistan by supporting the maintenance, repair, and modernization of Russian-made military equipment already in the country.
Mujahid explained that Afghanistan continues to rely heavily on Soviet- and Russian-built military hardware, including helicopters, transport and combat aircraft, armored vehicles, tanks, artillery systems, and a wide range of weapons that require spare parts, technical support, and regular maintenance.
Source: www.thekabultimes.com
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Southeast Asia
Malaysia now requires identity checks for sponsored social media ads, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching
31 May 2026
MELAKA, May 31 — All advertisers using sponsored advertisements on social media platforms will be required to verify identities in a bid to curb online fraud, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said.
She said the measure, which also targets digital gambling activities and the misuse of prominent individuals’ identities, is among the new responsibilities under the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC).
She said the code will come into force today (June 1) under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) and will apply to social media platform providers classified as licensees, namely those with more than eight million users in Malaysia.
“We have seen many sponsored posts using the images of well-known individuals to promote content such as dubious investments, financial scams and online gambling, and so far it has been difficult to take action because we do not know who actually paid for the advertisements,” she said.
She told reporters this after attending the launch of the Kota Melaka Parliamentary Elected Representative for the People (WRUR) Programme for the Banda Hilir state constituency at Taman Kota Laksamana Cheng Ho here today.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Khaled questions Oslo’s commitment to ties with Malaysia as missile refund hangs in balance
By Malay Mail
31 May 2026
SINGAPORE, May 31 — Malaysia is doubtful it will recover nearly RM543 million already paid to Norway for anti-ship missiles and has delivered a veiled warning that the cancellation could harm their long-standing bilateral relationship.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin raised the issue during a bilateral meeting with his Norwegian counterpart on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue here today, Bernama reported.
“We have honestly and clearly expressed our disappointment because a long, close and good relationship has existed between Norway and Malaysia (yet) through this NSM cancellation episode,” he was quoted as saying.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Five men arrested over armed brawl at flat in Port Klang
31 May 2026
SHAH ALAM, May 31 — Police have arrested five local men suspected of being involved in a brawl at Flat Seri Perantau in Port Klang Friday.
Klang Selatan district police chief ACP Lim Jit Huey said the suspects, aged between 18 and 47, were detained after police received a report on the incident at 4pm Friday.
“Acting on information, the Klang Selatan district police headquarters (IPD) arrested five local men. The suspects have been remanded for four days starting yesterday to assist investigations.
“The case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment or a fine, or both, upon conviction,” he said in a statement, adding that the cause of the fight is still being investigated.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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MIC respects Perikatan’s revocation of entry approval, says Vigneswaran
31 May 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — MIC said it respects Perikatan Nasional’s decision to revoke its earlier approval for the party to join the opposition coalition.
“However, no final decision was made. When there was a change in leadership, the mandate given by MIC’s grassroots was based on the Bersatu-led leadership at the time,” he was quoted as saying.
He also said MIC remains with Barisan Nasional for now despite not being given any role in the unity government, adding that government posts were not the party’s main priority.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Sabah embarks on five-year initiative to document multi-ethnic heritage, says Hajiji
31 May 2026
PENAMPANG, May 31 — The Sabah government is implementing a five-year initiative running until 2030 to document the establishment of the state’s multi-ethnic culture as a reference for future generations and as a tourism asset.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the documentation effort is important to ensure that ethnic heritage and traditions are not lost, while also strengthening the Kaamatan Festival as one of the main tourism products capable of elevating Sabah’s profile on the world stage.
“Kaamatan Festival is not just a cultural celebration, but an important platform to preserve ethnic traditions, foster tolerance, and strengthen political stability and state development.
“The presence of visitors from near and far makes this celebration special, with a diversity of sights, sounds, flavours and warm hospitality that we are all proud of,” he said. Sabah has more than 30 ethnic groups.
