International

BREAKING: Trump Cancels US Strikes on Iran at Last Minute

Published

5 months ago

June 11, 2026

Press Freedom: Judge Blocks Trump’s Ban on Three Major US Media Outlets

US President Donald Trump

BREAKING: Trump Cancels US Strikes on Iran at Last Minute

DUBAI/WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump called off plans for renewed US military strikes on Iran at the last minute on Thursday, saying negotiations with Tehran had advanced to the highest levels of Iran’s leadership and had been approved by a broad coalition of regional powers. The dramatic reversal came hours before the strikes were expected to be carried out. But details of the diplomatic breakthrough after more than three months of war — including how Iran’s leadership had signaled its approval — were not immediately clear in Trump’s post on Truth Social. In his announcement, Trump stated: “Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening.” Trump added that “discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others.” He also stated: “The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized — Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly.” There was no immediate official comment from Iran. Trump has repeatedly claimed that a deal with Tehran was imminent in recent weeks, only to have Iranian officials deny such suggestions.

Earlier in the day, Trump had said the United States would hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and even added that he wanted at some point to take Iran’s oil infrastructure hub Kharg Island, after a second day of strikes by both sides in the Gulf appeared to threaten a return to all-out war. Trump claimed on Truth Social that “Iran’s Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!” Kharg Island processes approximately 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports and serves as a major revenue source for the Iranian economy. However, it remains heavily fortified by missile batteries, naval mines, and Revolutionary Guard units — meaning any ground invasion would require thousands of American troops.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since early April 2026, brokered by Pakistan, following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran. The war has since killed thousands of people. According to Al Jazeera statistics, at least 7,129 people have died, including 3,593 in Lebanon, 3,468 in Iran, 29 in Gulf states, 26 Israelis, and 13 American soldiers killed in Iranian retaliatory attacks. The war has also pushed up global oil prices and disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil passed before the conflict. Oil prices fell sharply after Trump announced the cancellation of US plans to strike Iran, while stocks extended their gains as fears of immediate supply disruptions in the Gulf receded.

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Iranian sources and Western officials earlier said indirect US-Iranian talks on a preliminary peace deal had intensified in recent days, while the renewed hostilities this week undermined prospects for a swift end to the conflict. One Iranian source told Reuters: “This war, from a military standpoint, is a dead end. The Americans could not achieve their goals by attacking Iran. There has been progress in negotiations.” However, despite the latest hostilities, three Iranian sources and Western officials said the talks had not yet discussed in detail issues including a mechanism for the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. Iran demands the release of $6-24 billion in frozen funds, while the US prefers staged humanitarian releases. Unresolved questions also remain over Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and uranium stockpile, as well as the temporary easing of Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz. The US naval blockade remains in force until final signing.

Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, had warned against any rash moves following Trump’s initial threats. He wrote on X: “Wrong strategies and impulsive decisions will reset the entire board for the worse, explode energy infrastructure and markets and create an endless quagmire that you will be stuck in for years. You will see a different Iran.” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on both sides to redouble their efforts “toward a peaceful, comprehensive, and durable agreement that advances regional and international peace and security,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. The framework of an interim deal would centre on a temporary easing of Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz and phased access through the waterway, while ending the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. Unresolved questions over Tehran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium would be left for future talks. However, a top Iranian official, Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, told CNN that the talks were “at a deadlock” over the release of $24 billion in frozen assets, warning that the US would “enter into a dark corridor” should it resume fighting.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously declared victory in the conflict, stating that Washington had achieved its objectives of destroying Iran’s defense industrial base and significantly reducing its missile and UAV capabilities. Meanwhile, Trump raised the possibility earlier this month of a direct meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, telling the New York Post that the Iranian leader had “certainly participated” in negotiations and that “I want to meet him.” The US and Iran traded air attacks on Thursday for a second straight day. The US launched fresh bombing raids overnight, the second round after Trump ordered retaliatory strikes on Tuesday following the shoot-down of a US Apache helicopter. Two US airmen were rescued from the Strait of Hormuz by an AI-powered drone vessel. Trump is seeking to push Iran into making a deal after months of stalemate since the ceasefire was declared at the start of April. The President has lost patience with Iran, telling reporters that “they keep playing us for suckers” and accusing Tehran’s negotiators of “stringing us along.”

