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The unrest was triggered by opposition to the reservation of 12 seats in the regional legislative assembly for Kashmiri refugees. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called for a march to Muzaffarabad, but authorities banned the group, accused it of sedition, and ordered action against its leaders.

Despite the restrictions, thousands of protesters joined the march, leading to violent confrontations in several areas.

Dozens of people have also been injured, and concerns remain over further violence. Amnesty International has criticized the authorities’ response, citing mass arrests, internet shutdowns, and the use of excessive force against protesters.

The demonstrators are demanding the abolition of the reserved seats, arguing that all legislative seats should be contested by residents of the region. However, the region’s Supreme Court has ruled that the seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be removed through political or administrative measures.

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The Group A clash marks the start of the largest World Cup in history, with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico over the next 39 days.

The opening fixture also rekindles memories of the 2010 World Cup curtain-raiser in Johannesburg, when South Africa and Mexico played to a 1-1 draw in the first World Cup ever held on African soil.

More than 80,000 spectators are expected at Estadio Azteca, which will become the first stadium to host the opening match of three World Cups, having previously staged the tournament openers in 1970 and 1986.

Mexico enters the competition as one of the favourites to advance from Group A, which also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic. Ranked 14th in the world, El Tri will be looking to capitalize on home support and continue an eight-match unbeaten run.

Head coach Javier Aguirre’s side arrives in strong form after recent victories over Ghana, Australia and Serbia in warm-up matches.

South Africa, meanwhile, returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and will be making just its fourth appearance at the global showpiece. Despite being ranked 60th in the world, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes his side can challenge the hosts.

“For us, it will be a fantastic experience,” Broos said ahead of the match. “It is very important that we stick to our game plan and focus on what happens on the field.”

South Africa’s preparations were disrupted by visa delays that affected several members of the traveling party, but the team will hope to frustrate Mexico as they did 16 years ago.

Historically, Mexico has enjoyed the upper hand between the two nations, winning two of their previous four meetings. South Africa has won once, while the teams shared the points in their memorable World Cup encounter in 2010.

The match will be preceded by an opening ceremony featuring international music stars, including Colombian singer Shakira, as football’s biggest tournament begins its latest chapter.

Probable lineups

Mexico: Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes; Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo; Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez.

South Africa: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha; Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 pm Kabul time and the match will be broadcast live across Afghanistan exclusively on Ariana Television and Ariana FM radio.

Fans however, can tune in from 10:30 pm for a pre-match show.

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Speaking at a briefing, Russia’s Special Representative for SCO Affairs, Bakhtiyor Khakimov, said Moscow maintains stable relations with Kabul and views the resumption of the contact group’s activities as an important step toward strengthening regional cooperation.

“We believe the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, which was established in 2007, should resume its activities,” Khakimov said. “This understanding generally prevails within the organization.”

Khakimov noted that efforts to revive the mechanism gained momentum during special consultations on Afghanistan held in Dushanbe in September last year at the initiative of Tajikistan. Participants agreed to examine possible ways to restart the group and enhance coordination on Afghanistan-related issues.

He acknowledged that procedural challenges remain, as the contact group is traditionally co-chaired by the deputy foreign minister of the SCO’s rotating chair country and a representative from Afghanistan.

Because not all SCO member states have formally recognized the current authorities in Kabul, Khakimov said progress toward reactivating the mechanism is likely to be gradual.

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The talks, held on June 8-9, were organized by the Turkish humanitarian organization IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation and brought together participants in what organizers described as a constructive and cordial atmosphere.

According to IHH, the dialogue aims to promote mutual understanding, build trust and encourage cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the broader goal of supporting regional stability and prosperity.

The organization said the process provides an informal platform for discussion and engagement between the two countries and could help strengthen communication on issues of shared concern.

Türkiye and Qatar also played facilitating roles in the dialogue.

IHH expressed hope that continued meetings would contribute to reducing tensions, expanding cooperation and fostering greater understanding between the two sides.

The discussions come at a time when relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain strained over a range of political and security issues.

The meeting also follows recent Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan that, according to Afghan officials, killed 13 civilians, including children, and injured 14 others.

Despite ongoing challenges in bilateral relations, organizers said continued dialogue remains important for addressing differences and promoting constructive engagement between the two neighboring countries.

