Category Archives: international relations

US to revoke Colombia President Petro’s visa over ‘reckless’ actions in New York

**US to Revoke Colombia President Petro’s Visa Over ‘Reckless’ Actions in New York**

In a recent development, the United States has announced plans to revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro following what it described as his “reckless” actions during his visit to New York.

During his speech to the global gathering on Tuesday at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, President Petro also criticized former US President Donald Trump. He accused Trump of being “complicit in genocide” in Gaza, drawing significant international attention.

![Colombian President Gustavo Petro addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, US, September 23, 2025.](https://example.com/reuters-eduardo-munoz.jpg)
*Photo credit: REUTERS/EDUARDO MUNOZ*

The visa revocation signals a toughening stance by the US government in response to Petro’s comments and actions during the high-profile international event.

*By REUTERS*
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868721

Tony Blair eyes key role in Gaza under Trump peace plan – report

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is reportedly seeking a senior role in managing postwar Gaza under a peace plan being developed by the Trump administration, according to the Financial Times. The newspaper cited sources briefed on the proposal. Reuters has not yet been able to verify the report.

The Financial Times also revealed that Mr. Blair has been proposed to chair a supervisory board called the Gaza International Transitional Authority. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to address the situation in Gaza following the conflict.

Mr. Blair participated in a late August meeting convened by U.S. President Donald Trump, which focused on tackling Israel’s war in Gaza and planning for the territory’s post-war future.

Earlier in July, the Financial Times reported that the Tony Blair Institute was involved in a project to develop a post-war Gaza reconstruction plan. The think tank clarified that none of its discussions with various groups about Gaza’s reconstruction included the possibility of forcible relocation of people from the area.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/tony-blair-eyes-key-role-in-gaza-under-trump-peace-plan-report-1811396.html

Suryakumar Yadav Fined 30% Of His Match Fees For His Tribute To Indian Armed Forces After India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Clash

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has been fined 30 percent of his match fee for comments made after the Asia Cup group league match against Pakistan, tournament organisers announced on Friday.

The penalty follows Suryakumar’s remarks alluding to the military skirmish between India and Pakistan in May. Pakistan had filed a complaint with the ICC, accusing him of making political comments after he dedicated India’s win over their archrivals on September 14 to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian armed forces.

Suryakumar pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was reportedly instructed to refrain from making any statements that could be interpreted as political for the remainder of the tournament. The hearing was conducted by ICC match referee Richie Richardson.

Tensions between the two teams have been high throughout the tournament. The situation escalated when India refused to engage in the traditional handshake with Pakistani players at the toss and after the games, as a gesture of solidarity with the Pahalgam victims.

(Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/suryakumar-yadav-fined-30-of-his-match-fees-for-his-tribute-to-indian-armed-forces-after-india-vs-pakistan-asia-cup-2025-clash

Trump says Ireland and US will ‘work closely’ as new embassy opens in Washington

US President Donald Trump expressed his eagerness to “work closely” with Ireland to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two nations.

This announcement coincided with Tanaiste Simon Harris formally opening the new offices of the Irish Embassy in the United States, located in Washington, DC. The new Embassy, situated on Pennsylvania Avenue next to the White House, was warmly welcomed by President Trump, who emphasized his commitment to advancing fair trade policies and investment opportunities that benefit the citizens of both countries.

Speaking in Washington, DC, the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade said:
“I want to thank President Trump for his kind words as we begin to write the next chapter in the great story of Ireland-US relations. These offices at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, next to the White House, represent the culmination of a nearly four-year project to realize a significant commitment of the Global Ireland Strategy and National Development Plan.”

He continued, “This will be an excellent base from which to grow our vital political, economic, and cultural ties with the US over the years ahead. Our ambition stretches beyond Washington, DC too. The Government has deepened its investment in our diplomatic platform across the United States recently, with new Ireland Houses in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, as well as new Consulates in Los Angeles and Miami.”

Mr. Harris also announced the launch of an economic impact report that maps Ireland’s economic footprint across the US. The report highlights the remarkable impact of the Ireland-US partnership in trade, employment, research, tourism, and investment.