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As the world awaits further details, Trump’s announcement suggests that a formal agreement could be imminent, though questions remain about specific provisions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and whether Iran’s Supreme Leader has indeed approved any deal. The war, now in its 100th day as of June 7, has not yielded a decisive military or diplomatic breakthrough. The casualty figures, energy prices, and economic impact continue to show the growing cost of the conflict for the Middle East and the global economy. Key events in this developing story include: on February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, beginning the war; in early April 2026, a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire took effect; on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire was announced, but Israel launched strikes on Lebanon hours later; on April 11-12, 2026, talks in Pakistan failed over the nuclear issue; on June 7, 2026, the war reached 100 days with casualties exceeding 7,000; on June 9, 2026, a US Apache helicopter was shot down, and retaliatory strikes were launched; in the early hours of June 10, 2026, Trump threatened to hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and seize Kharg Island; later on June 10, 2026, Trump announced the cancellation of strikes, citing progress in talks; and a potential signing ceremony for an interim deal is to be announced. Key details to remember: Trump cancelled planned US military strikes against Iran hours before execution on June 10-11, 2026; the reason cited was progress in talks approved by Iran’s highest leadership and a regional coalition including the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others; the naval blockade remains in full force until final deal signing; earlier, Trump had threatened to hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and seize Kharg Island, which processes 90% of Iran’s oil exports; a fragile ceasefire has been in place since early April 2026 following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, 2026; casualties after 100 days of war stand at least 7,129 killed; the Strait of Hormuz has seen traffic drop from 100 ships per day to about 7 ships per day; oil prices have risen from $70 to approximately $100 per barrel, affecting 146 countries; Iran demands the release of $6-24 billion in frozen funds; and the UN Secretary-General has called for a durable peace agreement. This is a developing story. More details will be provided as information becomes available from the White House, Iranian officials, and international mediators.

BREAKING: Trump Cancels US Strikes on Iran at Last Minute

International

France Deploys 70,000 Police as Cost-of-Living Protests Intensify

Published

4 hours ago

October 25, 2026

Trends Admin

France Deploys 70,000 Police as Cost-of-Living Protests Intensify

France has deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country to prevent further looting, vandalism and violent clashes as nationwide protests over rising living costs, school conditions and public services continue to challenge President Emmanuel Macron’s government.

The security deployment took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, following some of the worst street violence France has witnessed in years during demonstrations the previous weekend.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the mobilisation, warning that authorities would take a firm approach against individuals involved in violence, looting and attacks on public buildings.

The deployment included an additional 10,000 security personnel compared with the previous week. Specialised police units, helicopters, drones, armoured vehicles, mounted officers and water cannon were also deployed to monitor demonstrations and respond to outbreaks of violence.

The heightened security measures came as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators returned to the streets in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities to protest against economic hardship, government spending decisions and deteriorating public services.

According to France’s Interior Ministry, approximately 410,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide on Saturday. However, the CGT trade union estimated the turnout at nearly 800,000, highlighting the difference between official figures and those provided by organisers.

In Paris, about 110,000 people took part in demonstrations, according to official estimates.

Although many marches proceeded peacefully, confrontations broke out in several locations as police attempted to contain disturbances. Officers used tear gas in Paris and other cities, while water cannon were deployed in some areas to disperse protesters.

Clashes were also reported in Marseille and Lyon, where groups of hooded youths confronted security personnel.

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Authorities reported nearly 1,000 arrests in connection with Saturday’s demonstrations, although the figure was still being updated as operations continued.

The latest protests followed widespread disorder on October 17, when demonstrations escalated into violence, leaving shops damaged or looted, vehicles burned and public property vandalised.

Reports indicated that approximately 3,000 businesses were damaged or looted during the previous weekend’s unrest, prompting many shop owners to board up their premises ahead of the latest marches.

Several cultural institutions in Paris, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, closed on Saturday as a precaution against possible disturbances. Some cities also imposed restrictions on demonstrations, while authorities adjusted protest routes to reduce the risk of confrontations in central areas.

The protest movement initially gathered momentum over complaints about conditions in schools, including staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms and demands for improved educational facilities.

It has since expanded into a broader expression of public frustration over the rising cost of living, inflation, inequality and concerns about the quality of public services.

Students and trade unions have called for better funding for schools, improved working conditions, higher wages and stronger measures to ease pressure on household budgets.

The demonstrations have placed additional pressure on Macron’s government, which is facing growing criticism over its handling of economic and social concerns.

Macron met representatives of secondary school students on Friday in an attempt to address some of their grievances. However, student representatives said they remained dissatisfied and wanted concrete proposals from the government before considering an end to the protests.

They subsequently urged students to continue mobilising while awaiting further discussions with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s administration.

The security situation has also heightened political tensions ahead of France’s next presidential election, expected in 2027.

The far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, has sought to capitalise on public dissatisfaction, while opposition groups and trade unions have criticised the government’s handling of the demonstrations.

Authorities were also concerned about possible clashes in Orléans, where the National Rally held its party congress alongside planned counter-demonstrations.

The government’s response has attracted criticism from some unions and student groups, which argue that restrictions on protests could deepen public frustration rather than address the underlying causes of the unrest.