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The expansion marks the second increase in service since the UAE national carrier launched flights to the Afghan capital in March 2026.

Etihad initially began operating four flights per week to Kabul, but growing passenger demand has prompted the airline to significantly expand capacity on the route.

“The response to our Kabul launch has been exceptional,” said Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer. “Demand has remained strong from day one, and moving to double-daily is a direct reflection of what our guests have been telling us with their bookings.”

The route is operated using Airbus A320 aircraft, configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats.

The additional flights are expected to provide passengers with greater flexibility and improved connections through Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and other international markets.

The increase also reflects the close links between Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates, which is home to a large Afghan community and serves as an important hub for business, trade and family travel.

Under the new schedule, Etihad will operate two daily services in each direction.

The first flight, EY312, will depart Abu Dhabi at 9:55 a.m. and arrive in Kabul at 1:25 p.m., with the return flight, EY313, leaving Kabul at 3:10 p.m. and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 6:00 p.m.

The second daily service, EY310, will depart Abu Dhabi at 2:45 p.m. and arrive in Kabul at 6:15 p.m., while EY311 will leave Kabul at 7:20 p.m. and land in Abu Dhabi at 10:10 p.m.

Etihad said the expanded schedule will offer travelers more convenient departure options and strengthen connectivity between Afghanistan and the airline’s global network.

The move also underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a regional aviation hub and highlights increasing demand for air travel between the UAE and Afghanistan.

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Speaking at the UN’s daily press briefing, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said the Afghan authorities in Afghanistan had reported multiple air strikes in the three provinces that allegedly struck civilian homes.

Haq called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times.

The UN official expressed concern over the reported civilian casualties and urged all sides to avoid actions that could further endanger civilian lives.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in a statement, announced that it has summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul and conveyed its “strong and firm” protest over the violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and the bombing of civilian homes.

According to the statement, Pakistan’s military regime once again blatantly violated Afghanistan’s airspace on Tuesday night and bombed civilian homes in parts of Khost, Paktika, and Kunar provinces.

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Saleem was originally selected only for the one-off Test against India but impressed with his performances, earning a place in the ODI squad. The young pacer claimed six wickets in the match and consistently bowled at speeds approaching 140kph despite conditions that offered little assistance to fast bowlers.

Meanwhile, spinner Rashid Khan and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi were absent from Afghanistan’s latest training session in Mohali. According to ESPNcricinfo, Rashid is expected to join the squad in Dharamsala, while Nabi is recovering from illness.

Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus praised Saleem’s efforts in the Test, describing the fast bowler as “fantastic” following his six-wicket haul against a strong Indian batting lineup.

“He took six wickets in extreme heat against high-quality batsmen, which is a huge positive not only for him but for the team as a whole,” Pybus said.

Pybus added that he is still assessing the squad’s strengths and combinations after recently taking charge of the team. He noted that Saleem had previously dealt with minor fitness concerns and said the focus would be on helping the young pacer maintain consistency and continue his development.

The ODI series between Afghanistan and India begins on Saturday.

The matches will be broadcast live on Ariana Television Network (ATN).

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Nine of those designated were China- and Hong Kong-based individuals ​and companies that facilitated the ​procurement of weapons for Iran’s military, and ‌a ⁠Hong Kong-based company operating within Iran’s clandestine banking network, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets ​Control said ​in ⁠a statement.

The U.S. State Department also designated two ​companies and individuals based in ​Iran ⁠and Belarus in connection with Iran’s conventional arms-related activities, Treasury ⁠said.

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Last year, 5.4 million people fled their homes, bringing the total number of refugees or people in refugee-like situations worldwide to 41.6 million, including 6 million Palestinian refugees, UNHCR said.

At the same time, around 14.7 million refugees and internally displaced people returned home, a ​50% increase on the previous year and the second-highest figure recorded since 1965, the agency found.

Most returns were to ​six countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Myanmar.

However, many returned ⁠to difficult conditions marked by limited access to basic services, widespread infrastructure damage and ongoing insecurity, raising concerns over the sustainability ​and safety of their return, UNHCR said.

About 2.9 million Afghans returned in 2025, including 1.9 million refugees – five times higher than the previous ​year – driven mainly by stricter policies in neighbouring Iran and Pakistan, with many reporting they had little choice but to leave, UNHCR found.