He said this when delivering a speech at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Sabah State-Level Kaamatan Festival, officiated by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here today.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Norway apologises but sticks to decision on Malaysia missile deal
31 May 2026
SINGAPORE, May 31 — Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik has apologised for his government’s decision to cancel the export licence for Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) to Malaysia, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Mohamed Khaled said the apology was delivered during a bilateral meeting today on the sidelines of the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
“He apologised and laid out the basis for the cancellation, reasons we can accept, whether factual or fabricated, if indeed they never intended to proceed or had already revoked the NSM export licence.
“We conveyed honestly and plainly our disappointment, because a long, close, and good relationship has existed between Norway and Malaysia, yet this NSM cancellation episode has happened,” he told Bernama after the meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel here today.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Arab world
Mecca in the Eyes of Travelers and Artists: Rare Maps Documenting the Features of the Holy City Through Centuries
Medhat Elsheikh
31/05/2026
Mecca – Saudi Arabia — Ancient maps of Holy Mecca stand as some of the most critical and prominent historical documents. They reveal how travelers, geographers, and painters perceived the Sacred City throughout the eras. These cartographic manuscripts were never merely silent topographical tools for tracing routes and locations. Rather, they morphed into highly essential visual and cultural records. They documented the sublime spiritual status of Mecca and its profound emotional presence in the hearts of Muslims worldwide.
Since the dawn of early Islamic centuries, Mecca garnered exceptional and widespread attention from geographers and chroniclers. These experts raced to sketch its landmarks and precisely map the sacred ritual sites and the major highways leading to them. As the arts of drawing and cartography advanced, more intricate blueprints began to emerge. They seamlessly blended spatial precision with artistic vision. Thus, these maps mirrored the deep emotions and perceptions of their creators toward the holy site.
Numerous historical maps unveil a sharp visual and structural emphasis on the Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram) and the Holy Kaaba as the beating heart and central axis of the urban fabric. These ancient illustrations positioned the Holy Kaaba directly at the mathematical center of the map. Meanwhile, residential quarters, traditional marketplaces, surrounding mountain ranges, and expansive pathways branching out toward the ritual sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah radiated symmetrically around it.
Muslim travelers played a monumental role in projecting a living image of Mecca across the expansive Islamic world. Their manuscripts and travelogues housed meticulous descriptions of the city’s architectural and social atmospheres. In doing so, they helped millions of Muslims who had not yet undertaken the Hajj pilgrimage visualize the Qibla toward which they align their bodies during daily prayers. Throughout the Middle Ages, maps drafted by geographers across diverse civilizations emerged. Some relied on direct fieldwork. Meanwhile, others synthesized the oral accounts of pilgrims and merchants. This inevitably led to varying degrees of technical accuracy. Yet, all uniformly mirrored the extraordinary importance of Mecca in global human awareness.
Source: www.voiceofemirates.com
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Busra Al-Sham: The City That Opened the Gates of the Levant to Islamic Armies
Medhat Elsheikh
31/05/2026
Busra, Syria — The ancient city of Busra Al-Sham stands as one of the most prominent historical milestones in the trajectory of the early Islamic conquests. It was the very first major city in the Levant to come under the Islamic banner during the caliphate of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq. This was orchestrated by the brilliant military commander Khalid ibn al-Walid. He led one of the most daring military campaigns in regional history. The city boasts an ancient cultural heritage spanning thousands of years and housing remarkable archeological landmarks. Most notably, it features its world-famed Roman Theater, regarded as one of the best-preserved Roman theaters globally. Alongside this, there are historic churches and Islamic monuments that mirror the succession of civilizations over the centuries.
Located in southern Syria within the Modern-day Daraa Governorate, Busra served during that era as a heavyweight administrative center for the Byzantine Empire. It was also the proud capital of the Roman province of Arabia. Moreover, it was highly renowned for its strategic positioning along ancient merchant networks linking the Arabian Peninsula with the Levant. In the year 634 AD, Islamic armies advanced toward the Levant under a broader strategic layout. Their aim was to end Byzantine hegemony in the region. When the initial vanguard faced stiff resistance from fortified Byzantine garrisons, Muslim commanders summoned Khalid ibn al-Walid. He executed his legendary, perilous desert march with his troops from the Iraqi front straight into the Levant.
