Author: EchoAsiaNews

Tehran and Muscat discuss shipping safety and sovereignty as tensions continue over key energy route TEHRAN: Iran said on Sunday that it had made progress in talks with Oman on arrangements for managing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas shipments. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said several rounds of discussions were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers. What Were the Talks About? Baqaei said the discussions focused on establishing “common principles and operational mechanisms” to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the strait while…

Sidra Amin’s unbeaten century proves insufficient as hosts complete eight-wicket chase in second ODI HAMBANTOTA: Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the second women’s One-day International on Saturday to level the three-match series 1-1 after record centuries from Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama. Pakistan posted 273 for five after being asked to bat first, with opener Sidra Amin scoring an unbeaten century, but Sri Lanka chased down the target in 46.5 overs at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium. How Did Sri Lanka Chase Down Pakistan’s Total? Sri Lanka’s victory was powered by a record 203-run partnership between Gunaratne…

New York mayor says he has listened to Pakistani rapper for several years NEW YORK: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has included Pakistani singer and rapper Shamoon Ismail among the artists featured on his current music playlist. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mamdani said he had recently been listening to Ugandan duo Radio & Weasel and Shamoon Ismail, along with other artists. “I’ve also been listening to a Pakistani rapper named Shamoon Ismail, who I’ve listened to for a few years,” Mamdani said. Who Is Shamoon Ismail? Shamoon Ismail is known for blending Punjabi, Urdu and English in his…

Olympic champion praises pregnant wife after disappointing championship result LONDON: Three-time Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty became emotional after missing out on a gold medal and credited his pregnant wife, Holly Ramsay, for supporting him through a difficult period. Peaty, who used his full name Adam Ramsay-Peaty at a major championship for the first time, kissed Ramsay’s baby bump before breaking down in tears following the result. The swimmer apologized to fans and said he was unsure what had gone wrong during the competition. What Did Peaty Say After the Race? Peaty said he was not afraid to show emotion…

Nearly 200,000 evacuated in southwestern France as high winds fuel fires across region BORDEAUX: Wildfires spread toward Bordeaux in southwestern France on Saturday, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents as firefighters battled flames intensified by strong winds. The fires, which began earlier this week, have affected the Gironde and Landes regions near Bordeaux, with authorities warning that firefighting efforts would be prolonged and challenging. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the scale of the fires was unprecedented. “The fires that are hitting our country have reached a level that has never been seen before,” Lecornu said in a post…

US president backs Michael Jordan in comparison with James, citing personal friendship WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump criticized basketball star LeBron James during a White House press conference on Friday, suggesting the NBA player might be a racist while responding to a question about the debate over the greatest basketball player of all time. Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked Trump to choose between Michael Jordan and James after mentioning reports that James planned to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Trump said he preferred Jordan, citing his personal relationship with the former Chicago Bulls star. “Michael Jordan is a guy…

US halts attacks on Iran for first time in two weeks; Tehran also refrains from targeting regional US assets DUBAI: The conflict between the United States and Iran expanded into the Red Sea over the weekend as Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi oil facilities, while a pause in US strikes on Iran marked the first break in two weeks of escalating hostilities. The US military said on Saturday that its naval blockade against Iran remained in effect but did not provide a reason for the halt in its recent campaign of strikes. Iran also refrained from carrying out attacks against US…

Security forces kill suicide bomber among attackers; no casualties reported on forces’ side, says ISPR ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed four militants, including a suicide bomber, after foiling an attempted attack on a checkpost in South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Saturday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers attempted to breach the security of the checkpost but were stopped by a swift response from security personnel. How Was the Attack Foiled? The ISPR said an explosive-laden vehicle used by the attackers was engaged and destroyed outside the checkpost’s perimeter, killing the suicide…

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday warned of increasing flood risks across Pakistan as monsoon rains continue to raise water levels in major rivers and streams. The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) reported medium-level flooding at several points along the Chenab River, while low-level flooding was recorded in parts of the Indus, Ravi and Kabul rivers. The authority also warned of possible flash floods in northern Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan over the next 24 to 48 hours. Which Rivers Are Facing Flood Conditions? According to the NDMA, medium-level flooding…

TAIZ, Yemen: A worsening housing crisis and economic hardship are forcing vulnerable families in Yemen’s Taiz city to move into areas near active front lines, exposing them to continued risks from sniper fire and remnants of years of conflict. Residents living near the front line between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels say limited income and rising housing costs have left them with few alternatives, despite the danger posed by ongoing instability. The situation highlights the humanitarian consequences of Yemen’s decade-long war, which has displaced millions and severely damaged the country’s economy and infrastructure. Why Are Yemenis Choosing to Live…