This sharp rise reduced the global Afghan refugee population from 5.8 million in 2024 to 3.7 million in 2025, the report said.

Syria, which had been one of ​the world’s largest displacement crises for more than a decade, saw around 1.3 million people return in 2025 – nearly triple the ​previous year – following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. This reduced the global Syrian refugee population from 6 million to 4.9 million ‌by the ⁠end of 2025.

“However, many returnees face serious challenges, including insecurity, widespread destruction, weak economic conditions, limited services and jobs, and continued sporadic violence in parts of the country,” the report said.

The report noted that the crisis in the Middle East has already shaped global displacement trends in 2026. Around 3.2 million people have been temporarily displaced in Iran since joint U.S.-Israeli strikes at the end ​of February, while about one million ​people have been forced from ⁠their homes in Lebanon since the start of the war on March 2, amid Israeli strikes and evacuation orders, UNHCR said.

HALVING REFUGEE NUMBERS

UNHCR says it aims to halve the number of refugees ​and others in protracted displacement requiring humanitarian assistance by 2035, by supporting job creation and education ​opportunities, particularly in ⁠low- and middle-income countries where most refugees are hosted.

Globally, 70% of refugees have been in exile for five years or more, often in countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iran.

“Asylum and protection are life-saving and not up for debate, but we cannot accept a ⁠future in ​which millions of refugees remain trapped for years or decades without realistic ​prospects of rebuilding their lives,” said UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih.

Part of the initiative includes promoting voluntary returns, as well as enabling refugees to access education and ​employment in host countries so they can financially support themselves and become less aid-dependent.

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The ​military’s Central Command announced the strikes were complete about four hours after they began shortly after midnight in Tehran, saying in a post on X that the targets included “military surveillance capabilities, communication ‌systems, and air defense sites across Iran.”

“The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression,” Central Command said, Reuters reported.

The attacks were the latest development in an escalating exchange of strikes that threatens to reignite a full-scale war, which was paused in early April when the two sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said early on Thursday they had launched counter-attacks on 18 U.S. military targets at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain, and Bahrain’s interior ministry said sirens were sounded.

Iran’s top joint military command also warned it would ​fire on any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed for months. Iranian media reported that two ships were fired upon.

U.S. Central Command denied that the strait was closed, ​saying commercial ships were still transiting the strait despite Iran’s threats. Trump said earlier in the day that vessels have been crossing the strait without Iran’s permission as part ⁠of a clandestine military mission.

Trump told Fox News reporter Trey Yingst on Wednesday evening that the strikes would stop shortly but that he would “bomb the shit out of them” if Iran’s leaders did not sign an agreement with the ​U.S. immediately, Yingst wrote on X.

Iranian news agencies reported explosions in several cities, including Sirik, Kargan, Bandar Abbas, Minab, Varamin and Karaj.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented the move as an effort to force Iran into a deal to end ​the conflict, telling reporters during a visit to Central Command in Florida that the strikes would “advance our military interests and also enhance our diplomatic position.”

“We will strike them hard tonight, and hopefully Iran makes a good decision,” he said. “If we need to negotiate with bombs, we’ll negotiate with bombs.”

The United States and Iran have traded fire several times since the tentative ceasefire took hold, even as negotiators have unsuccessfully sought an end to the war, now in its fourth month. Trump has repeatedly said a deal is close, though there has ​been no sign of a breakthrough, while also threatening to resume bombing.

The U.S. military earlier targeted air defenses and radar sites around the Strait of Hormuz after a U.S. attack helicopter was downed near the strategic waterway on Monday. ​Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. A U.S. official said there was no significant damage.

Iran accused the U.S. of striking reservoirs that supplied drinking water to 10 villages and violating international law.

“This is not collateral ‌damage — it is ⁠a calculated war crime and a flagrant violation of human rights,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghei said.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump, who has threatened before to destroy Iran’s civilian infrastructure, did not say whether the coming strikes would target power plants and bridges.

Despite the belligerent language from both sides, there were signs of continuing diplomatic efforts.

A delegation from Qatar, which has been mediating between the United States and Iran, landed in Tehran on Wednesday to hold talks on the latest developments, Iranian media reported.