Upon his arrival at Busra, Khalid ibn al-Walid successfully unified the dispersed Muslim divisions in the area. He enforced a tight siege around the city walls. The confrontations culminated in the peaceful surrender and opening of Busra. This established it under Islamic governance and transformed it into a critical logistical base. From there, Muslim armies could launch subsequent tactical operations.
Source: www.voiceofemirates.com
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Saudi Arabia wraps up successful Hajj 2026, begins planning for next season
May 31, 2026
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced the successful conclusion of the Hajj 2026 season, saying preparations for next year’s pilgrimage have already begun even before the last pilgrims depart for their home countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics, including 1,546,655 pilgrims from abroad and 160,646 citizens and residents from within the Kingdom.
The ministry said the end of one Hajj season marks the beginning of preparations for the next, with security and operational plans undergoing immediate review and development from Mina once pilgrimage rituals are completed.
The ministry, regional principalities, security sectors and partner agencies coordinated efforts throughout the season to safeguard pilgrims and facilitate the smooth performance of rituals at the holy sites.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2645516/saudi-arabia
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Madinah Region Command hosts defense Hajj delegation
May 30, 2026
MADINAH: The Madinah Region Command welcomed guests of the Ministry of Defense on Saturday following completion of their Hajj.
The guests included defense ministers, chiefs of staff, and senior army commanders participating in the ministry’s annual hosting program for military pilgrims from around the world.
A specialized itinerary has been prepared for the delegation, including comprehensive security arrangements, transportation, and accommodation services.
In coordination with the relevant government agencies, the ministry has organized visits to the Prophet’s Mosque and Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah to provide a spiritually enriching experience.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2645470/saudi-arabia
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Saudi defense minister conveys leadership’s condolences to family of former Yemeni president Hadi
Arab News
May 30, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman conveyed the condolences of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the family of former Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi during a meeting in Riyadh on Saturday.
Prince Khalid expressed his sympathies to Hadi’s family as well as to the government and people of Yemen after the former president’s death at the age of 80 on Thursday.
During the meeting, the defense minister praised Hadi’s leadership and his efforts to support Yemen’s security, stability and development throughout his political career, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2645467/saudi-arabia
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Europe
Anti-Islam mural unveiled in Co Antrim being treated as ‘hate incident’
By Kirsty King
May 30, 2026
An anti-Islam mural unveiled in Co Antrim on Saturday is being treated as a “hate incident” by the PSNI.
Police received a report around lunchtime concerning the unveiling of the display in the Tulleevin Walk area of Newtownabbey.
The mural shows what appears to be an AI image of a burning church, and includes the headline ‘A new evil has arisen’ across the centre.
Source: www.irishnews.com
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On This Day: Bradfordians prepare for Eid al-Adha 2025
By Harry Williams
31-05-2026
ON this day last year, Muslims across the Bradford district prepared to celebrate Eid al-Adha, with Hajj scheduled to take place on June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha the next day.
Dr Javed Bashir, a Senior Lecturer in Policing at Leeds Trinity University and Founder of the Professional Muslim Institute, highlighted the significance of this time for Muslims worldwide.
He said: “As these dates approach, I find myself reflecting once again on the deep meaning behind this special time for Muslims around the world."
Source: www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
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https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/26145797.day-bradfordians-prepare-eid-al-adha-2025/
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Bosnian refugee in Scotland marks White Armband Day
by Hannah Brown
31-05-2026
With this Sunday marking White Armband Day, a former Bosnian refugee now living in Scotland is urging people not to forget a horrifying chapter of the Bosnian War.
For Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie, chair of the charity Beyond Srebrenica, the annual day of remembrance is deeply personal.
Source: www.heraldscotland.com
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'Eid event's a party – who can argue with that?'
Jenny Kirk
31-05-2026
Hundreds of people came together to commemorate the second of two significant Muslim festivals in the heart of Peterborough for the first time.
The festival happens about two months after Eid al-Fitr in the final month of the Islamic calendar and during the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Organiser Nafis Lodhi, who has held previous Eid events in the city's Central Park, said the move to the city centre meant the celebration could be "much bigger" and "something special".
"This is about us reaching out to wider society and having that dialogue, enabling people to join in the celebration and share the joy," he said.
Source: www.bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6p80z337no
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How Many Pantsir Systems Has russia Placed on Moscow Rooftops to Protect Kremlin From Ukrainian Drones
Nikita Pohorilyi
May 31, 2026
Arecently published video showed a Mi-26T heavy-lift helicopter installing a Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system on the roof of the Nord Star business center. The footage provides a useful opportunity to examine how many Pantsir systems russia has already positioned on rooftops throughout Moscow as it continues to strengthen the capital's air defenses.
The first such deployments became publicly known in 2023. A Pantsir-S1 air defense missile and gun system was installed on the roof of the russian Ministry of Defense building southwest of the Kremlin. Around the same time, another Pantsir was placed on top of an office building southeast of the Kremlin.
Read more: russia Is Rapidly Placing Pantsir-SMD-E Air Defense Systems on Civilian Building Rooftops in Moscow to Counter Ukrainian Drones
Later that year, the headquarters of russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs, located north of the Kremlin, also received a rooftop Pantsir system. With the newly spotted Pantsir-SMD-E at the Nord Star business center, at least four Pantsir systems are now known to be deployed on rooftops in Moscow.
Source: en.defence-ua.com
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Ukrainian Drones Strike Saratov Oil Refinery, Fire Breaks Out
Roman Pryhodko
May 31, 2026
Ukrainian Defense Forces’ strike drones successfully hit the Saratov oil refinery.
This is supported by data from NASA’s FIRMS fire monitoring service.
The attack took place overnight on May 30–31, 2026, causing a large fire at the facility.
Local residents reported that a thick smoke plume from the fire could be seen dozens of kilometers away from the refinery.
Despite the attack, the governor of the Saratov region reported no damage to the oil refinery. In a Telegram post, Roman Busargin stated that only civilian infrastructure was damaged.
An assessment of the strike on the Saratov oil refinery, made by the Telegram channel ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐๐๐๐ฅแตแตแต, indicates damage to several key facilities across the plant, including:
Source: militarnyi.com
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https://militarnyi.com/en/news/ukrainian-drones-strike-saratov-oil-refinery-fire-breaks-out/
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Drones Strike Strategic Russian Oil Refinery Supplying Military Fuel Deep Inside Russia
Ivan Khomenko
May 31, 2026
A fire broke out at the Saratov Oil Refinery in Russia following an overnight drone attack on May 31, according to open-source monitoring data, local reports, and satellite fire detection imagery.
According to Russian Saratov region Governor Roman Busargin, air defense systems responded to a drone attack overnight. While Busargin reported damage to civilian infrastructure and said there were no casualties, he did not acknowledge any strike on the refinery itself. This information could not be independently verified.
According to assessments published by the Telegram-based monitoring project Falcon Insight Map, potential impact locations included catalytic reforming units, an atmospheric-vacuum distillation unit, a visbreaking unit, and an isomerization facility. Independent verification of the reported damage has not been released.
The Saratov Oil Refinery is owned by Russian state-controlled oil company Rosneft and is considered one of Russia’s oldest operating refineries. Available industry data indicates the facility has an annual processing capacity of approximately 7 million metric tons of crude oil, although reported throughput in 2023 was closer to 4.8 million tons.
