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Trump threatens Oman
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Afham

Trump threatens to bomb US ally Oman if it ‘gets in the way’ over Iran deal

US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if the Gulf ally interferes with Washington’s efforts to reach an agreement with Iran, escalating tensions across the Middle East. Trump made the warning during a Fox News interview on Monday, saying the United States would attack Oman if it “gets in the way.” The threat comes as Oman plays an important diplomatic role between Washington and Tehran. Oman has been involved in discussions aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. The waterway has faced severe disruption during the conflict, affecting global energy supplies and shipping. Trump’s remarks followed reports that Iran and Oman were moving toward an understanding over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has opposed arrangements that could undermine its objectives in the region, while Oman has traditionally maintained relations with both Iran and the United States. The comments also came as a 60-day US-Iran negotiation period expired without a breakthrough. Trump has continued to demand that Iran surrender, while Tehran has maintained its position amid ongoing tensions. Oman’s role is particularly sensitive because the country has historically served as a diplomatic backchannel between the United States and Iran. Any direct confrontation involving Oman could significantly widen the conflict and create further uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. The latest warning has therefore raised concerns about the future of US relations with a long-standing Gulf partner, while adding another layer of risk to already fragile efforts to resolve the Iran conflict.

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Luigi Mangione guilty plea
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Afham

Luigi Mangione admits killing healthcare boss as victim’s family condemn ‘heinous act’

Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty in a federal court to charges connected to the killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, bringing a major development in a case that has attracted intense national attention. Mangione admitted that he tracked Thompson and fatally shot him in Manhattan on December 4, 2024. During the court hearing, Mangione acknowledged that he knew what he was doing when he targeted Thompson. Prosecutors said the attack was deliberate, while Mangione described his actions as being connected to his frustrations with the US healthcare and insurance system. His guilty plea avoids a federal trial, although significant legal proceedings remain. Thompson’s family welcomed the guilty plea but stressed the devastating impact of his death. They described the killing as an extremely serious and heinous act and said they want accountability and a sentence reflecting the severity of the crime. The family attended the federal court hearing as Mangione entered his plea. Mangione faces the possibility of life imprisonment under the federal charges. His sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2026, with prosecutors indicating that they will seek a life sentence. The federal government is not pursuing the death penalty. The case is not necessarily over. Mangione also faces a separate murder prosecution in New York state court. His lawyers have sought to have those charges dismissed, arguing that the federal conviction could raise constitutional double-jeopardy concerns. Prosecutors, however, remain committed to pursuing the state case. The killing sparked a wider debate about the US healthcare system, but authorities and Thompson’s family have emphasized that grievances over healthcare cannot justify violence or murder.

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Top News

Trump threatens Oman
News Blogs

Trump threatens to bomb US ally Oman if it ‘gets in the way’ over Iran deal

US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if the Gulf ally interferes with Washington’s efforts to reach an agreement with Iran, escalating tensions across the Middle East. Trump made the warning during a Fox News interview on Monday, saying the United States would attack Oman if it “gets in the way.” The threat comes as Oman plays an important diplomatic role between Washington and Tehran. Oman has been involved in discussions aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. The waterway has faced severe disruption during the conflict, affecting global energy supplies and shipping. Trump’s remarks followed reports that Iran and Oman were moving toward an understanding over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has opposed arrangements that could undermine its objectives in the region, while Oman has traditionally maintained relations with both Iran and the United States. The comments also came as a 60-day US-Iran negotiation period expired without a breakthrough. Trump has continued to demand that Iran surrender, while Tehran has maintained its position amid ongoing tensions. Oman’s role is particularly sensitive because the country has historically served as a diplomatic backchannel between the United States and Iran. Any direct confrontation involving Oman could significantly widen the conflict and create further uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. The latest warning has therefore raised concerns about the future of US relations with a long-standing Gulf partner, while adding another layer of risk to already fragile efforts to resolve the Iran conflict.

