Month: February 2026

The United States and India have announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, marking a significant step toward advancing the broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations launched by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2025, a joint statement released by the White House and Commerce Ministry stated.

The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes, the statement mentioned.

As part of the framework, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits, among others.

According to the Joint Statement, the United States will, in turn, apply a reciprocal tariff of 18 per cent on Indian-origin goods under the relevant executive order, covering sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastics and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery. “Subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the US will remove reciprocal tariffs on a wide range of goods, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts.”

The framework also provides for the removal of US tariffs on certain Indian aircraft and aircraft parts imposed under national security-related proclamations on aluminium, steel and copper. India will receive a preferential tariff rate quota for automotive parts, consistent with US national security requirements. Depending on the outcome of a US Section 232 investigation, India is also set to receive negotiated outcomes for generic pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, the statement mentioned.

Both countries committed to providing each other with preferential market access in sectors of mutual interest on a sustained basis and to establishing rules of origin to ensure that the benefits of the agreement accrue primarily to the United States and India, it added.

The statement said the two sides would address non-tariff barriers affecting bilateral trade. India agreed to take steps to address long-standing barriers in areas such as US medical devices, information and communication technology goods, and food and agricultural products, and to review the acceptance of US-developed or international standards in identified sectors within six months of the agreement’s entry into force, it stated.

The United States and India also agreed to enhance cooperation on standards and conformity assessment procedures to improve compliance ease and to allow modifications to commitments in the event of changes to agreed tariffs by either side.

Beyond the Interim Agreement, both countries said they would work toward further expanding market access through the BTA negotiations. The US said it would consider India’s request to continue efforts to lower tariffs on Indian goods during the talks.

The framework also outlines strengthened economic security alignment, including cooperation on supply chain resilience, investment reviews, export controls, and the addressing of third parties’ non-market policies.

As part of the broader economic engagement, India expressed its intention to purchase USD 500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft and aircraft parts, precious metals, technology products and coking coal over the next five years. The two sides also agreed to significantly increase trade in technology products, including graphics processing units used in data centres, and to expand joint technology cooperation.

The United States and India further committed to addressing barriers to digital trade and to establishing a pathway for robust, mutually beneficial digital trade rules under the BTA.

Both sides said they would promptly implement the framework and work toward finalising the Interim Agreement, with a view to concluding a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement in line with the agreed roadmap. (ANI)

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) appealed to the film, television producer bodies and the OTT platforms on Friday to refrain “from allowing the registration or continuation of film titles” like ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ as they find it “offensive and derogatory.”

In the written letter to lndian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (lMppA), Producers Guild of lndia (PGl), lndian Film and Television Producers Council (lFTPC), Western lndia Film and TV Producer’s Association (WlFpA) and different OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, Sony Liv and others, FWICE expressed their objection to film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’s title, saying that it allegedly appears to target a particular community and its livelihood in an “offensive manner”, potentially disturbing social harmony.

“The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing 36 affiliated associations and scores of members comprising workers, technicians, and artists of the media and entertainment industry, writes to you with serious concern regarding a controversial film being produced under the title “Ghuskhor Pandat” by Mr. Neeraj Pandey under his banner Friday Filmworks,” read FWICE.

The letter continued, “FWICE and all its affiliated associations strongly object to the use of this title, as it appears to single out and target a particular community and its traditional means of livelihood in a derogatory and offensive manner. Such a title has the potential to hurt sentiments, provoke misunderstanding, and disturb social harmony.”

FWICE appeals to producer bodies to stop registration of provocative titles and advises director Neeraj Pandey to withdraw the title with immediate effect for the sake of “social harmony and unity.”

The letter read, “FWICE firmly believes that there should be no division in society on the grounds of caste, creed, religion, or profession. All professions are equally dignified and deserving of respect. The film industry, being a powerful medium of expression, carries a moral and social responsibility to ensure that its content and titles do not promote hatred, disrespect, or unrest among citizens.”

“We therefore appeal to all producer bodies to refrain from allowing the registration or continuation of film titles that are provocative in nature and capable of creating unrest among Indians. FWICE strongly condemns the registration of the said title and advises Mr. Neeraj Pandey and his production house Friday Filmworks to withdraw the same with immediate effect in the larger interest of social harmony and unity,” continued the letter.

FWICE also advise its members and affiliated associations to distance themselves from the producer’s projects.

