Iran has confirmed that it continues to exchange messages with the United States through Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that Iran is examining the contents of these messages, which include the US proposals for a ceasefire. Khatibzadeh emphasized that Iran is not pleased with the US actions and that the consequences of these actions are being felt worldwide. He also stated that Iran has not yet officially responded to the US proposals, but will do so through Pakistan soon.
The US had launched “Operation Enduring Freedom” on February 28, which has now come to an end, according to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. However, US President Donald Trump has announced that he will suspend “Project Freedom,” a plan to open the Strait of Hormuz, due to progress in negotiations with Pakistan and other countries. The US had imposed sanctions on Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Faleh al-Issawi, accusing him of assisting Iran.
The development suggests that the partial agreement may lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Russia’s Defense Ministry has announced a ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to May 10. Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry has announced the sentencing of 14 individuals for alleged ties with Iran.
Mohsen Rezaee, a senior official in Iran, stated that the US is trying to avoid the spotlight by making a show of opening the Strait of Hormuz. He added that Iran will not allow the US to succeed in its plans. The Iranian government has established a committee to investigate and document evidence of human rights abuses in the country, as well as to prepare a comprehensive national record for international accountability.
In other news, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has met with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran’s Defense Ministry has unveiled new naval drones, including the “Tumandur” man-portable surface vehicle. A Pakistani hiker guide in the UAE rescued a woman who suffered a heatstroke by carrying her on his back for three hours.
In the US, an American Airlines plane was involved in an accident during landing, but the truck driver miraculously escaped with his life. In India, a disturbing incident occurred in the state of Maharashtra, where a nine-year-old girl was allegedly murdered by her father over a dispute about a dress.
Iranian media reported that Bagher Qalibaf, a high-ranking official, has condemned the spread of fake news about negotiations with the US. US President Donald Trump has unexpectedly withdrawn his plan to open the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in negotiations with Pakistan and other countries.
The development suggests that the partial agreement may lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani cricket team’s captain Babar Azam will not play the first test match due to an injury, according to the team’s management.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Minister Mian Muhammad Aurangzeb has announced that suspicious officials will be immediately returned to their respective departments, and no compromise will be made on public service. In India, the Maharashtra government has extended the assembly’s term until further notice, despite the scheduled end on Thursday night.
Moroccan-Canadian dancer, singer, and Bollywood actress Nora Fatehi has apologized to the Indian National Commission for Women over the controversy surrounding her remarks. Fatehi appeared before the commission on Thursday and stated that she had not intended to hurt anyone’s feelings, but was instead put in a difficult situation.
In other news, Pakistani General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has congratulated the armed forces for fulfilling the nation’s aspirations through divine favor and mercy.