Ireland is now the 5th largest source of foreign direct investment in America, with Irish companies creating more than 200,000 American jobs.

This growing collaboration promises a continued strengthening of ties and mutual prosperity between Ireland and the United States.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/trump-says-ireland-and-us-will-work-closely-as-new-embassy-opens-in-washington-1811131.html

Trump imposes 100 pc tariff on imported drugs without US manufacturing base

Former President Donald Trump has clarified the scope of his recent tariff measures, stating that companies that have already begun construction of plants in the U.S. will be exempt from the new pharmaceutical tariffs. In a post, he wrote, “There will, therefore, be no Tariff on these Pharmaceutical Products if construction has started. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump also announced sweeping tariffs on a variety of household products, including imported kitchen cabinets and certain types of furniture, potentially adding to the rising costs in this category seen in recent months. According to CNN, Trump detailed the new tariffs in a Truth Social post, stating:

“We will be imposing a 50 percent Tariff on all Kitchen Cabinets, Bathroom Vanities, and associated products, starting October 1st, 2025. Additionally, we will be charging a 30 percent Tariff on Upholstered Furniture.”

These tariffs come amidst a notable increase in furniture prices over the past year. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that overall furniture costs rose 4.7 percent compared to August 2024. Specifically, living room and dining room furniture prices jumped 9.5 percent over the last 12 months.

The surge in furniture prices is closely linked to recent tariff hikes on imports from China and Vietnam, the two largest sources of imported furniture into the U.S. Last year, both countries exported approximately USD 12 billion worth of furniture and fixtures, according to data from the U.S. Commerce Department. Notably, furniture prices had generally declined for about two and a half years before these tariffs were introduced.

Trump defended the tariffs, arguing that foreign manufacturers have been oversupplying the U.S. market. He described the large-scale “flooding” of products from other countries as “a very unfair practice,” emphasizing the need to protect U.S. manufacturing for national security and other reasons.

Meanwhile, new tariff rates affecting dozens of countries were introduced in August, following delays that allowed time for trade negotiations. These include:

– 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, with an additional 25 percent penalty for trade related to Russia
– 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian goods
– 30 percent tariffs on South African goods
– 20 percent tariffs on Vietnamese goods
– 15 percent tariffs on Japanese goods
– 15 percent tariffs on South Korean goods

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content at their absolute discretion and without prior notice.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/donald-trump-announces-100-per-cent-tariff-on-imported-pharmaceuticals-without-us-based-manufacturing-plants-23595880

Trump says he had good talks on Gaza, including with Netanyahu

**Trump Says He Had Good Talks on Gaza, Including with Netanyahu**

U.S. President Donald Trump reported progress in talks concerning Gaza, including discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 23, 2025, Trump highlighted positive developments in the ongoing efforts to address the situation in Gaza.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/JEENAH MOON*

By Reuters, Amichai Stein
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868630

Iran says US desire for nuclear diplomacy is a deception

Iran Says US Desire for Nuclear Diplomacy Is a Deception

The United States, its European allies, and Israel accuse Tehran of using its nuclear program to conceal efforts aimed at developing the capability to produce nuclear weapons.

In response, Iran has dismissed the US approach to nuclear diplomacy as a mere deception, emphasizing that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes. The ongoing tensions highlight the deep mistrust between Iran and the international community over the true intentions behind its nuclear ambitions.

https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-868556

South Yemen would join Abraham Accords, says separatist leader Aidaros al-Zubaidi

**South Yemen Would Join Abraham Accords, Says Separatist Leader Aidaros al-Zubaidi**

Aidaros al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), recently expressed his support for a two-state solution involving both Israel and Palestine, as well as in Yemen. Speaking to UAE state media, al-Zubaidi emphasized the potential for South Yemen to join the Abraham Accords, signaling a significant shift in the region’s diplomatic landscape.

Al-Zubaidi, who leads the anti-Houthi Southern Transitional Council, made these remarks during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 24, 2025. His statements underscore the growing interest among some Middle Eastern actors in pursuing peaceful resolutions and normalized relations through frameworks like the Abraham Accords.