“Please note that if the needful is not done forthwith, FWICE shall be compelled to advise all its affiliated associations and its scores of members to distance themselves from any project of the said producer. We trust that you will appreciate the seriousness of this matter and take appropriate corrective action in the interest of the industry and society at large,” noted the letter of FWICE.

The controversy centres on the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, which roughly translates to “Corrupt Pandit,” with “Pandat” commonly associated with a Brahmin surname.

Critics argue that this could perpetuate stereotypes and harm the community’s sentiments. Actor Manoj Bajpayee also broke his silence on the controversy surrounding his upcoming web series ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, as the project faces mounting legal action and public backlash over its title.

On his official X handle, Bajpayee said he respects the emotions of those who felt hurt and stressed that the series was not intended to target any community.

“When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen,” he wrote, adding that his role focused on portraying “a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation.

“He underlined that the character-driven cop drama was not meant as a social or community statement.

Bajpayee also expressed confidence in filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, noting the director’s “consistent seriousness and care” in storytelling. (ANI)

Netflix’s upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat, directed by Neeraj Pandey and featuring Manoj Bajpayee, has ignited political and social controversy following the release of its promo on Tuesday, with sections of the public opposing the title, calling it offensive, hurtful, and disrespectful.

On Friday evening, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that the government had formally directed the streaming platform to remove the film’s title and other promotional content.

“A film titled Ghooskhor Pandat was announced for release on an OTT platform, which was creating very negative and hurtful feelings in our community. We had requested the Government of India to take action. The Government of India promptly took cognisance and instructed OTT platforms like Netflix to remove the film’s title…” Pathak said.

Earlier in the day, following the backlash, Manoj Bajpayee and Neeraj Pandey posted on their respective Instagram accounts to apologise, confirming that all promotional materials had been removed from social media.

“When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen,” he wrote, adding that his role focused on portraying “a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation.”He underlined that the character-driven cop drama was not meant as a social or community statement.

Bajpayee also expressed confidence in filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, noting the director’s “consistent seriousness and care” in storytelling.

Director Neeraj Pandey clarified that the series is a fictional cop drama and that “Pandat” is used purely as a colloquial name for a fictional character.

He said the story focuses on individual actions and choices, not caste or religion, and reiterated that the project was created with sincere intent to entertain.

Political reactions continued, with Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav criticising the BJP, saying, “Be very careful and wary of the BJP, because who gave permission for this to be streamed on OTT platforms? The BJP did… I can bet that the money used to produce this also came from the government,” Yadav said.

On the same, Swami Chakrapani told ANI, ” It is very unfortunate…Deliberate attempts have been made through Bollywood to instil a sense of division within Hindu society…This is deeply condemnable and utterly intolerable.”

On February 6, an FIR was registered at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow against Pandey and his team, citing concerns over hurt religious sentiments and public harmony. A writ petition has also been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the series’ release. (ANI)

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on 15 entities targeting Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products, accusing Iran of using the funds for “destabilising activities” worldwide and in response to the protests in the country.

A statement by Tommy Pigott, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, noted, “The Department of State is sanctioning 15 entities, two individuals, and 14 shadow fleet vessels connected to the illicit trade in Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products. These targets have generated revenue that the regime uses to conduct its malign activities. “

The statement said, “Instead of investing in the welfare of its own people and crumbling infrastructure, the Iranian regime continues to fund destabilising activities around the world and step up its repression inside Iran.”

“So long as the Iranian regime attempts to evade sanctions and generate oil and petrochemical revenues to fund such oppressive behaviour and support terrorist activities and proxies, the United States will act to hold both the Iranian regime and its partners accountable.”

The statement concluded by saying that Trump is committed to bringing down Iran’s oil exports: “The President is committed to driving down the Iranian regime’s illicit oil and petrochemical exports under the Administration’s maximum pressure campaign.”

These sanctions follow the US had imposed sanctions in January on Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and several other officials, citing Tehran’s violent response to recent anti-government protests.

Announcing the measures, the US Treasury Department said Momeni “oversees the murderous Law Enforcement Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (LEF), a key entity responsible for the deaths of thousands of peaceful protesters.”

The sanctions package also targets multiple senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with Iranian investor Babak Morteza Zanjani, who is accused of having “embezzled billions in funds from the Iranian people.

