Category :

ISTANBUL, JUNE 22 -- An explosion at a gas facility in Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City injured several people following a technical malfunction during operations, authorities said on Sunday. Anadolu Agency reported that Qatar's Interior Ministry said in a statement that the incident occurred at a factory in the industrial area and did not cause any dangerous leaks that threatened public safety. The Ministry informed that the relevant authorities are still continuing their efforts to deal with the incident. Meanwhile, QatarEnergy said the explosion and fire at the Barzan local gas supply facility occurred during start-up operations in the evening. The company said emergency response teams had the fire under control and promised to release more information as soon as it was available. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Explosion, fire at gas facility in Qatar

ISTANBUL, JUNE 22 — An explosion at a gas facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City injured several people following a technical malfunction during operations, authorities said on Sunday. Anadolu .... read more

ISTANBUL, JUNE 21 -- An Iranian delegation will leave for Switzerland to follow up and demand implementation of commitments by the other side, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, Anadolu Agency reported, citing Iran's Fars news agency. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said: "In Switzerland, we are ready to press for the implementation of the commitments of the parties on the other side and to determine how they intend to fulfill those obligations." "If some of the commitments on the other side are not implemented, this entire understanding will face difficulties," Baghaei said, adding that Washington must take appropriate steps "as soon as possible to avoid this agreement being undermined." "We did not sign this commitment so that it would not be implemented; our approach is commitment met with commitment," he stressed. The Iranian official also warned that Tehran would respond "with necessary measures" if "the other side refuses to fulfill their commitments". The ISNA news agency, citing his statement, reported that the Iranian delegation would depart "within a few hours". The spokesperson said the trip "does not mean the start of the second phase of negotiations; rather it aims to follow up on the implementation of the commitments that have been agreed." "The commitment is very clear, and the first clause of the memorandum of understanding covers the most important part of the mutual commitment between the two sides – which is to end the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon," Baghaei said. Meanwhile, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that the death toll from Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon since early Saturday morning has risen to at least 28 people, despite the enforcement of the ceasefire and the US-Iran agreement. The country's Health Ministry announced that the number of casualties from Israeli airstrikes since Friday has risen to 83 people, while more than 140 others have been injured. Based on data from Lebanese authorities, Israeli military attacks on Lebanon since March 2 have killed at least 4,057 people, injured more than 12,000 others, and displaced more than one million people. The latest attack came after Israel's Channel 12 on Friday quoted an unnamed official as confirming that a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah had come into effect at 4pm local time (1300 GMT). A senior US official also confirmed the implementation of the ceasefire in a statement to Anadolu. On Wednesday night, Washington and Tehran electronically signed a 14-point agreement to end the war, the text of which was published by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Iran to send delegation to Switzerland to demand US implement agreed commitments

ISTANBUL, JUNE 21 — An Iranian delegation will leave for Switzerland to follow up and demand implementation of commitments by the other side, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, .... read more

ISTANBUL, JUNE 20 -- US President Donald Trump said Washington quietly moved at least 87 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, under the cover of darkness, while the Iranian military was unaware of the operation, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported. "We're going to leave at 1 a.m., all the lights are out, and our navy destroyers are going to sail alongside," Trump told Axios in an interview aired Friday. Trump said the operation was possible because US forces had "destroyed" Iranian radar and defense systems before the conflict. For more than a month, he said, "no one knew" where the oil transported through the waterway came from. The statement came after weeks of disruption to global energy markets following the US-Israeli attack on Iran which began on Feb. 28. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently said that "Project Freedom" has successfully escorted 125 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. In another development, speaking to US Air Force service members before departing Joint Base Andrews, Trump said the ships were sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz "like no one has ever seen before." The president reiterated that the US has "the greatest military anywhere in the world." Regarding the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran, Trump said Iran has 60 days to reach a final agreement. "We have an agreement that was signed last night. 60 days, they have to make an agreement, otherwise we will do things that will not please them. "I don't think it will get there. If we do that, then all of a sudden, you won't have oil flowing out of the strait," he said. On Wednesday, Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian electronically signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the war between the US, Israel and Iran and halting Israel's attacks on Lebanon. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

The US quietly escorted 87 tankers through the Strait of Hormuz – Trump

ISTANBUL, JUNE 20 — US President Donald Trump said Washington quietly moved at least 87 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, under the cover of darkness, while the Iranian .... read more