Source: united24media.com
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North America
Hegseth says US will ‘find a way’ to help Ukraine after Zelensky's plea for air defense missiles
by Dmytro Basmat
May 31, 2026
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters on May 30 that the United States will "find a way" to help Ukraine defend itself, days after President Volodymyr Zelensky sent an urgent letter to the White House warning about Ukraine's worsening shortage of air defense systems.
Responding to reporter's questions on the letter, Hegseth praised European countries for their "commitment" to increasing defense spending, including funding spent on "important munitions."
"If you look at the amount of money that's been spent, Europe has stepped up, and Ukraine has been just as, if not more, effective in the process. So we want them to be able to defend, and we'll find a way to make sure we can help them do that," Hegseth told reporters at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, without offering specifics as to what assistance would be provided.
Hegseth's comments come days after U.S. President Donald Trump was informed by Zelensky about Ukraine's worsening shortage of anti-ballistic missile capabilities.
Source: kyivindependent.com
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https://kyivindependent.com/hegseth-letter/
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Michigan Democrat Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed a protégé of firebrand Muslim activist Linda Sarsour
By Jerry Dunleavy
May 30, 2026
The frontrunner for the Democratic nomination to be U.S. senator from Michigan is a years-long protégé of controversial Muslim activist Linda Sarsour, whose endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed during his previous failed bid to be Michigan governor helped elevate him from relative obscurity nearly a decade ago.
El-Sayed, who lost the Democratic gubernatorial nomination to now-Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2018, received Sarsour’s backing during that race and in this current one for Michigan’s soon-to-be open Senate seat, with Sarsour’s support in 2018 also seeming to subsequently bring the Michigan-born Egyptian-American key support from socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who has also endorsed him again in this Senate race. Sarsour was a vocal Sanders campaign surrogate in 2016, and Sanders won Michigan over Hillary Clinton that year.
Sarsour, a Palestinian-American activist and vocal anti-Israel critic, stepped down from leading the Women’s March in 2019 over allegations of antisemitism and her connections to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. She describes herself as "an author, award-winning racial justice and civil rights activist, seasoned community organizer, and mother of three" on her webpage.
This investigation by Just the News — which included reviewing thousands of social media posts, looking at little-noticed public interviews, watching numerous speeches, reviewing endorsements and rallies, and unearthing statements which have often gained next to no attention — shows the history of El-Sayed rising with the help of Sarsour and her activist network which, although unsuccessful in putting him in the Michigan governor’s mansion in 2018, may help send him to the U.S. Senate in 2026.
The investigation showed Sarsour quickly celebrating and endorsing El-Sayed in 2017, promoting him to Islamic crowds (while she praised extremist Imam Siraj Wahhaj and called for a "jihad" against Donald Trump), apparently bringing on Sanders campaign veterans to assist El-Sayed, using her Muslim activist network to back his candidacy, self-admittedly moving to Michigan to campaign for him, and continuing to promote him for years after his 2018 loss.
Source: justthenews.com
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Lt. Gov. Beckwith defends remarks on Islam as 'demonic death cult'
By: Melea VanOstrand
May 30, 2026
Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith is facing criticism over his comments on Islam in a recent online interview and in follow-up comments on social media.
The comments have drawn criticism from faith leaders, elected officials, and members of the Muslim community, with some questioning the impact that rhetoric like this can have across Indiana.
"I said what I mean, and I mean what I say. I have no love for Islam. Now, I love Muslims, every single Muslim. I have a big heart for, and I certainly would give them the shirt off my back, but their ideology is incompatible with who we are as Americans."
The Republican lieutenant governor talked Friday with WRTV to defend comments he made during a May 21 interview on a platform called FlashPoint, where he described Islam as a "demonic death cult" and said he hates Islam.
His comments quickly sparked criticism from faith leaders, community organizations, and elected officials, including U.S. Rep. André Carson, an Indiana Democrat who is Muslim.