TRUMP CLAIMS A SECRET MISSION

The war has killed thousands and disrupted roughly one-fifth of the world’s supply of oil and natural gas, sending prices sharply higher. Iran has blocked traffic through the ​Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. has maintained its ​own blockade on Iranian ports.

The conflict has become a ⁠political headache for the White House, with public polls showing Trump’s approval ratings sinking amid voter anger over high gasoline prices. Some Republicans have openly worried the war’s unpopularity could cost them control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.

Oil prices rose nearly $3 following Trump’s threat of escalation, and extended gains in early Asian trade on Thursday.

Trump told reporters at the ​White House on Wednesday that vessels carrying 100 million barrels of oil have defied Iran to travel through the strait as part of a secret military mission.

Hegseth ​said ships have been transiting the ⁠strait “in the middle of the night, protected by the United States in a way that Iran can’t stop, they can’t see it.”

Separately, the U.S. military said it disabled an oil tanker transporting Iranian crude in the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday for a second consecutive day.

FIGHTING IN LEBANON CONTINUES

Fighting in a parallel war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon has continued. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 13 people on Wednesday, Lebanese security sources said, while Hezbollah claimed fresh attacks against ⁠Israeli forces.

Tehran’s demands ​include an end to Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, the lifting of sanctions on Iran, the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets, ​and recognition of its control of the strait.

Trump says Iran must end its restrictions on shipping through Hormuz. He also says any peace deal must ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.

Iran denies any such ambition.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation Board of Governors passed a U.S.-backed resolution on Wednesday telling Iran ​to declare its remaining enriched uranium stocks and let inspectors verify them. Iran branded the resolution as “political”.

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According to the statement, Pakistan’s military regime once again blatantly violated Afghanistan’s airspace on Tuesday night and bombed civilian homes in parts of Khost, Paktika, and Kunar provinces.

As a result, 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man were killed, while 14 other civilians, including women and children, were injured.

The foreign ministry added that the Islamic Emirate considers this attack and act of human rights violation a clear breach of international principles and laws. The IEA strongly condemned the incident and once again emphasized that defending its territory and ensuring the security of its people is its religious responsibility.

The ministry stated that the Pakistani side must understand that instead of pursuing proxy policies, it should fundamentally resolve its internal problems.

The statement read: “How is it possible that killing children and women in one land could mean ensuring the security of another?”

The ministry further stated that Pakistan’s army will bear full responsibility for all consequences of these repeated and provocative actions.

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“An ​Mi-17 helicopter of Pakistan Army ​Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad today during take-off due to technical fault,” ​the military said in ​a statement, Reuters reported. “There were no survivors.”

Rescue teams have ‌reached ⁠the site and a board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the ​exact technical ​cause ⁠of the accident, it said.

The helicopter crashed ​while taking off and ​caught ⁠fire, a Reuters witness said, adding that firefighters were ⁠trying ​to control the ​flames.

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According to the ministry, the procedure consists of an introduction, three chapters, four sections, and 14 articles, and will be implemented by central and provincial committees responsible for mobilizing, collecting, and distributing aid to returning migrants.

The document outlines the composition and authorities of the central and provincial committees, as well as the mechanisms for soliciting, collecting, registering, storing, and distributing cash, in-kind, and service-based assistance. It also specifies oversight measures for aid distribution and restrictions related to the receipt and allocation of assistance.

Under the new procedure, the central committee is tasked with preparing lists of donors and the needs of returning migrants, and formally engaging with domestic donors and Afghans living abroad to attract additional support.

The Ministry of Justice added that the procedure also defines the methods for mobilizing aid and prohibits the collection of domestic assistance outside official channels, as well as the receipt of foreign assistance in violation of the laws and principles of the Islamic Emirate and the provisions of the procedure.

The ministry further noted that the same issue of the Official Gazette includes a decree by the leader of the Islamic Emirate dissolving the Directorate for the Review of Residential Affairs under the General Directorate of Administrative Affairs and transferring its responsibilities to the Supreme Court.

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The setback comes just after Pandya had received clearance to resume playing following a back spasm injury that sidelined him during the Indian Premier League (IPL) while representing Mumbai Indians.

According to Indian media reports, Pandya was undergoing fitness assessments at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru when he suffered the new injury. The quadriceps strain is believed to have occurred while bowling during his rehabilitation and fitness tests.

The injury is expected to keep the 32-year-old out of action for several weeks, ruling him out of the ODI series against Afghanistan, which begins on Saturday in Dharamsala.