“In a first-of-its-kind move, Treasury also imposed restrictions on digital currency exchanges connected to Zanjani “that have processed large volumes of funds associated with IRGC-linked counterparties.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Friday shared Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s remarks on X following the conclusion of talks between the US and Iran.

In his remarks, he said that the Iranian viewpoints and concerns were expressed. Calling it a good start, he said there was consensus to continue the consultations.

“Our interests, the rights of the Iranian people, and all matters that needed to be stated were presented in a very positive atmosphere, and the other side’s views were also heard. Regarding the very principle of continuing the negotiations, there is almost a consensus, and it was agreed that they should continue.” (ANI)

Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra’s ‘Vadh 2’ hit the theatres on Friday morning, but some viewers have already shared key plot details on X and Instagram, unintentionally spoiling it for those who haven’t watched it yet.

As a mystery thriller, the film’s true impact lies in the unpredictability of its story, and any plot revelations can take away from the audience’s viewing experience. Through their post on social media, both Neena and Sanjay Mishra urged everyone to help preserve the suspense and allow audiences to enjoy the film as intended.

Taking to her Instagram Story, Neena wrote, “We request you to please not give away the spoilers or climax of Vadh 2. The film has been made as a thriller mystery, and we hope the experience remains intact for everyone watching it in theatres.”

Sanjay Mishra in Hindi posted, ” Hum aap sabse guzarish karte hain ki Vadh 2 ke spoiler ya climax ka khulasa na karein. Yeh film ek thriller mystery ke taur par banayi gayi hai aur hum chahte hai ki ise dekhne wale darshak ka anubhav waisa hi bana rahein.”

Earlier, speaking to ANI, Sanjay Mishra shared how the title ‘Vadh’ essentially captured the moral complexity that remained at the heart of the story.

“The name of our film was ‘Gwalior’. It was fun to do it, but it wasn’t released for about three to four years. However, the word ‘Vadh’ was in our dialogues. It was then that Luv Ranjan said, ‘Vadh is your own title’. I didn’t even expect it to become so popular. The speciality of ‘Vadh’ is that the more you get carried away by the death, the more it will work. You will want to kill that kind of person,” he said.

In a follow-up, actor Neena Gupta referred to the grim scenes from the first film that seamlessly blended with the title.

“One day, Sanjay had said, ‘Pauses are very important’. In the film, there is a scene when he and I cleaning the blood. We sleep in a small room on a small bed. After the act, we have to go there and sleep. He removes the bedsheet and even forbids the wife to not clean. Those moments, the silences – they are unbelievable,” the ‘Panchayat’ star said. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin on Friday lauched an attack on Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliances in Kerala, accusing them of undermining Sanatana Dharma and hindering the state’s progress, asserting that BJP would protest against their actions.

While addressing the Booth Presidents’ Conference in Karukutty, Ernakulam, Nabin said, “For years, the politics of development here could have been taken forward, Kerala could have been moved forward in the direction of making it a top state. But both these parties, whether it is UDF or LDF, have worked to stop the development here by wrestling for power one after another. The youth here, who could have made a leading contribution to the development of this state by moving forward, were stopped. But I can say that today Kerala is standing at that turn where the youth are going to lead this storm of complete change.”

He accused them of complicity in corruption and appeasement politics, calling them an “anarchic government.”, expressing confidence that people would side with the BJP ideology.

“We have seen that through the collusion of these two, there has been an anarchic government here, a government immersed in corruption, and we have seen the height of politics of appeasement. If we take all their actions to the public, then definitely the public will stand with this change.” Nabin accused.

“I say that if we go among the people by exposing the corruption and appeasement of both fronts, the people will surely accept the ideals put forward by the Bharatiya Janata Party with both hands.” he added.

Taking further aim at UDF and LDF, Nabin claimed that both of them work to hurt Sanatan Dharma and its traditions, accusing their “partners” of working towards the same goal.

“We see how UDF and LDF are competing to become fully anti-Santana. On one side, UDF openly make agreements and works with parties such as the Muslim League and at the same time, also stops us from reading Ramayana.”, Nabin claimed.

“LDF, along with corruption, didn’t even leave Lord Ayappa. I will say, accomplices of LDF and UDF, in this country, have worked to harm Sanatana traditions and sentiments.”, he added, stating that there are many examples and cited the Tamil Nadu state government, he alleged that they are working to stop the ‘Deepam Poojam’.

