A report by The Atlantic, cited by Amar Desh on June 24, 2026, describes how Ukrainian women, known locally as 'Vidma' or 'witches', are playing a key role in resistance operations against Russian forces in occupied territories. These women gather intelligence, often through covert online interactions, and pass it to Ukrainian military units for precision drone strikes. One example involved a Russian soldier deceived by a fake online persona operated by a Ukrainian intelligence officer, leading to a successful drone attack on his base.

The report notes that Ukraine’s resistance tactics have evolved over four years of war, focusing on collecting small pieces of information to identify military targets. Former MP Lesia Orobets said Ukrainian society respects the 'Vidma' for their skills, while resistance organizer Petro Andriushchenko emphasized women’s ability to access areas men cannot. The Ukrainian Women’s Guard has trained over 60,000 women in self-defense and resistance since 2014.

According to the report, intelligence gathered from occupied zones enables rapid drone operations, sometimes within minutes of target identification. However, the publication cautions that independent verification of such wartime claims remains difficult.

A new report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry has accused Israel of deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza, describing the ongoing actions as part of a continuing genocide. Released on Tuesday, the report found that about 30 percent of those killed in Israeli attacks since the start of the Gaza war were children. It said that even after a ceasefire in October 2025, Israeli forces continued to target and kill children, demonstrating what the commission called a genocidal intent to destroy Palestinians in whole or in part.

Commission chair Srinivasan Murlidhar stated that evidence clearly showed Israeli security forces intentionally targeted and killed Palestinian children. The report also documented heavy use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, widespread displacement, and blockades that created famine-like conditions. Attacks on hospitals and maternity wards reduced newborn survival rates and increased miscarriages, leaving nearly all children in Gaza in need of urgent mental health support.

Israel’s mission in Geneva rejected the UN report as false and fabricated, while human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have echoed concerns about systematic destruction of Palestinian life.

The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has begun an operation to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to recent Middle East conflicts. The initiative follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at achieving a ceasefire and restoring peace. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the effort is being carried out with cooperation from Iran, Oman, other Gulf coastal states, the United States, and maritime industry stakeholders.

According to the IMO, necessary security measures have been ensured for the safe relocation of the sailors, and maritime safety conditions have been thoroughly assessed. The crisis began after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 triggered regional hostilities, prompting Iran to close the strategic strait and trapping numerous commercial vessels. Following last week’s peace memorandum, shipping activity has gradually resumed.

Data from monitoring firm Kpler showed at least 36 commercial ships crossed the strait on Monday, marking a rare level of traffic since the conflict began. Oman’s defense ministry confirmed that discussions on the evacuation plan had been ongoing for months and are now being implemented in phases.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman departed from Dalian to Beijing on Wednesday afternoon after attending the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos. He traveled by bullet train accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. His main bilateral engagements in Beijing are scheduled to begin soon, including meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping on June 25 and 26.

Earlier in the day, Rahman participated in the WEF conference held at the Dalian International Conference Center. The 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions brought together over 1,700 participants from more than 90 countries and regions, including political leaders, business figures, academics, and media representatives. Prime ministers from Guinea, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Montenegro also attended the event.

According to the report, Rahman’s participation in the Summer Davos is expected to help Bangladesh expand investment and employment opportunities while enhancing national capacity through the adoption of best practices from other countries.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has declared that no solution other than ending Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon will be accepted. He made the statement on the day new rounds of diplomatic talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives began in Washington, D.C. Aoun’s remarks were shared through the Lebanese presidency’s official account on X, emphasizing that recent developments have proven diplomacy to be the right path for achieving national goals and reclaiming the country’s rights.

Aoun expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations would help secure Lebanon’s interests and ensure full sovereignty over every inch of its territory. He reaffirmed that Lebanon’s only path lies in national sovereignty and trust in the state to protect all citizens and guarantee freedom and dignity. Despite the diplomatic efforts, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have not fully ceased, even after a new ceasefire agreement last Friday.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 4,192 people and injured 12,171, though no breakdown between civilians and fighters has been released.

Pakistan has drawn renewed international attention following the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at resolving their ongoing conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed that Pakistan played a mediating role in the agreement, known as the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’. According to him, both presidents signed the deal electronically, agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US naval blockade. Sharif also thanked the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt for their support in the process.

Analysts described this as one of Pakistan’s most significant diplomatic achievements in recent history. The Iran-centered tensions had previously affected global energy markets, but oil prices fell and stock markets improved after the announcement. Observers noted that this success has created discomfort for India, which has long sought to isolate Pakistan internationally.

Experts attributed Pakistan’s rising global importance to its large Muslim population, military strength, nuclear capability, and strategic geography linking South and Central Asia. However, internal challenges such as insurgency, political instability, and economic dependence on IMF support remain major concerns.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a one-day state visit. The visit’s main agenda includes discussions on implementing the recent Iran–United States understanding and addressing regional and international issues of mutual interest. During the trip, Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to Pakistan’s state television, Pezeshkian was received at Nur Khan Airbase by President Zardari, Prime Minister Sharif, and senior government officials. The visit follows an invitation from Prime Minister Sharif. Both sides are expected to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity. Pezeshkian will also meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Senate Chairman, and the National Assembly Speaker.

The visit comes shortly after Iran and the United States agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, adding diplomatic significance to Pezeshkian’s engagements in Islamabad.

The United States has agreed to partially lift oil sanctions on Iran and release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The decision followed an 18-hour negotiation in Switzerland, led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The U.S. Treasury Department announced that Iran will be allowed to sell oil and petrochemical products until August 1.

