Iran ‘not in hurry’ to resume nuclear talks with US

Iran is not rushing to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States despite economic hardships and external pressures, emphasizing a deliberate and patient approach.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Iran remains open to indirect talks with the US if the US engages on equal terms based on mutual interests, but refused to accept US conditions that demand direct negotiations, zero uranium enrichment, and limits on missile stocks and regional support, considering them unreasonable and unfair.

Araghchi highlighted regional shifts, suggesting the region is increasingly perceiving Israel, not Iran, as the primary security threat, and noted that regional dynamics are changing against Israel, the US’s key ally in the Middle East.

The Iranian government dismisses recent US US policies and sanctions, citing the reimposition of UN sanctions and other restrictions, as challenges but emphasizing that Iran’s strategic stance is to wait for more favorable conditions before engaging in negotiations.

Despite the lack of progress in talks, Iran holds that most of its enriched uranium (about 400kg of 60% enriched uranium) remains buried in damaged facilities after being bombed by Israel and the US; Iran does not intend to recover or remove this uranium until circumstances are suitable.

China and Russia have formally expressed non-recognition of the recent EU-led UN sanctions against Iran, which were reimposed following the 2015 nuclear deal, signaling their opposition to external pressure.

European nations such as France, the UK, and Germany have shown willingness to restart negotiations but have yet to make significant progress; they continue to impose sanctions, particularly in relation to alleged drone exports and nuclear activities.

Some European airlines are gradually resuming flights to Iran, with Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines scheduled to restore routes, although no official restart dates have been announced.

Oman’s foreign minister publicly criticized Israel, emphasizing that Israel, not Iran, is the main regional threat, and called for a change in the Gulf Cooperation Council’s approach to Iran, indicating regional shifts in perceived threats and diplomatic attitudes.

Oman has historically served as a mediator between Iran and the US on multiple regional and nuclear issues, despite recent tensions and conflicts, including a 12-day war triggered by Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites following reports of US messages sent through Oman to Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that US messages have been received via Oman, but declined to specify their content or Iran’s response; the White House has not publicly acknowledged sending any messages.

Iran claims that most of its enriched uranium stockpile remains buried under damaged facilities, and is unwilling to retrieve or process it until conditions are more favorable.

Iran’s foreign minister noted that major global powers like China and Russia do not recognize the recent UN sanctions, contrasting with European nations that aim to resume dialogue but face obstacles; meanwhile, sanctions and restrictions persist, affecting Iran’s aviation sector and its regional and nuclear projects.

Sudan slams RSF ‘war crimes’ in el-Fasher as survivors recount killings

A senior Sudanese diplomat accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing war crimes, including mass killings and sexual assaults, in North Darfur's el-Fasher, following the city's recent capture by RSF after an 18-month siege that resulted in thousands of civilian deaths.

The Sudanese ambassador to Egypt, Imadeldin Mustafa Adawi, alleged that the UAE supports the RSF, though the Gulf state denies these claims. He called for the classification of the RSF as a terrorist organization and condemned its role in atrocities akin to genocide.

Sudan’s Prime Minister, Kamil Idris, advocated for bringing RSF members to international courts and opposed foreign military intervention, emphasizing the country’s sovereignty amidst ongoing civil war between RSF and the Sudanese army since April 2023.

The capture of el-Fasher marked a significant escalation, with survivors reporting extensive atrocities such as mass executions, pillaging, and sexual violence; official Sudanese figures estimate at least 2,000 deaths, but eyewitness reports suggest the toll is higher, with tens of thousands still trapped in the city.

The Sudanese government is urging the international community to intervene urgently and effectively rather than merely condemn actions, asking for the designation of RSF as a terrorist group and for the UAE to be held accountable as a regional supporter.

Sudan has refused to participate in peace talks involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and the UAE as long as the UAE remains involved, citing distrust and the need for credible mediators, despite UAE’s denial of arming the RSF.

Other regional and international actors, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S., have condemned the violence and called for humanitarian aid, acknowledging collective mistakes in the country's political history that contributed to the current crisis.

Humanitarian agencies report a severe humanitarian crisis, with many residents fleeing el-Fasher experiencing extreme suffering, violence, and displacement; survivors recount fleeing under fire, witnessing dead bodies, and enduring sexual violence, with many unaccounted for due to ongoing insecurity and information blackout.

