World


Trump claims some of 20 hostages in Hamas custody ‘may have died recently’

Washington, Sept 6 (UNI) US President Donald Trump has claimed that some of the 20 hostages held by Hamas fighters “may have recently died,” as the Israeli military issued a call of evacuation for residents, ahead of its military campaign in the war-torn enclave, with the capture of Gaza City being the objective.
In a Friday briefing to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump, when asked about the situation in Gaza, and Israel’s ongoing fight with Hamas terrorists said “It’s 20 people but I think of the 20, there could be some that have recently died is what I’m hearing. I hope that’s wrong.
“We know that at least 30 people are dead, and we are negotiating to get them out,” he added.
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Conflicting claims over Strait of Hormuz as Iran says transit ‘not possible’, US says waterway open

12 Jul 2026 | 7:13 PM

Tehran, July 12 (UNI) Conflicting statements have emerged over the status of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran and the United States issuing opposing claims over whether vessels can continue passing through the strategic waterway.

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US Embassy in Oman issues ‘Shelter-in-Place’ advisory for Duqm and Musandam

12 Jul 2026 | 7:00 PM

Muscat, July 12(UNI) The US Embassy in Oman has issued a “shelter in place” advisory for the city of Duqm and the governorate of Musandam following recent activity in the region.

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Iran launches missile and drone strikes on US bases in Gulf, warns of 'harsher retaliation'

12 Jul 2026 | 6:49 PM

Tehran, July 12 (UNI) Iran's Armed Forces have launched coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting US military facilities in several regional locations, including Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, following renewed American attacks on southern Iran, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said. The Iranian Army warned that any further US action would trigger 'harsher retaliation'.

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Oman proposes two-route plan to manage Shipping Traffic through Strait of Hormuz

12 Jul 2026 | 5:10 PM

Muscat, July 12 (UNI) Oman has proposed a plan to regulate maritime traffic without tolls through the Strait of Hormuz by establishing two separate shipping corridors as efforts continue to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the strategic waterway.

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US warns Cuba of further action, calls for political reforms five years after 2021 protests

12 Jul 2026 | 4:52 PM

Havana, July 12 (UNI) The United States renewed its criticism of Cuba's communist government, calling for the release of political prisoners and urging Havana to undertake political and economic reforms, five years after nationwide protests demanding greater freedoms and improved living conditions. .

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