According to negotiators, the move came after Iran showed serious commitments on nuclear issues and agreed to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Donald Trump stated that the released funds would be used to purchase U.S.-made goods, a claim rejected by Iran’s central bank, which insisted Tehran has no obligation to buy American agricultural products.

Ghalibaf defended the talks amid domestic criticism, saying the delegation went to Switzerland to help stop bloodshed in Lebanon. Vice President Vance noted that Iran had made significant concessions, including allowing nuclear inspectors into the country for the first time in years.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a one-day state visit, accompanied by senior ministers and officials. The trip follows recent US-Iran peace discussions mediated by Pakistan and is viewed as a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties. Islamabad has imposed traffic restrictions and work-from-home directives in the Red Zone during the visit. Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The visit comes after the February joint US-Israel attack on Iran, which triggered weeks of conflict. Pakistan played a key mediating role that led to the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” earlier this month, paving the way for high-level US-Iran talks in Switzerland. Both sides are expected to discuss trade, energy cooperation, border security, and regional connectivity.

According to official statements, the visit provides an opportunity to review all aspects of bilateral relations and advance cooperation in economic and security fields. It also reinforces Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in regional stability and conflict resolution.

Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has described the recent talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland as a success, saying the discussions produced significant achievements. He said the dialogue covered key topics including the Hormuz Strait, the situation in Lebanon, suspension of oil sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian funds. Ghalibaf confirmed that two installments totaling six billion dollars of previously blocked funds have already been released.

He noted that while no final agreement has yet been reached, sanctions on Iran’s oil sector remain in place. However, he said Iran has now secured temporary relief allowing oil sales and banking operations, with related agreements signed. On Lebanon, Ghalibaf said both sides agreed to establish a coordination center to manage disputes and prevent renewed conflict, ensure normal life for citizens, and uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Regarding the Hormuz Strait, Ghalibaf stated that its management will not return to pre-war conditions and that a coordination mechanism, including a hotline and a center, has been agreed to handle any future misunderstandings or disputes.

Iran has agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country, according to US Vice President JD Vance. Speaking in Switzerland, Vance said the first round of talks between the United States and Iran made significant progress toward a final peace agreement. A 14-point memorandum signed last week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian includes commitments to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.

A joint statement from mediators Qatar and Pakistan confirmed that both sides agreed on a 60-day roadmap to reach a final deal. Vance described the talks as a strong foundation and called the nuclear progress a major milestone for the American people and a first step toward permanently halting Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to resume inspections this week.

The memorandum also involves IAEA oversight of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the establishment of a permanent communication line to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. A special cell has been formed to coordinate efforts to halt military operations in Lebanon.

After being stranded for more than three and a half months, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC)-owned vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra has successfully crossed the Hormuz Strait. The passage occurred around 3 a.m. on Monday night, confirmed BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek. The ship, carrying 31 Bangladeshi sailors and crew, crossed the strait safely, as also confirmed by Additional Chief Officer Pronoy Saha through a message.

The vessel had been stuck in the Persian Gulf since February 28 due to the Iran-Israel conflict. Earlier, while unloading cargo at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates, an Iranian missile struck nearby, narrowly missing the crew. The ship, built in 2018 with a capacity of 38,894 deadweight tons, was preparing to sail to South Africa with about 37,000 tons of fertilizer but repeatedly failed to depart due to lack of clearance to cross the strait.

Following multiple diplomatic and operational efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Shipping, and BSC, the vessel succeeded on its fourth attempt and is now heading toward Fujairah Port in the UAE for bunkering and clearance procedures.

The United States has announced a temporary relaxation of sanctions on Iran’s oil sales following progress in recent diplomatic discussions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision came after positive outcomes from talks held in Switzerland, where both sides reached an understanding on several issues. Under the new arrangement, the US Treasury issued a 60-day general license allowing Iran to produce, supply, and sell oil without sanctions until 12:01 a.m. on August 21.

According to Washington, Iran agreed to ensure free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors access to its facilities. Analysts believe the move could provide significant relief to Iran’s economy, which has been strained by years of strict sanctions. The decision also aims to stabilize operations in the Strait of Hormuz and reduce potential disruptions in global energy supply.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transport routes, and any disturbance there could have major effects on international oil markets and energy distribution.

American political scientist and international relations analyst John Mearsheimer has claimed that Israel’s declared military objectives in Gaza were not achieved and that the underlying aim was to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from the territory. He made the remarks on May 15 at an event organized by the Centre for Independent Studies in Australia, where he said Western media rarely discuss the true purpose of the Gaza war.

According to Mearsheimer, Israel faces two options to maintain its current state structure: an apartheid-based system, which he believes already exists, or ethnic cleansing, which he said was attempted in Gaza but failed. He argued that removing Palestinians from Gaza would require killing large numbers of civilians and making the area uninhabitable so that people would be forced to leave.

Mearsheimer noted that he was initially reluctant to describe Israel’s actions as genocide at the start of the Gaza war but said his position changed after December 2023. He now believes Israel’s conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that discussions between Iran and the United States in Switzerland have concluded successfully. In a social media post, he described the talks as positive and constructive, noting that both sides achieved encouraging progress.

According to Sharif, the two countries agreed on a 60-day roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement, formed a high-level committee to oversee the political process, and decided to begin detailed technical discussions in the next phase. He emphasized Pakistan’s continued commitment to supporting dialogue and diplomacy for a peaceful and lasting resolution.

The meeting in Switzerland is being viewed as a significant diplomatic success in easing long-standing tensions between Iran and the United States.