“With three weeks for recovery, there is absolutely no chance of him playing the ODI series as his rehabilitation will not be complete,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying.

Pandya had missed several matches for Mumbai Indians during the IPL season due to his back issue before returning for the team’s final league match against Rajasthan Royals on May 24.

India and Afghanistan are scheduled to play three ODIs, with the opening match in Dharamsala followed by fixtures in Lucknow and Chennai on June 17 and June 20, respectively.

Pandya’s absence is a blow to India, with the experienced all-rounder considered a key figure in both the batting and bowling departments.

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Football fans across Afghanistan and around the globe are preparing for a month of excitement as 48 nations compete for the most coveted prize in international football.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup is the premier international football tournament, held every four years and featuring the world’s best national teams.

The 2026 edition will be the largest in the tournament’s history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring a record 104 matches.

Where is the tournament being held?

For the first time, the World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

Matches will be played across 16 host cities throughout North America.

When does the tournament start?

The tournament kicks off on June 11, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City.

The final will be played on July 19 in New York.

Why is this World Cup historic?

The 2026 tournament marks several major milestones:

• First World Cup hosted by three nations.
• First World Cup featuring 48 teams.
• Largest World Cup ever with 104 matches.
• First time Canada hosts World Cup matches.

Organizers expect millions of fans to attend matches, while billions around the world are expected to follow the tournament on television and digital platforms.

Which teams are among the favourites?

Several traditional football powers enter the tournament among the leading contenders, including:

Argentina (defending champions)

• France
• Brazil
• England
• Spain
• Germany
• Portugal 

Stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi are expected to be among the tournament’s biggest attractions.

How can fans in Afghanistan watch the World Cup?

Football supporters across Afghanistan will be able to follow every moment of the tournament through Ariana Radio and Television Network’s (ATN) extensive coverage – on both TV and radio.

Ariana Television will broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live across Afghanistan, bringing viewers comprehensive coverage of the world’s biggest football event.

For fans on the move or unable to watch television, Ariana FM will also provide live match broadcasts throughout the tournament, ensuring supporters can stay connected to the action wherever they are.

What can fans expect?

From dramatic goals and unforgettable upsets to emerging stars and title contenders battling for glory, the FIFA World Cup consistently delivers some of sport’s most memorable moments.

With one day remaining until kickoff, anticipation is building around the world as football prepares to take centre stage once again.

Fans in Afghanistan can tune in to Ariana Television from 11:30pm to watch kick off between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday night, June 11.

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The clashes mark one of the biggest exchanges in hostilities since the two countries agreed to a ceasefire in April, Reuters reported.

The Iranian strikes, which included attacks in ‌Kuwait and Bahrain, came after the U.S. military said on X it had targeted Iranian air defence, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites near the strait in response to what U.S. President Donald Trump said was the downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter on Tuesday.

“I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that’s what this one is,” Trump told ABC News on Tuesday.

The escalation in violence deepens doubts about the prospects for a deal to end the war that started on February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran. Tehran ​responded by firing on Gulf neighbours that host U.S. bases and all but choked off the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for oil and gas.

The latest U.S. strikes lasted around four hours before the ​U.S. Central Command posted just before 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT Wednesday) that they had ended. A U.S. official said almost 20 Iranian targets had been struck.

Iran’s state media reported that ⁠Qeshm island and the port city of Sirik in the Strait of Hormuz were attacked.

Sounds of explosions were heard in nearby Bandar Abbas, and later in the vicinity of Jask, near the entrance to the strait, Iranian media reported, citing local ​sources and residents.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said in response they had targeted four sites at the U.S. al-Azraq base in Jordan using long-range missiles, Iranian media reported.

The Guards said the targets included F-35 fighter jet hangars and a command-and-control centre, and ​warned they were ready to deliver a “crushing and decisive” response to any further U.S. attack.

Jordanian armed forces said on Wednesday they had intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran toward al-Azraq. The military added that debris from the interception operation fell on Jordanian territory but caused no injuries or material damage.

The Kuwaiti army said its air defence systems were engaging hostile aerial targets and urged the public to follow official safety instructions, after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait with drones.