Aid groups highlight a stark lack of accessible information from el-Fasher after the RSF takeover, with estimates that up to 15,000 people remain stranded in inaccessible areas, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and safe evacuation.

The recent events underscore the ongoing violence and deepening crisis in Sudan, with the latest massacre in el-Fasher exemplifying that the conflict shows little sign of resolution, continuing to cause widespread suffering and chaos.

Agreement eludes neighbours despite three days of talks

The third day of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul was marked by fluctuating optimism and frustration, as both sides attempted to develop a mechanism to curb cross-border terrorism.

Despite most points being mutually agreed upon, the core issue remaining unresolved was establishing a verifiable action plan against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, especially addressing the Taliban’s support for the TTP.

Early in the negotiations, there was a hopeful tone with reports of constructive engagement, but as the day progressed, optimism diminished due to Afghan Taliban resistance, particularly their reluctance to formalize guarantees or commit in writing to end support for terrorist groups.

Pakistani officials expressed frustration over Kabul's reluctance, emphasizing the Taliban’s need to end patronage of the TTP and prevent terrorism from Afghan territory, despite external influences like India and Pakistan attempting to mediate sincerely.

The Afghan delegation remained optimistic, stating that remaining disagreements were few and resolvable, and stressed that tensions benefit no one, aiming for a positive outcome from the talks.

Mediation by Turkish and Qatari officials was seen as significant, as both sides continued engagement for a third day, indicating neither wanted to let the process collapse despite no formal agreement being reached.

The discussions highlighted the persistent stalemate, but the fact that both parties sustained engagement was viewed as a positive sign, with some considering an extension into a fourth day.

Overall, the negotiations underscored the complexity of reaching an agreement on terrorism and security cooperation, with close international monitoring and diplomatic efforts ongoing to prevent the talks from unraveling altogether.

FIR registered against 9 NCCIA officials for ‘misuse of authority’ on complaint of YouTuber Ducky Bhai’s wife

A case has been filed with the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle in Lahore against nine NCCIA officers for misuse of authority and accepting bribes, including six officers who were missing for days until their arrest was announced.

The FIR, based on a complaint from Aroob Jatoi, wife of YouTuber Saadur Rehman (Ducky Bhai), relates to his case involving the promotion of online gambling apps.

The nine officers nominated include senior officials from Lahore and Islamabad NCCIA offices, such as Additional Director Sarfraz, Deputy Directors Zawar Ahmad and Muhammad Usman, Assistant Directors Shoaib Riaz, Mujtaba Zafar, and others.

The FIR accuses these officers of extorting Rs9 million from Rehman’s family, using misused authority and collusion with his lawyer, to facilitate his detention and judicial remand during an investigation.

Specific allegations involve extorting Rs6 million on pretext of providing relief, Rs3 million via cheques, and transferring large sums from Rehman’s account to personal accounts through Binance.

The officers are accused of operating as a network, taking monthly bribes to facilitate online fraud activities, and passing amounts through higher officials, with evidence of systematic abuse of power.

The FIR states that the officers misled Rehman’s family about providing him relief and engaged in criminal misconduct, including colluding with call centers and online fraud facilitators.

Significant controversy includes the recent arrest of the six officers presented before a Lahore court, with FIA seeking their physical remand for interrogation.

Their lawyers challenged the legality of their detention, citing violations of their rights under the Constitution and police procedures, and fear that suspects are being illegally confined and denied access to legal counsel and family members.

Reports indicate that Additional Director Sarfraz was removed from his position amid controversies involving media influencers and social media fraudsters, alongside issues involving legal and police disputes.

The disappearance of key officers, including Muhammad Usman, and their subsequent recovery in FIA custody highlight ongoing investigative and institutional challenges.

The Islamabad High Court has granted an extended week to locate the missing Deputy Director Muhammad Usman, amid allegations of abduction, and similar concerns are raised about his wife’s disappearance.

Overall, the case exposes systemic corruption within the NCCIA, misuse of authority, and the vulnerability of officers' legal rights during investigations, with broader implications for accountability and institutional integrity.