"These remarks are outrageous, dangerous, and completely unacceptable from a public official. This rhetoric is hateful and targets an entire faith community, including countless Muslim Hoosiers who contribute to our state every single day as teachers, doctors, first responders, and small business owners. Hoosier Muslims and the billions of Muslims around the world deserve the same dignity and respect as anyone else. Leaders of both parties should unequivocally condemn these comments and reject hate in all its forms."
Source: www.wrtv.com
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https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/lt-gov-beckwith-defends-remarks-on-islam-as-demonic-death-cult
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Disabled another ship trying to defy blockade to reach Iran: US
May 31, 2026
WASHINGTON: The US military has stopped another merchant vessel trying to break through the American blockade of Iranian ports, a US official with knowledge of the situation told AP on Saturday.
The Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star ignored multiple warnings from US forces overnight as it tried to enter an Iranian port, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. The ship was disabled by US aircraft in the Gulf of Oman and remains adrift there. The US forces have not boarded it, the official said.
The United States warned on Saturday it was "more than capable" of resuming war with Iran after President Donald Trump said any peace deal must adhere to his red lines, including Tehran never being able to develop nuclear weapons. The White House had signalled Trump was close to a decision on a potential deal, though Tehran denied there was a final agreement on ending the conflict. US sources had told AFP the deal was waiting on Trump's sign-off, but he made no decision after a White House Situation Room meeting on Friday.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Africa
The Chairman of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria felicitates Muslim Ummah
May 31, 2026
The Chairman of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Lagos State Chapter, Alhaji Ajala Kaosara, has felicitated Muslims over this year’s Sallah festival.
He stated that Eid-il-Kabir is not only a season of celebration and feasting, but also a period for Muslims to reflect on the obedience, sacrifice, and faith demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his only son in obedience to the command of Allah.
According to him, the festival serves as a reminder for all Muslims and Nigerians to remain faithful, trustworthy, and committed to fulfilling promises made to one another. He further urged Muslim faithful to continue praying for peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria, stressing that the country is in need of sincere prayers and divine intervention.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/rtean-felicitates-muslim-ummah/
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Opening of EXEED’s Second and Main Showroom in Jordan on Mecca Street
May 31, 2026
Akamas Automotive, the sole dealer and exclusive distributor of EXEED vehicles in Jordan, announced the opening of its second location, which will serve as the main showroom for EXEED and its sub-brand, EXLANTIX, in the Kingdom. Strategically located on Mecca Street in Amman, the new facility builds on the success of the first EXEED showroom in Abdali.
The opening is part of the company’s expansion strategy, aimed at strengthening the presence of both brands and meeting the growing demand for their models in Jordan. Through this step, Akamas seeks to offer customers a more integrated, accessible, and distinctive journey that exceeds expectations and reflects the global standards of the Chinese automotive brands.
This milestone builds on the strategic partnership between Akamas Automotive, a subsidiary of FBB Holding LLC, and the EXEED and EXLANTIX brands. Established in the last quarter of 2025, the partnership aims to bring the EXEED and EXLANTIX experience to the Jordanian market while supporting the shift toward smart and sustainable mobility.
Through its new location, Akamas presents EXEED and EXLANTIX in one of the largest, most modern, and technologically sophisticated automotive spaces on Mecca Street. The facility enables visitors to discover the latest models in an interactive environment and experience them through test drives. It also includes a fully equipped service center offering comprehensive after-sales support, from routine maintenance to genuine spare parts, delivered with speed and professionalism.
Source: www.jordannews.jo
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Sallah Messages, Dark Tunnels And The Work Ahead
by Jonathan Nda-Isaiah
31-05-2026
Every Sallah and Christmas, without fail, we receive a flood of goodwill messages from the presidency, the villa, and every government house in the federation. The messages are warm, the sentiments are noble, and the language is almost always the same: unity, sacrifice, tolerance, compassion, and the need to show love across ethnic and religious lines.
