Odisha News Today

Washington, Aug 27: US President Donald Trump suggested momentum was shifting in the conflict, predicting an end “fairly soon.” He claimed Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was “very seriously wounded” yet continued to survive despite his condition. “I don't think he's dead. He was very seriously wounded,” Trump told conservative broadcaster Glenn Beck. He elaborated: “The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing, he was very seriously wounded. But I don't think he's dead.” Trump provided no evidence to support his assertions about Khamenei’s condition, noting only that Iranian officials continued to reference consultations with the supreme leader. “And if he is, they're putting on a pretty good show because they talk about, you know, going back to talk to him all the time, you know, to get a final blessing on things,” he said. Also read: Donald Trump Calls Canada “Most Difficult”, Says it “Can’t Survive” without US as Trade War Escalates The President also claimed that US forces had destroyed 22 boats overnight as part of operations linked to the blockade. “We took out 22 boats last night. We have people coming in the blockade. Our Navy has been unbelievable. Our military has been unbelievable, the combination,” Trump said. He predicted the campaign would soon deliver what he described as a decisive outcome. “We had the victory in Venezuela, and we're going to have a big victory here very soon,” he declared. Asked why Iranians had not risen against their government, Trump argued that protesters faced armed repression. “And it's very hard to protest when you have people that are willing to shoot you and kill you. And that's why they're not protesting,” he said. Trump insisted Iran had been severely weakened, claiming its navy and air force were destroyed, soldiers were unpaid, and inflation had surged. “There is a chance, because they have become very much weakened,” he said. “You know, their Navy is, as you know, totally gone. Their air force is totally gone.” He further asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remained functional despite attacks. “The mines are gone. You probably saw that; we put it out yesterday, all the mines. We got rid of the mines. But the strait, it's functioning; it's a functioning strait,” Trump said. “A lot of oil is pouring out, 10 million gallons — 10 million barrels yesterday.” Trump emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was the central objective. “We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” he said. “That's what it's all about. It's 99.9 per cent. We cannot let them, because they are crazy and they will use it.” He acknowledged the campaign had affected energy prices but predicted relief. “And we did, and the prices are coming down very rapidly,” Trump said, reiterating that US action against Iran “will be ending fairly soon.” He also defended his earlier decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. (IANS)

Kathmandu, Aug 27: A devastating flash flood has swept through three districts of Nepal, leaving at least 157 people dead and hundreds more unaccounted for, according to local media. The process of identifying victims is still ongoing as rescue teams struggle against the scale of destruction. The disaster was triggered when an avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhote Koshi, unleashing a torrent that first hit Timure near Rasuwagadhi on the Nepal ‑ China border. “ As no rainfall was reported in the area, residents had no warning of the disaster and were going about their daily routines when the flood struck,” The Kathmandu Post reported. Also read: Floodwaters Recede in Odisha, Baitarani and Salandi Rivers Flow Below Danger Mark Authorities confirmed that 391 tourists and 44 security personnel are missing. The Nepali government said 44 Nepal Army personnel, 28 police personnel, and 13 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel deployed in the affected areas remain out of contact. The flood has swept away nine hydropower projects, several commercial banks, 19 motorable bridges, and dozens of public and private properties, causing extensive damage in Rasuwa district and beyond. Government offices, security installations, and critical infrastructure along the Nepal ‑ China border have been severely affected. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that security agencies and concerned bodies were “immediately mobilised for search, rescue and relief operations.” At around 9 a.m., authorities placed riverbank areas on high alert, urging residents to stay in safe locations and avoid going near the river. Meanwhile, India has extended 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Nepal. India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, formally handed over the aid consignment to Nepal’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel. The relief includes essential materials to support flood ‑ hit communities. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India stands firmly with Nepal and remains committed to extending all possible support.” (IANS)