Expressing confidence in Kerala citizens, he said, “Now they want to use Sabrimala for their political gain, but the people of Kerala would not fall for their facade.”

He further expressed the resolve to punish those involved in the Sabarimala gold theft, stating that he believes it was carried out by the UDF and LDP. “BJP workers will take to the streets to protest against this”, he stated.

He also criticises them for hindering the state’s development despite its rich potential in fields like Ayurveda and science.

“This land is rich in natural beauty, Ayurveda, sports, science, and all fields. But despite this, the two parties here, by taking power one after another, have only exploited its vast potential and worked to keep Kerala backward in its development.Kerala is a progressive state. This land is rich in many things, including our great Ayurveda and science. But the two fronts have ruled Kerala one after another and hindered the development of the state.” (ANI)

The death toll in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills coal mine incident has risen to 25 as rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions.

Vikash Kumar, Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills district, confirmed the fatalities and said authorities are working around the clock to ensure safety and recover the remaining personnel.

Earlier today, Meghalaya Minister Lahkmen Rymbui confirmed that two persons have been arrested during the ongoing investigation into the mishap. Details regarding the circumstances of the incident and the identities of the deceased are still being ascertained.

President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives in a coal mine accident in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, calling the incident painful.

“It is painful to hear about the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured,” the President said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The families of the deceased will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while those injured in the incident will be given Rs 50,000.

“Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, which occurred at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district. He asserted that accountability would be fixed and strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasised the pressing issue of illegal mining in Meghalaya, stating that the problem needs to be fixed under the supervision of the state government.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday about the recent coal mine accident in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, Reddy noted that Meghalaya has no government-operated coal mines and that no coal block has been auctioned so far.

“An accident has occurred in illegal coal mines in Meghalaya. Several people died. There is no Govt of India coal mine in Meghalaya. Not even one block of coal mine has been auctioned to date. Neither PSU coal mines nor commercial coal mines exist there. Illegal coal mining occurs there. This needs to be stopped under the supervision of the State Govt,” G Kishan Reddy said.

He added that the Union government has repeatedly urged state governments to curb illegal coal mining, but mafias continue to operate illegal mines, exploiting innocent workers.

Reddy has requested a detailed report from the Meghalaya government and reiterated that illegal mining must be stopped immediately.

“We have been writing to State Govts again and again to stop illegal coal mining. Still, mafia runs illegal coal mines at various places and makes innocent people work there…I have sought a report from Meghalaya Govt…I urge all State Govts to stop illegal mining. There should be no compromise. Such accidents should not occur. Illegal mining should not take place,” G Kishan Reddy added.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of labourers in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya. They conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of many labourers in the coal mine blast in Meghalaya. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.” Her message came amid growing political reactions to the deadly incident that has claimed at least 16 lives so far.

Congress MP Saleng A Sangma expressed profound grief over the tragic coal mine accident, emphasising that the government’s response to coal mining accidents has been repetitive and insufficient, pointing out that such tragedies are not isolated incidents.

“This particular response was already said when so many people died in the coal mining. This is not the only one. How many numbers has he already suspended?… It’s not just about the owner who is involved in this particular coal racket, illegal coal mining. Who has allowed such activities to happen within the state, within the jurisdiction? Who are the officers, who are the ministers, who are the MLAs who are involved in this particular illegal racket? Just tell me how many numbers so far? If he had been responsible from day one, these illegal activities would not have happened by now,” he said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also expressed grief over the incident and called for accountability. In his post on X, Yadav said, “The news of the death of workers in the coal mine explosion in Meghalaya is extremely tragic. A thorough investigation into the causes should be conducted, and appropriate financial assistance should be provided to the bereaved families for their livelihood.” (ANI)

A massive fire broke out at an NDMC godown in the Safdarjung area on Friday evening. Upon receiving the information, eight fire engines arrived at the scene, and efforts are underway to control the blaze.

Delhi Fire Services shared that the SHO/PS Sarojini Nagar received information around 6.pm about the fire, which prevented any potential tragedy. Police personnel arrived immediately and safely evacuated everyone from the area, and DFS dispatched eight fire engines. While efforts to fully douse the fire are ongoing, officials have confirmed no loss of life or casualties so far.