![Aidaros al-Zubaidi speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, New York City, September 24, 2025](SCREENSHOT/X/@STCSouthArabia)

*Photo credit: SCREENSHOT/X/@STCSouthArabia*

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-868510

‘Harbouring UN-Proscribed Terrorists, Bombing Own People’: India Tears Into Pakistan At UNHRC Over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Strikes By PAF; VIDEO

**India Hits Back at Pakistan Over Air Strikes at the UN Human Rights Council**

*New York:* India on Tuesday strongly responded to Pakistan during the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session, delivering a sharp rebuttal over recent allegations and cross-border tensions.

India’s representative, Kshitij Tyagi, referenced the air strikes conducted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which reportedly killed at least 30 civilians. He accused Pakistan of abusing the UNHRC platform with baseless and provocative statements targeted at India.

“A delegation that epitomises the antithesis of this approach continues to abuse this forum with baseless and provocative statements against India,” Tyagi said. “Instead of coveting our territory, they would do well to vacate the Indian territory under their illegal occupation and focus on rescuing an economy on life support, a polity muzzled by military dominance, and a human rights record stained by persecution,” he added.

Tyagi further criticized Pakistan, stating, “Perhaps once they find time away from exporting terrorism, harbouring UN-proscribed terrorists, and bombing their own people,” they might engage constructively.

These remarks came during the discussion on Agenda Item 4 at the UNHRC session. A video of Tyagi’s response to Pakistan has since gone viral.

The backdrop to this exchange involves reports that surfaced on Monday, revealing that at least 30 civilians, including women and children, were killed in air strikes conducted by the PAF in Matre Dara village in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attacks reportedly took place in the early hours of Sunday, September 21.

According to these reports, the PAF used JF-17 Thunder jets to drop at least eight LS-6 precision glide bombs on the civilian settlement. However, the Pakistan Army has denied these media reports.

Earlier, Amnesty International had criticized Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing them as demonstrating an “alarming disregard for civilian life.”

Eyewitnesses claimed that several houses collapsed during the alleged air strikes, with bodies being pulled out from the rubble afterward.

This latest confrontation at the UNHRC underscores the continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, with both sides trading accusations amidst ongoing regional instability.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/harbouring-un-proscribed-terrorists-bombing-own-people-indias-tears-into-pakistan-at-unhrc-over-airstrikes-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-video

Donald Trump Tells NATO To Shoot Down Russian Jets Crossing Airspace In Fresh Jibe At Putin

When asked by reporters if he believed NATO should take action against Russian aircraft crossing their airspace, Donald Trump responded affirmatively. “Yes, I do,” Trump said on Tuesday, asserting that NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft entering their airspace. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, when asked about NATO shoot-downs, Trump reiterated, “Yes, I do.”

In response, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte adopted a more measured stance. According to a report by US broadcaster CNN, Rutte emphasized that shoot-down decisions should depend on available intelligence regarding the threat posed by the aircraft. He noted, “This also includes questions we have to answer like intent, armaments and potential risk to allies, forces, civilians or infrastructure. We will always assess the situation, assess the immediate threat the plane poses.”

These comments came shortly after the first direct encounters between NATO and Moscow since the start of the Ukraine war. Alleged incursions of Russian aircraft over Poland, Estonia, and other NATO countries have recently tested the alliance’s preparedness and credibility in deterring Russia. For instance, Russian jets reportedly violated Estonian airspace, prompting Tallinn to call for an urgent meeting.

Meanwhile, Trump suggested that Ukraine has the potential to reclaim more than just the territory it has lost to Russia since the war began in February 2022. In a Truth Social post following his meeting with Zelenskyy at the United Nations, Trump wrote:
“I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.”

He added that Kyiv could possibly go even further, although he did not provide specifics on what he meant by that statement.
https://www.news18.com/world/donald-trump-tells-nato-to-shoot-down-russian-jets-crossing-airspace-in-fresh-jibe-at-putin-ws-kl-9592594.html