ST. PETERSBURG, June 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The event showcased Russia's rich cultural heritage and history, highlighting the country's diverse traditions and the significant contributions of Islamic civilisation in shaping its national identity and societal development. Beyond the cultural presentations, the gala dinner provided an important platform for leaders from ASEAN member states and Russia to strengthen friendships, exchange views, and foster closer cooperation on issues of mutual interest. Anwar said such engagements are particularly valuable at a time when the global community continues to face various challenges and uncertainties, ranging from geopolitical tensions to economic and security concerns. He noted that opportunities for direct interaction among leaders help deepen mutual understanding, build trust, and explore new avenues of collaboration that can bring tangible benefits to both ASEAN and Russia. The ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit serves as a key platform to enhance dialogue and cooperation across multiple sectors, reflecting the longstanding partnership between ASEAN and Russia and their shared commitment to regional stability, sustainable development, and economic growth. The summit brings together leaders from ASEAN member countries and Russia to discuss strategic issues and strengthen ties amid an increasingly complex global landscape.

PM Anwar Attends ASEAN-Russia Summit Gala Dinner Hosted by President Putin

ST. PETERSBURG, June 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The .... read more

HYDERABAD, JUNE 18 -- India says "significant progress" has been made in efforts to seal a long-awaited trade deal with the United States (US). This was among the issues discussed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during their meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Evian, France on Wednesday. "The leaders expressed satisfaction at the significant progress made in the negotiations towards an Interim Bilateral Trade Agreement and directed their respective officials to finalize an agreement that is balanced, mutually beneficial and of significant commercial value as soon as possible," said a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. According to the statement, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will visit India next week regarding the matter. Responding to a question about the ongoing trade talks, Trump described Modi as a "tough" negotiator. "We've been going through this process for some time and he's a very tough negotiator, one of the toughest," Trump said, pointing at the Indian leader. The US and India agreed on an interim trade deal in February this year which saw the US reduce tariffs to 18 percent. In 2025, Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on India as well as an additional 25 percent penalty for buying oil from Russia. -- BERNAMA

Significant progress made in US-India trade talks

HYDERABAD, JUNE 18 — India says “significant progress” has been made in efforts to seal a long-awaited trade deal with the United States (US). This was among the issues discussed .... read more

ISTANBUL, JUNE 16 -- A group of 17 countries on Monday welcomed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) announced between the United States (US) and Iran, describing it as an opportunity to restore regional stability and support the global economy, Anadolu Ajansi reported. "This is an opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilize the global economy," according to a joint statement by the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany and Italy. The statement was later signed by 13 other countries. They congratulated the US, Iran and mediators including Pakistan and Qatar on what they described as a diplomatic success. The leaders stressed that detailed negotiations should be concluded and the agreement implemented "swiftly and comprehensively," adding that they stand ready to assist the process. They also called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of "unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation." Other countries that signed the statement were Japan, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Greek Cypriot Administration, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Poland and Portugal. The group of leaders said they were committed to contributing to the effort, including through "resolute independent defense missions" aimed at reassuring commercial shipping and conducting mine clearance operations, in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. The statement reiterated that Iran "must never acquire nuclear weapons" and expressed its willingness to work with the US, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) towards that objective. The leaders also said they were ready to lift related sanctions in response to "clear and verifiable steps" by Iran on its nuclear program. They pledged to work closely with the US, Iran and regional partners to maintain momentum and reach a long-term diplomatic solution. It further reaffirmed support for the stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and stressed the importance of a firm ceasefire. Regional tensions have escalated since late February after the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, killing more than 3,000 people. Tehran responded with attacks on Gulf states and Israel, as well as a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington and Tehran reached a temporary ceasefire on April 8 through Pakistani mediation before announcing a framework agreement to end the conflict. The agreement is expected to be officially signed in Switzerland on July 19. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

17 countries welcome US-Iran deal, urge reopening of Strait of Hormuz

ISTANBUL, JUNE 16 — A group of 17 countries on Monday welcomed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) announced between the United States (US) and Iran, describing it as an opportunity .... read more

