world

Washington: Following the second round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran has not accepted the “red lines” set by former President Donald Trump. While Washington continues to emphasize diplomacy, Vance confirmed that the option of military action against Iran remains on the table. Vance Signals Dual Approach In his statement, Vance said, “The talks went reasonably well. The fact that they came to the table is a positive sign. However, many issues remain unresolved. President Trump clearly defined certain red lines, which the Iranian government has not agreed to follow or act upon.” He added, “We are prioritizing dialogue and will continue to work on it. The US President retains the authority to take stronger measures if the talks fai...

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Army has received a new batch of VT-5 light tanks from China, according to Bangladeshi media reports and regional defense observers. The VT-5 tanks are equipped with modern 105 mm ammunition and are designed to penetrate heavily armored targets. This delivery highlights the growing defense cooperation between Bangladesh and China, which has become the country’s primary defense supplier over the past decade. China has supplied Bangladesh with naval ships, aircraft, armored vehicles, and missile systems. VT-5: A Lightweight, Highly Mobile Tank The VT-5 is a light main battle tank developed primarily for export customers requiring armored mobility in challenging terrain. It is optimized for operations in areas where heavier tanks face logistical or mobility challen...

Washington: Amid ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran in Geneva, the United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East. Over 50 fighter jets, including F-22s, F-35s, and F-16s, have been deployed to the region, raising concerns about potential military action against Iran. According to an American official cited by Axios, independent flight-tracking data and military aviation monitors confirm dozens of fighter jets moving toward the area, accompanied by multiple aerial refueling tankers, suggesting preparations for continuous operations. Enhanced Military Presence The deployment underscores the scale and speed of the US military buildup. Alongside the jets, American naval assets, including aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers, have str...

Riyadh: The holy month of Ramadan has begun in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other Gulf countries. The crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening, marking Wednesday, 18 February, as the first day of fasting in these countries. Afghanistan will also observe the first day of Ramadan on Wednesday. India and Pakistan to Begin a Day Later In India and Pakistan, the crescent is generally sighted a day after Gulf countries. Accordingly, the first day of fasting in both countries will be Thursday, 19 February 2026. In Oman and Turkey, where the moon was not sighted on Tuesday, Ramadan will also begin on Thursday. Fasting Practices During Ramadan, Muslims begin their day with Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal, and break their fast at Iftar, after sunset. Fasting involves abs...

Geneva: The second round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran took place on Tuesday in Geneva, focusing exclusively on Iran’s nuclear program. The discussions were held indirectly, with Oman acting as the mediator. The meeting lasted nearly three hours, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks as more positive and constructive compared to the first round. “The discussions with the United States took place in a highly productive environment,” Araghchi told Iranian television. Consensus on Guiding Principles Araghchi added that the two sides reached a consensus on the “guiding principles,” which will serve as the foundation for drafting a potential agreement. “This gives us a clear and positive path forward,” he said, emphasizing that while the ...

In a decisive military move, India forced Pakistan into a defensive stance during Operation Sindoor by striking the Kirana Hills. India fired two missiles at the strategic location, a blow that reportedly compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire. This revelation comes from renowned aerial warfare analyst and historian Tom Cooper, who has extensively studied the operation. Targeting Pakistan’s Strategic Facility According to Cooper, the Indian Air Force targeted Kirana Hills, which reportedly houses a secret underground nuclear facility where Pakistan stores several nuclear weapons. “There is ample evidence that India struck Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor,” Cooper told NDTV. “Pakistanis themselves have released at least two videos on social media showing missile trails and imp...

Islamabad/New Delhi: Following India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty last year, Pakistan has expressed mounting frustration and is now taking its grievances to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India had paused the treaty in April 2025 after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, marking a rare assertive move, as the treaty had remained intact even after three wars between the two countries. Despite attempts by Islamabad to pressure New Delhi, India has maintained its stance. On 31 December, Pakistan’s UN Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmed argued that India’s unilateral suspension challenges the global order, portraying the move as a test of international norms. Analysts note that recent trade agreements between India, the European Union, and the...

Dhaka: As Bangladesh prepares for the swearing-in of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, outgoing Interim Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus has sparked concerns with statements seen as critical of India. Yunus, who assumed office in August 2024 after protests toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic potential in the “Seven Sisters” region of India in his farewell speech. Yunus stated that Bangladesh’s open sea access could significantly influence the North-Eastern states of India and neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan. “Our ports and maritime gateways are not just borders; they are key links to the global economy. Bangladesh can play a pivotal role in the economic growth of this region,” he said. While Yunus did not explicitly mention India, his refere...

Riyadh/Washington: Saudi Arabia has recently taken steps to strengthen defense ties with Turkey and Pakistan, signaling a diversification of its military procurement beyond its traditional partnership with the United States. Talks are reportedly underway for Saudi Arabia to purchase Turkish Kaan stealth fighter jets, raising concerns in Washington about potential losses in the U.S. arms market. The Trump administration has sought to ensure Saudi Arabia continues to buy F-35 warplanes from the U.S., emphasizing its benefits over foreign alternatives. During a White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in November, Donald Trump had reaffirmed this stance. While Riyadh has assured Washington that it will not acquire JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan, there is no guarant...

Washington: The first solar eclipse of 2026 will occur today, Tuesday, 17 February. This will be an annular solar eclipse, popularly known as the “Ring of Fire,” visible only from select regions of the world. An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun but appears smaller than the Sun in the sky, leaving a bright ring around the Moon. Unfortunately, this eclipse will not be visible from India. The “Ring of Fire” phase will be visible mainly in the icy regions of Antarctica, while a partial eclipse can be observed from parts of South Africa, southern South America, and some areas in the Indian Ocean. Upcoming Lunar Eclipse and Blood MoonAstronomers are already preparing for the full lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026, which will be visible across a much lar...