International
Did Kamala Harris truly floor Donald Trump in the first fiery TV debate?
Did Kamala Harris truly floor Donald Trump in the first fiery TV debate?
*Read six highlights of the duel
Millions of viewers in the US watched Kamala Harris and Donald Trump duel for the first time, during a 90-minute debate broadcast live on many international TV stations on Tuesday night.
Others woke up to the aftermath of the presidential showdown.
In case you missed the televised spectacle, here are the some of the highlights as compiled by the BBC News.
1. ‘Nice to see you’
As they walked out, Harris strode across the stage to Trump as he approached his podium.
“Kamala Harris,” she said, offering a handshake as the pair met for the first time ever. “Let’s have a good debate.”
“Nice to see you. Have fun,” Trump said.
It was the first handshake in a presidential debate in eight years.
Harris spent the majority of the debate looking directly at her opponent, often smirking, laughing out loud, or shaking her head incredulously while he answered questions.
The split screen showed Trump staring mostly straight ahead as she spoke, while occasionally shaking his head.
2. ‘I’m talking now’
Vice-President Harris, a Democrat, went on the offensive from the outset, goading her Republican rival and assailing him over his criminal trials and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also accused her opponent of consistently using the issue of race to “divide the American people”.
The barb followed a question from the moderators about one recent attack in which he said Harris had “become a black person”.
Trump turned the subject repeatedly back to inflation and immigration, political vulnerabilities for Harris.
He argued that the Biden-Harris administration had “destroyed” the country, and labelled her a “Marxist”, nodding to her father, a professor of economics.
Harris poked fun at crowd sizes at his rallies. “People start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom,” she said.
Trump hit back: “People don’t go to her rallies. There’s no reason to go.”
At one stage, when Harris interrupted Trump, he said: “I’m talking now. Does that sound familiar?” He was referring to a similar riposte she made in a 2020 vice-presidential debate against Mike Pence.
Later, as Harris spoke over him, Trump said: “Quiet please.”
Trump also blamed heated Democratic rhetoric for the assassination attempt against him in July by a gunman whose motives are unknown.
“I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things they said about me,” he said.
3. ‘They’re eating the dogs’
In the hours before the debate, social media was filled with reports of unsubstantiated claims – repeated by JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, had been stealing pets and eating them.
Despite city officials telling the BBC there are no credible reports to support these claims, Trump brought up the matter in the debate.
“They’re eating the dogs, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there. This is a shame,” he said.
“Talk about extreme,” Harris said of her rival.
4. Moderator’s abortion fact-check
Some of Harris’s most aggressive attacks on Trump came as they clashed on abortion, one of the biggest issues for Democrats since the US Supreme Court overturned a constitutional right to the procedure in 2022.
“One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government – and Donald Trump, certainly – should not be telling a woman what to do with her body,” Harris said.
She said Trump would “sign an abortion ban” if re-elected and cited conservative states that prohibit the procedure while allowing limited exceptions.
Trump, for whom the issue is a political liability, countered: “What she says is an absolute lie. I am not in favour of an abortion ban.”
Trump reiterated that he supports exceptions for cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at risk.
At one point Trump claimed that some babies were being subjected to “executions” after birth.
One of the ABC moderators interceded to fact-check him, saying: “There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it’s born.”
5. Policies?
Trump said Harris had no policies, accusing her of copying some of his own ideas on the campaign trial and that he was “going to send her a Maga hat”, while also arguing she would be no different from President Biden.
“She has no policy,” he said.
“Remember this, she is Biden,” he said at another point.
Harris countered: “Clearly, I am not Joe Biden.”
Trump, who while president tried to overturn to Obamacare, was asked what would be his plan now to replace the Affordable Care Act.
He said he had “concepts of a plan” that would be “something that’s better”, if elected.
On the economy, an issue that opinion polls show favours Trump, Harris repeatedly stated: “I have a plan.”
6. Harris owns a gun
In the exchange that followed Harris’s insistence that she had a plan for the economy, Trump sought to depict his rival as a radical liberal who was also opposed to gun ownership.
He said: “She has a plan to defund the police. She has a plan to confiscate everyone’s guns. She has a plan to ban fracking in Pennsylvania and everywhere else.”
Harris denied all this.
“[Running mate] Tim Walz and I are both gun owners,” she said. “We’re not taking anybody’s guns away.”
She has spoken of her gun ownership in the past – but is a supporter of tougher laws.
BBC’s Anthony Zurcher reports that if debates are won and lost on which candidate best takes advantage of issues where they are strong – and defends or deflects on areas of weakness – Tuesday night tilted in favour of the vice-president.
A snap CNN poll of voters watching said that Harris performed better and betting markets said the same.
A poll taken by the CNN shortly after the debate indicates that Harris has 63 per cent against Trump’s 37.
International
Trump Says US Warships Being Reloaded With Weapons to Strike Iran If Pakistan Talks Fail
Trump Says US Warships Being Reloaded With Weapons to Strike Iran If Pakistan Talks Fail
United States President Donald Trump has said American warships are being rearmed with advanced weaponry and prepared for possible strikes against Iran if ongoing peace negotiations in Pakistan fail to produce an agreement.
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said the United States is in what he described as a “reset” phase, insisting that military readiness is being strengthened while diplomatic talks continue.
“We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made — even better than what we did previously and we blew them apart,” Trump was quoted as saying.