Read More »
Luigi Mangione guilty plea
News Blogs

Luigi Mangione admits killing healthcare boss as victim’s family condemn ‘heinous act’

Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty in a federal court to charges connected to the killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, bringing a major development in a case that has attracted intense national attention. Mangione admitted that he tracked Thompson and fatally shot him in Manhattan on December 4, 2024. During the court hearing, Mangione acknowledged that he knew what he was doing when he targeted Thompson. Prosecutors said the attack was deliberate, while Mangione described his actions as being connected to his frustrations with the US healthcare and insurance system. His guilty plea avoids a federal trial, although significant legal proceedings remain. Thompson’s family welcomed the guilty plea but stressed the devastating impact of his death. They described the killing as an extremely serious and heinous act and said they want accountability and a sentence reflecting the severity of the crime. The family attended the federal court hearing as Mangione entered his plea. Mangione faces the possibility of life imprisonment under the federal charges. His sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2026, with prosecutors indicating that they will seek a life sentence. The federal government is not pursuing the death penalty. The case is not necessarily over. Mangione also faces a separate murder prosecution in New York state court. His lawyers have sought to have those charges dismissed, arguing that the federal conviction could raise constitutional double-jeopardy concerns. Prosecutors, however, remain committed to pursuing the state case. The killing sparked a wider debate about the US healthcare system, but authorities and Thompson’s family have emphasized that grievances over healthcare cannot justify violence or murder.

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Trump decoy plane
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Members of Trump’s cabinet remained on decoy plane, after president’s quiet exit

President Donald Trump was secretly moved to another aircraft during his recent departure from Turkey, while several senior officials, White House staff and journalists remained aboard the plane they believed was carrying him. The unusual security operation was reportedly designed to protect the president from a credible threat linked to Iran. After attending a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump publicly boarded the older Air Force One, creating the impression that he would leave Turkey on the aircraft. However, security officials had arranged a covert switch. Trump was reportedly taken from the aircraft using an airport catering vehicle and transported to a smaller C-32A military jet. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also traveled separately with Trump. Meanwhile, members of Trump’s administration and the press corps stayed on the original aircraft. Reports identified senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller as being among those aboard the decoy plane. The aircraft then departed Turkey without Trump, helping create uncertainty about his actual location. The operation reportedly followed intelligence indicating a potential threat against Trump. Security officials were concerned that the president’s movements could be monitored and that a recognizable aircraft might become a target. Trump later acknowledged that he had been moved because of security concerns, saying he faced serious threats. The revelation has raised questions about the risks faced by officials and journalists who unknowingly remained on the decoy aircraft. Supporters of the operation argue that presidential security can require deception and secrecy, while critics have questioned whether everyone aboard the aircraft was adequately informed about the potential danger. The incident highlights the extraordinary security measures surrounding presidential travel and the continuing concerns over threats against Trump.

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Colombia earthquake
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Dozens reported dead as buildings collapse in Colombia after magnitude 7.4 earthquakeDozens reported dead as buildings collapse in Colombia after magnitude 7.4 earthquake

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and leaving dozens of people dead. The earthquake hit at around 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, according to reports. The strong tremor was felt across several parts of the country, including Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó. Buildings collapsed in several affected areas, trapping people beneath rubble and prompting emergency crews to launch urgent search-and-rescue operations. Hospitals were also placed under severe pressure as large numbers of injured residents arrived for treatment. At least 79 people had been reported dead in the latest accounts, although authorities warned that the number could rise as rescuers reach damaged buildings and isolated communities. Children were among those reported killed, while many others suffered injuries. Pereira was among the hardest-hit cities, with dozens of structures reportedly collapsing. Infrastructure was also damaged, including airports, creating additional challenges for emergency response teams. Residents were advised to remain outdoors because of the possibility of further aftershocks. The earthquake was followed by additional tremors, increasing fears that already weakened structures could collapse. Rescue workers, police, firefighters and medical teams have been deployed to affected areas as authorities assess the full scale of the disaster. Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella, called for an emergency response and pledged government assistance to victims and affected communities. International support has also been offered as Colombia begins dealing with the extensive destruction. Officials continue to search collapsed buildings for survivors while assessing damage to homes, roads and public infrastructure. The final death toll is expected to remain uncertain until rescue operations are completed.

