The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran have taken a new turn, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo making urgent calls to regional leaders, including Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani. According to the US Department of State, Pompeo discussed the transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq and the growing tensions in the region with al-Sudani.
During the phone call, Pompeo praised Iraq’s role in the process of transferring ISIS fighters and their detention, stating that Iraq’s government has been instrumental in this effort. According to international media, the US military has transferred 150 detainees from the Syrian city of Hasakah to Iraq last week, with a plan to transfer a total of 7,000 individuals.
The move is seen as a significant change in US strategy in Syria, as previously the US relied heavily on the Kurdish-led SDF, led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). However, following the collapse of the Syrian government, the US is now working with the new Syrian government.
Pompeo emphasized the need for Iraq to maintain its independence from Iran’s influence, stating that Iran’s influence in Iraq cannot safeguard Iraqi interests. The phone call between Pompeo and al-Sudani took place at a time when a new government is expected to be formed in Iraq, with reports of the return of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Meanwhile, the US has increased its military presence in the Middle East, with President Donald Trump announcing that a military fleet is being deployed to the region. Iran has warned that it will respond fiercely to any aggression, stating that regional instability is not just a threat to Iran but to all regional countries.
In a separate development, the Iranian rial has hit a record low against the US dollar, with the currency trading at 15 million to the dollar. The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta has also banned the use of artificial intelligence in the interpretation of the Quran.
In other news, the UN has warned that the new law in Afghanistan will have severe consequences for human rights. A recent study by Arab media has revealed that Israeli forces have demolished homes and agricultural land in the northern Gaza Strip, despite a ceasefire agreement.
US President Donald Trump has also announced that he will increase tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25%, citing the country’s failure to timely ratify a trade agreement with the US. The warning system for severe cold has been activated in 44 states, with emergency declarations made in 24 states.
Iranian-backed militia, Kataib Hezbollah, has warned that a full-scale war will break out in the region if Iran is attacked. In India, a 24-year-old woman took her life due to harassment and demands for dowry in Bengaluru.
The US has also accused the European Union of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through a free trade agreement with India. Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, has told EU lawmakers that they should not assume that Europe can defend itself without the US.
In Pakistan, Punjab police have arrested the parents of international gangster Goldy Brar in connection with a 2024 tax evasion case. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has also spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the phone.
In a separate incident, a British former Chancellor Sajid Javid has sparked a controversy by opposing the entry of his parents into the UK. A court in Hyderabad has convicted Aakash Ansari in a murder case. The Bollywood film “Tere Ishq Mein” has been criticized for distorting educational facts, with research scholars questioning whether the film is a comedy or a serious drama.
In music news, Bollywood singer Arijit Singh has announced his retirement from playback singing. Eight individuals have been charged in a case involving family disputes and attacks in a village in India.
The case involves two brothers and their wives, who were involved in a heated argument and attack on each other.