“And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively.”
His remarks come as Vice President JD Vance leads a high-level U.S. delegation to Islamabad, Pakistan, for crucial Iran peace talks in Pakistan aimed at preventing a renewed escalation in the Middle East.
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Vance, who is known for his scepticism toward long-term military interventions, is expected to engage Iranian officials in discussions focused on stabilising a fragile ceasefire and preventing further military confrontation.
Before departing, Vance issued a warning to Tehran, telling Iranian authorities not to “play” the United States, signalling Washington’s firm stance ahead of the negotiations.
According to diplomatic sources, the talks will address key issues including nuclear compliance, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions-related disputes that have fueled tensions between both countries.
President Trump also posted a cryptic message on his Truth Social platform, referring to what he called the “WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL RESET!!!”, further fueling speculation about Washington’s combined military and diplomatic strategy.
The Pakistan-hosted talks bring together senior U.S. officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian representatives led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Iran’s participation underscores ongoing efforts by both sides to prevent a full-scale collapse of the ceasefire, which has already been strained by mutual accusations of violations.
Analysts say the outcome of the Islamabad negotiations could determine whether the crisis moves toward a lasting settlement or escalates into renewed military confrontation with wider regional consequences.
Trump Says US Warships Being Reloaded With Weapons to Strike Iran If Pakistan Talks Fail
International
Trump Orders JD Vance to Lead Iran War Exit Strategy Ahead of Pakistan Talks
Trump Orders JD Vance to Lead Iran War Exit Strategy Ahead of Pakistan Talks
United States President Donald Trump has reportedly instructed Vice President JD Vance to urgently explore diplomatic pathways to end the ongoing U.S.–Iran war crisis, as preparations intensify for high-level peace talks scheduled to hold in Pakistan.
The directive comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns that a fragile ceasefire arrangement could collapse, potentially triggering a wider escalation in the region.
Vice President JD Vance, known for his long-standing scepticism toward prolonged U.S. military interventions abroad, is expected to depart on April 10 for Islamabad, where he will lead the American delegation in the upcoming Iran peace talks in Pakistan.
He will be accompanied by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, both of whom have previously been involved in indirect diplomatic engagements with Iranian officials on nuclear issues and regional security concerns.
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The talks are expected to focus on de-escalation measures, nuclear-related assurances, and broader security arrangements aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Iran has also confirmed its participation in the negotiations, sending a high-level delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
The Iranian team is expected to present its position on sanctions relief, regional security, and maritime concerns, particularly issues relating to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
Reports indicate that the temporary ceasefire between both sides is increasingly under strain, with accusations of violations and renewed mistrust threatening to derail diplomatic progress.
President Trump has publicly accused Iran of failing to honour commitments linked to maritime security, writing on Truth Social: “That is not the agreement we have!”
The statement has added fresh tension to already fragile negotiations and raised concerns about possible disruptions to global energy markets if hostilities resume.
Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic venue for the talks, hosting both direct and indirect engagements between U.S. and Iranian officials in an effort to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Diplomatic observers say the outcome of the Islamabad meeting could determine whether the crisis moves toward a lasting ceasefire or deeper confrontation involving regional and global powers.
The growing urgency of the negotiations reflects mounting international pressure on Washington and Tehran to reach a political settlement and avoid further destabilisation of the Middle East.
Trump Orders JD Vance to Lead Iran War Exit Strategy Ahead of Pakistan Talks
International
Hajj 2026: US Warns Citizens Over Travel Risks to Saudi Arabia
Hajj 2026: US Warns Citizens Over Travel Risks to Saudi Arabia
The United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised American citizens to reconsider participating in the Hajj pilgrimage this year, citing ongoing regional security concerns and intermittent travel disruptions across parts of the Middle East.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the embassy referenced the Saudi Arabia travel advisory, warning that the current security environment remains unstable and could affect movement and access to holy sites during the pilgrimage season.
“Per the Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory, and due to the ongoing security situation and intermittent travel disruptions, we advise reconsidering participation in Hajj this year,” the embassy said.
It also announced new entry regulations for Mecca ahead of the pilgrimage period, stating that from April 18, only individuals with valid permits will be allowed access. These include a Hajj permit, a Mecca-issued residency ID, or a valid work permit linked to Mecca. The embassy further warned that individuals on other visa categories should leave Mecca before the enforcement date to avoid penalties.
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- Trump Slams Iran Over Strait of Hormuz as Middle East Ceasefire Talks Stall
- Thousands Return to Al-Aqsa Mosque After 40-Day Closure
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The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. Each year, millions of pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia for the rites performed in and around Mecca.
The advisory comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts and security incidents affecting several countries in the region. The U.S. has previously warned that instability could disrupt air travel routes, border crossings, and emergency response capacity in affected areas.
Regional tensions have escalated in recent months following intensified military exchanges involving Israel and Iran, along with related spillover effects across neighbouring countries. These developments have raised concerns over aviation safety, infrastructure security, and crowd management during major international gatherings such as Hajj.
The embassy also urged American citizens already in the Kingdom or planning to travel to remain vigilant and closely monitor official travel updates issued by both U.S. and Saudi authorities.
While no evacuation order has been issued, officials stressed that travellers should carefully reconsider non-essential trips depending on their personal risk assessment.
Hajj 2026: US Warns Citizens Over Travel Risks to Saudi Arabia
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