NEW YORK: A plane crashed in the US state of Missouri on Sunday, killing all 12 people on board, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said in a statement, Xinhua reported. The crash occurred near Butler Memorial Airport, about 65 miles (106 kilometers) south of Kansas City. Emergency responders received a call about a plane crashing and burning around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant Justin Ewing said. The plane was carrying paratroopers for skydiving. There are no other details at this time, Ewing said. The National Transportation Safety Board said it will investigate the accident. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

12 dead in a plane crash in Missouri, USA

NEW YORK: A plane crashed in the US state of Missouri on Sunday, killing all 12 people on board, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said in a statement, Xinhua reported. .... read more

WASHINGTON: Up to seven million foreign visitors are expected to arrive in the United States (US) for the FIFA World Cup, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Sunday, according to a CNN report cited by Sputnik/RIA Novosti. "We have five to seven million visitors," Mullin told CNN. The department currently does not see any specific security threats, he said. "Are we safe? Yes, we are going to host one of the safest and best World Cups in the history of this event," Mullin said. The World Cup is being held in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The tournament features 48 teams for the first time. -- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

7 million visitors will arrive for the 2026 World Cup – SU Homeland Security US

WASHINGTON: Up to seven million foreign visitors are expected to arrive in the United States (US) for the FIFA World Cup, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Sunday, .... read more

ISTANBUL, June 15 -- Hamas said on Sunday that it submitted the Palestinian factions' response to a roadmap proposed by the UN's special coordinator for the West Asia peace process, stressing the need for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Anadolu Ajansi reported. On May 21, Nickolay Mladenov presented the 15-point outline for implementing the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump regarding the Gaza Strip. Mladenov's roadmap outlines mechanisms for implementing issues related to Gaza's future, including reconstruction, disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, the operation of the international stabilisation force, and the rebuilding of the police force. The roadmap emphasised the necessity of "implementing the measures promised at the beginning of the ceasefire, including the crossing of humanitarian aid, fuel, shelters, besides the measures stipulated in the Sharm el-Sheikh understandings, before moving to the next phase." Hamas said "it, along with the Palestinian factions and the mediating countries (Egypt, Qatar and Turkiye), held numerous meetings in Cairo during the past week (starting June 6), which resulted in the formulation of a unified national position, submitted yesterday." It stressed that "the Palestinian factions dealt with the roadmap with a high degree of responsibility and positivity", emphasising "the necessity of full implementation of the first phase, particularly regarding the humanitarian protocol and the cessation of all forms of aggression against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip." Hamas also affirmed "the necessity of full adherence to what is written in the roadmap regarding the entry of the administrative committee, the complete Israeli withdrawal from the Strip." It added that "the Hamas delegation in Cairo is scheduled to continue its meetings with mediators and factions to move forward with implementing what is agreed upon." In September 2025, Trump announced a 20-point plan outlining a ceasefire framework that included the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, the formation of a technocratic administration, and the deployment of an international stabilisation force, along with a call for Hamas to disarm. The first phase of the agreement included a truce and prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestinian factions, a permanent ceasefire, as well as a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the enclave. Israel, however, has continued to violate the agreement on a near-daily basis. Under the second phase, Israel is expected to carry out further withdrawals from the territory, while an international stabilisation force would assume security responsibilities, including facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials. Israel's genocide in Gaza since October 2023 has killed nearly 73,000 Palestinians and injured more than 173,000, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian figures. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Hamas Submits Palestinian Response To Gaza Peace Roadmap

ISTANBUL, June 15 — Hamas said on Sunday that it submitted the Palestinian factions’ response to a roadmap proposed by the UN’s special coordinator for the West Asia peace process, .... read more

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as "irrelevant" and claimed that "the US has won the war in Iran" in a brief telephone interview broadcast by Italian television channel La7 on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump made the statement during a phone call with La7 reporters in Washington. When asked if he had a message for the G7 leaders, Trump said the US did not need outside support. The statement was made ahead of the G7 summit scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17. Regional tensions that began on Feb 28 after Israeli and US attacks on Iran triggered a cycle of military confrontation, counterattacks and diplomatic disputes. Iran and Israel have also exchanged attacks in recent days before easing tensions, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing efforts of regional and international mediators to revive diplomacy and avoid a wider conflict. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Trump calls G7 support “irrelevant”, claims US is winning war in Iran

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as “irrelevant” and claimed that “the US has won the war in Iran” in a brief .... read more