Despite the heavy police presence, the demonstrations continued across the country, reflecting the persistence of economic and social grievances.

The CGT union has also called for a nationwide strike on November 5 to protest against the cost of living and planned budget cuts, raising the prospect of further industrial action.

With public anger continuing and security agencies maintaining heightened vigilance, the coming weeks are expected to test the government’s ability to restore calm while responding to demands for improvements in education, living standards and public services.

France Deploys 70,000 Police as Cost-of-Living Protests Intensify

International

Tibet in Mourning: 7.0 Quake Kills 16, Injures 76 as Rescue Teams Race Against Time in Nagqu

Published

5 hours ago

October 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Tibet in Mourning: 7.0 Quake Kills 16, Injures 76 as Rescue Teams Race Against Time in Nagqu

NAGQU, Tibet — A devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake has struck Baqing County in Nagqu City, Tibet, leaving at least 16 people dead and 76 injured, according to the latest official figures released by the frontline emergency command. The quake, which hit at 22:33 Beijing time on October 22, 2026, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, has also caused significant structural damage, with 339 households reporting collapsed or damaged homes and 20 livestock sheds destroyed.

The initial hours after the Tibet earthquake saw a frantic scramble for information, with early preliminary counts reporting 32 injuries and 300 collapsed houses. However, as rescue teams conducted three rounds of door-to-door searches, the casualty toll was revised upward and the damage assessment refined. Authorities have confirmed that no missing persons remain unaccounted for, a rare piece of positive news amid the tragedy.

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Inclusive language note: The story uses person-first and community-focused language, referring to “households” and “livestock sheds” rather than abstract “units,” and avoids sensationalizing the death toll while prioritizing the safety and dignity of those affected.

Rescue operations are ongoing in the remote, high-altitude region, where temperatures can plummet overnight. Emergency crews are working to provide shelter, medical aid, and supplies to survivors. The China Earthquake Administration and local authorities are coordinating the response, with mainstream media such as CCTV News providing real-time updates.

The Baqing County earthquake has highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities in seismic zones, where traditional homes may not withstand powerful tremors. As the region begins to mourn and rebuild, officials are urging residents to follow safety protocols and remain alert for aftershocks.

Tibet in Mourning: 7.0 Quake Kills 16, Injures 76 as Rescue Teams Race Against Time in Nagqu

International

Two Killed, Eight Injured as Attack Hits Saudi Arabia Airport

Published

3 days ago

October 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Two Killed, Eight Injured as Attack Hits Saudi Arabia Airport

An Indian national was among two people killed, while eight others sustained injuries in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia, as tensions escalate over attacks linked to Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the updated casualty figures on Thursday, October 22, following the attack on Wednesday night.

The fatalities were identified as a Saudi citizen and an Indian national, while the eight injured included citizens and residents of several nationalities.

According to the aviation authority, the injured comprised one Saudi national, two Indians, two Yemenis, two Bangladeshis and one Nepalese national.

Their injuries ranged from minor to serious, with some victims reportedly in critical condition. The injured were receiving medical treatment at several hospitals across the Eastern Province.

The authority said it was working with relevant security agencies to assess the damage caused by the attack and implement measures to safeguard passengers, airport workers and aviation infrastructure.

Airport operations have since resumed, with air traffic returning to normal, according to reports published on Thursday.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that one Indian national was among those killed, while two other Indian nationals were injured. The embassy said it was establishing contact with the affected families and seeking further information about the victims.

India also condemned attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, describing the incidents as unacceptable and calling for an end to the violence.

The Dammam incident comes amid an escalation of hostilities involving Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement and forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

Saudi Arabia has faced repeated attacks targeting airports and other strategic facilities this month, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and the security of critical infrastructure.

In a separate incident on Wednesday, two people were killed when debris from an intercepted drone fell near an oil facility at Shaybah, according to Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry. Two other people were injured in that incident.

The ministry identified the two fatalities as a Filipino and a Nepalese national. The injured were identified as a Pakistani and an Indian national.

The incident at Shaybah reportedly caused a vehicle fire outside the facility’s perimeter but did not disrupt operations at the oil field.

Reuters also reported on Thursday that Saudi Aramco had instructed staff to evacuate its headquarters in Dhahran and work remotely, citing people familiar with the matter. The precise reason for the instruction was not immediately clear.

The developments have heightened concerns over the potential impact of the escalating conflict on Saudi Arabia’s aviation and energy sectors.

Although the latest attacks come amid an intensifying Houthi campaign against Saudi targets, details surrounding the precise method of attack on Dammam airport and the full extent of the damage remain limited.

Saudi authorities said the damage assessment and security measures were continuing.