Iran’s Revolutionary ​Guards said earlier they attacked the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain with drones and threatened “more severe responses” if hostilities continued, according to media.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said a warning siren had been sounded and urged the public to head to safety. ​Air defences had repelled Iranian attacks, a media adviser to Bahrain’s king said soon after in a post on X.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said initial assessments showed nearly all missiles and drones launched by Iran were intercepted and they ‌were not immediately ⁠aware of any reports of harm to U.S. personnel or damage to U.S. locations.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters could not immediately verify the battlefield reports.

Oil prices climbed about 1% in early Asian trade on Wednesday following the escalation in hostilities.

NOT A BIG DEAL?

On Tuesday, a U.S. Apache helicopter was brought down by a one-way Iranian attack drone, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Two U.S. pilots involved in the helicopter incident were uninjured, Trump said.

Iran’s state media cited a military source as saying that no offensive air military operations had been conducted in the Strait of Hormuz in the previous 24 hours.

A U.S. Navy surface drone found and rescued the two ​crew, the U.S. military said, after the U.S. Army attack ​helicopter went down in waters near Oman’s coast while ⁠on patrol at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday (2300 GMT on Monday).

The U.S. military’s Central Command gave no reason for the crash. It said the two crew were rescued after two hours and said they were in stable condition – a more cautious assessment than Trump’s description.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi did not directly address the helicopter incident, but said in a ​post on X that foreign forces in the region risked being involved in accidents or crossfire.

“To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave,” he wrote.

Trump told ​The Wall Street Journal during a ⁠phone call on Tuesday that the helicopter incident “wasn’t a big deal” and stressed that “the pilot is fine.”

However, the episode could well add further strain to efforts to broker a peace deal to end the wider Middle East war and reopen Hormuz.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran and the United States are close to an agreement, though there have been few signs of progress since a tenuous ceasefire took effect in early April.

Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon has continued, and Tehran has maintained its ⁠restrictions on most ​shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which before the war carried a fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Washington has ​imposed its own blockade of Iranian ports.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Tuesday that ship traffic through Hormuz is rising “very meaningfully,” but added it would take many months to get back to normal flows of energy once the war is over.

Trump has said any peace deal must ensure ​Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon. Iran denies any such ambitions.

Iran’s demands include the lifting of international sanctions, the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets and recognition of its control of the strait.

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During his meeting with Grieco at ACCI headquarters, Hashemi emphasized the importance of strengthening economic and commercial ties between the private sectors of Afghanistan and the United States. He called for greater cooperation to connect Afghan businesses with American companies and investors, including Afghan-Americans, and highlighted opportunities for increasing Afghan exports to the U.S. market.

Hashemi also stressed the need for direct engagement between companies, traders, and investors from both countries, as well as cooperation in technology transfer, management expertise, and support for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises. He further called for efforts to facilitate the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets, describing them as belonging to the Afghan people.

Grieco reaffirmed the Afghanistan-American Joint Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to working closely with ACCI and noted that several American companies have expressed interest in investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector. He also invited Hashemi to meet a large delegation of American traders and investors expected to attend an upcoming economic event in Uzbekistan, where Afghanistan’s investment opportunities could be presented.

In a separate meeting, Hashemi met with Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov and discussed ways to strengthen trade and investment relations between Afghanistan and Russia. The discussions focused on expanding commercial ties, exchanging trade delegations, attracting joint investments, and creating stronger links between the private sectors of the two countries.

Hashemi called for the deployment of Russian specialists to assist Afghanistan’s private sector and support the transfer of technical knowledge and industrial expertise. He also proposed enhancing cooperation between the chambers of commerce of both countries and exchanging lists of active traders, investors, and companies to develop practical market-driven initiatives for economic cooperation.

For his part, Ambassador Zhirnov said trade between Afghanistan and Russia had shown positive growth over the past year but remained below its full potential. He stressed the need for greater efforts to increase bilateral trade and promote practical economic cooperation.

The Russian envoy also pledged to support ACCI’s efforts at international conferences and forums by promoting Afghanistan’s investment opportunities and major economic projects to Russian businesses and investors. He emphasized that stronger ties between the private sectors of the two countries would play a key role in expanding broader economic relations between Afghanistan and Russia.

The meetings reflect ACCI’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment, expand international trade partnerships, and strengthen Afghanistan’s economic engagement with both regional and global partners.

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