Delhi Fire Services said, “Today at about 6.00 pm, information was received by the SHO/PS Sarojini Nagar, from a responsible public person regarding a major fire at an NDMC godown located under the Safdarjung Flyover, near Prachin Shiv Mandir. The police staff promptly and safely evacuated all persons from the fire-affected area. Due to the timely information provided by the public person, any major incident was averted. Six fire tenders are present at the spot, and efforts are underway to bring the fire under control. As of now, no loss of life has been reported.”

Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic alert about heavy congestion on Aurobindo Marg, Ring Road, AIIMS Flyover and roads leading towards AIIMS Flyover, advising commuters to use alternate routes like Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh Marg.

Traffic Alert

Traffic is affected on Aurobindo Marg, Ring Road, AIIMS Flyover and roads leading towards AIIMS Flyover due to a major fire at an NDMC godown near Safdarjung Flyover. Traffic is being diverted from Aurobindo Marg towards Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh Marg. Commuters…

— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) February 6, 2026

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

A scintillating 175-run knock by Vaibhav Suryavanshi helped India U19 overpower England U19 by 100 runs in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 final on Friday, securing their sixth title in the tournament’s history.

After opting to bat first, India posted a mammoth 411/9, with Suryavanshi smashing 15 fours and 15 sixes off just 80 balls. Captain Ayush Mhatre added a steady 53 off 51 balls, while Abhigyan Kundu contributed a brisk 40 off 31 balls, ensuring a formidable total for the young English side. Despite Caleb Falconer’s valiant 115 off 67 balls, England fell short, unable to chase down the record target of 412.

Speaking after the historic win, India U19 all-rounder Kanishk Chouhan said, “I will try and keep doing well and want to contribute to the team as much as I can. Sir (Kanitkar) just told me to be calm and do my role well, not think about the score. We knew they would come hard at us; 700 runs were scored. We just wanted to bowl the correct line and lengths,” according to Cricbuzz.

Opener batter Aaron George, who made a century in the semi-final match against Afghanistan while chasing a big target, added, “It hasn’t really sunk in; I want to celebrate with my teammates. Vaibhav did a great job; we batted them out of the game. Nothing specific, but let’s see (on the celebrations).”

Head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar praised his players’ composure, saying, “Great feeling, I’ve been here before, but it’s special for the boys. After the fight the England team put up, it was a good win for us. It is one of the major goals, that’s what we do at the CoE (Centre of Excellence) in the BCCI Academy. Trophies are good, but it’s the development which is very important. Just have dinner and go to sleep.”

Reflecting on the pressure moments during the match, Abhigyan Kundu said, “I did feel the pressure at times, we just needed to hold onto it, back our bowlers and the fielders — our lines and lengths were good. We’re going to celebrate, it’s a good reward for all the hard work over the past two years. We lost against Australia then, and this is a sort of revenge. I really liked the way Vaibhav played.”

India’s record-shattering total and disciplined bowling performance highlighted the depth of talent emerging from the BCCI Academy, further cementing their status as a dominant force in Under-19 cricket. The victory also extended England U19’s wait for a second World Cup title, the last being in 1998.

Brief Scores: India: 411/9 (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53, James Minto 3/63) beat England: 311 (Caleb Falconer 115, Ben Dawkins 66, RS Ambrish 3/56). (ANI)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that Tehran is approaching talks with the United States “with open eyes,” while firmly asserting that the Islamic Republic will not yield on its rights.

Araghchi made the comments in an X post upon his arrival in Oman’s capital, Muscat, where he is leading negotiations with US officials to reach a fair resolution on Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year,” he said, adding, “We engage in good faith and stand firm on our rights.”

He further outlined “equal standing, mutual respect and mutual interest” as the “pillars of a durable agreement” that demand genuine commitment from both parties.

The Iranian team includes Deputy Foreign Ministers Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Hamid Qanbari, as well as Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. The US delegation is headed by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, senior adviser to US President Donald Trump.

The discussions, scheduled to start later on Friday, are taking place amid an increased US military presence in West Asia and continued threats that have heightened regional tensions.

Baghaei had earlier posted on X that the talks are proceeding “with strength and with the objective of achieving a fair, mutually satisfactory and dignified agreement.”

The current engagement follows five rounds of indirect discussions last year that were halted due to military actions initiated by Israel on June 13, 2025, ahead of the planned sixth round in Muscat, with subsequent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iran responded with successful counter-operations on June 24, 2025, which brought an end to the aggression.

As reported by Iranian state broadcaster Press TV, the conflict resulted in at least 1,064 deaths in Iran. (ANI)