We have heard these words so many times that they have started to sound like a national anthem we recite without listening to the words. But this Eid-el-Kabir, I want to make the case that at least some of what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima said deserves more than a ceremonial nod.
Let me start with the President. Tinubu led the congregational prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos on Wednesday, surrounded by familiar faces: performed the congregational prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos on Wednesday, surrounded by familiar faces, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among others. After prayers, he said something that went beyond the usual pleasantries. He said banditry has no place in Islam. “Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life,” the President declared.
He reminded his audience that even at the very origins of the Eid sacrifice, Allah replaced the child with an animal to underline the sanctity of human life.
Source: leadership.ng
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https://leadership.ng/sallah-messages-dark-tunnels-and-the-work-ahead/
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Breaking: Peter Obi Announces His Running Mate For 2027 Elections
31 May 2026
Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra state, has announced Rabiu Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and ex-governor of Kano State, as his running mate in the 2027 general elections. Obi, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, was declared the flagbearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general election at a special convention of the party in Abuja on Saturday, May 30. Peter Obi announces Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate Photo Credit: @PeterObi Source: Twitter How Obi announces Kwankwaso as running mate According to Channels TV, Obi subsequently announced Kwankwaso as his running mate, a development that had been earlier projected since they joined the new opposition party. READ ALSO Just In: Peter Obi takes final decision on naming Kwankwaso as running mate for 2027 election From breaking news to viral moments. Follow Legit.ng on Instagram. Recall that Peter Obi and Kwankwaso contested in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), respectively, but lost to President Bola Tinubu. However, they both left their parties and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with the hope of actualising their presidential aspiration, but they soon realised that they may not get the party's presidential ticket, and they moved to the NDC. On his confirmation as the NDC presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, Obi did not hold back in declaring Kwankwaso as his running mate. Nigerians react as Obi picks Kwankwaso as running mate The special convention, which was earlier announced by Seriake Dickson, the leader and founder of the party, has started generating reactions from Nigerians, particularly Obi and Kwankwaso's supporters. Below are some of their comments: Read more: https://www.legit.ng/politics/1712319-breaking-peter-obi-announces-running-mate-2027-elections/
Source: www.legit.ng
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https://www.legit.ng/politics/1712319-breaking-peter-obi-announces-running-mate-2027-elections/
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Dangote Refinery reduces petrol to N1,250, diesel N1,700
31 May 2026
By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals yesterday, announced a new reduction in the ex-depot prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also called petrol and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), diesel reinforcing its commitment to making refined petroleum products more affordable and supporting economic activities across Nigeria.
Under the latest price adjustment, the refinery reduced the ex-depot price of petrol, to N1,250 per litre from N1,275 per litre, while the price of AGO (diesel) was cut to N1,700 per litre from N1,800 per litre.
The price review comes amid the refinery’s continued efforts to improve supply efficiency, deepen domestic refining, and provide cost relief to consumers and businesses that depend heavily on petroleum products for transportation, power generation and industrial operations.
Source: thesun.ng
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https://thesun.ng/dangote-refinery-reduces-petrol-to-n1250-diesel-n1700/
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2027: Peter Obi reveals plan for Nigeria’s healthcare system
Mojeed Oladipupo
May 31, 2026
Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has unveiled his proposed reforms for Nigeria’s healthcare sector if elected.Nigerian debt analysis
Obi expressed deep concern over the country’s poor health infrastructure, high infant mortality rate, and generally low global ranking in healthcare service delivery.
“Within these four years, we will increase our healthcare budget to a minimum of 10 percent of GDP, up from the current level of below 5 per cent,” Obi said.
Source: politicsnigeria.com
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https://politicsnigeria.com/2026/05/31/2027-peter-obi-reveals-plan-for-nigerias-healthcare-system/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/pak-isi-dawood-ibrahim-links-nine-arrested-planning-delhi-mumbai-attacks/d/140215