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Israel rejects Gaza plan
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Israel rejects Trump’s 15-point plan for Gaza, Netanyahu says

Israel has rejected a 15-point Gaza peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israeli forces will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is fully disarmed. The rejection creates a significant obstacle to Washington’s latest attempt to advance a political and security settlement in Gaza. The Trump-backed proposal seeks to establish a phased process in which Hamas would surrender its weapons while Israel gradually withdraws its forces from parts of Gaza. The plan also envisions an international stabilization force and a transition toward Palestinian civilian administration as part of longer-term reconstruction efforts. Netanyahu, however, has made clear that Israel’s position remains unchanged. He said there would be no Israeli military withdrawal before Hamas undergoes what he described as genuine and complete disarmament. Israeli officials have expressed concerns that withdrawing troops before Hamas gives up its weapons could allow the militant group to rebuild its military capabilities. The disagreement highlights growing tensions between the Trump administration and the Israeli government over how to implement the Gaza peace process. Although Trump has presented the proposal as an important step toward ending the conflict, Netanyahu’s opposition means negotiations face a major hurdle. Hamas has indicated that it remains committed to the broader roadmap but has demanded that Israel halt military operations and withdraw its forces as part of the process. The conflicting positions leave the key issue of sequencing unresolved: whether Hamas should disarm before an Israeli withdrawal or whether the two steps should happen simultaneously. The dispute could determine the future of the ceasefire, Gaza’s reconstruction and efforts to establish a new political and security framework for the territory. For now, Netanyahu’s rejection leaves Trump’s latest Gaza initiative facing serious uncertainty.

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Todd Blanche Attorney General
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Trump’s ex-lawyer Todd Blanche narrowly confirmed as US attorney general

Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer for President Donald Trump, has been narrowly confirmed by the US Senate as the new Attorney General, giving the Trump administration a significant victory after weeks of political uncertainty. The Senate approved Blanche’s nomination by a 50-49 vote in an overnight session. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined Democrats in opposing his confirmation. Blanche previously served as Trump’s personal criminal defense lawyer before joining the Justice Department. He became deputy attorney general in 2025 and later took over as acting attorney general after Trump removed Pam Bondi from the position in April 2026. Trump formally nominated Blanche for the permanent position in June. His confirmation faced strong opposition from Democrats and concerns from some Republicans over his close relationship with Trump and questions about the independence of the Justice Department. During his confirmation hearing, Blanche rejected claims that he would simply follow Trump’s instructions, insisting that his responsibilities as attorney general would come before his previous role as the president’s lawyer. The nomination also drew controversy over a proposed $1.8 billion settlement and fund connected to Trump and his allies. Under pressure from Republican senators, Blanche agreed to withdraw the arrangement and address concerns surrounding its structure. As Attorney General, Blanche will oversee the Department of Justice, including federal law enforcement, national security investigations and major criminal prosecutions. His appointment is expected to keep the Justice Department closely aligned with Trump’s broader policy agenda. The narrow vote highlights the continuing political divisions surrounding the Trump administration and places Blanche under intense scrutiny as he begins his tenure as the country’s top federal law enforcement official.

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Shorts

Israel seizes castle in Lebanon as it expands ground offensive

Israeli forces have captured the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon as part of an expanded ground offensive against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. The seizure marks Israel’s deepest military incursion into Lebanese territory in more than 26 years and signals a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two sides.

The medieval fortress, also known as Beaufort Castle, sits on a strategic hilltop overlooking large areas of southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Military analysts say control of the site provides a valuable observation point and could strengthen Israeli operations in the region. Israeli officials stated that the area had been used by Hezbollah to coordinate attacks and launch projectiles toward northern Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to expand its ground maneuver in Lebanon and deepen control over areas previously held by Hezbollah. Defense Minister Israel Katz described the capture of the castle as a major tactical achievement and indicated that Israeli forces intend to maintain a presence in the area.

The operation comes despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that officially remains in effect. Israel has also issued new evacuation warnings for civilians south of the Zahrani River as fighting intensifies. Lebanese authorities have condemned the offensive, accusing Israel of pursuing a “scorched-earth” policy that has displaced more than one million people and caused widespread destruction across southern Lebanon.

The latest developments have raised concerns among international leaders that the conflict could further destabilize the region and complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Lebanon, and Iran. France has already called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the escalating violence.