Iran and the United States held indirect diplomatic talks in Muscat, Oman, on February 6 aimed at reducing fears of a renewed regional conflict, especially after last year’s war and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The negotiations, mediated by Oman’s foreign minister, focused mainly on Iran’s nuclear programme and were described by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as a “good start,” though both sides acknowledged deep mistrust. Washington wants broader discussions including Iran’s missiles and regional influence, while Iran insists talks remain nuclear-focused. No breakthrough was announced, but both sides agreed to consult their capitals before possible further talks. (PC: AP)

The Dalai Lama's name appeared 169 times in recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, according to the US Department of Justice. The DOJ released over 3 million documents, including 2,000 videos and 180,000 photos exposing Epstein's connections to influential figures including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk. Emails from October 2012 suggest the spiritual leader was tipped to attend a function with Epstein. Journalist Michael Wolff claimed he saw the Dalai Lama at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse during gatherings, suggesting financial motivations for seeking philanthropic donations. The Dalai Lama's office did not respond to inquiries regarding donations or connections to Epstein. European outlet Nexta TV suggested Dalai Lama followers may have met Epstein. (PC: Times Now)

A suicide bomber killed at least 69 people and injured 169 at Tarlai Imambargah, a Shia shrine in Islamabad's Shehzad Town area. The attacker detonated explosives at the main gate during afternoon hours after alert guards prevented entry into the main worship hall. Video footage showed severe damage to the gate structure, shattered windows in nearby buildings, debris across roads, and dismembered bodies. Islamabad's Inspector General declared a citywide emergency as victims were transported to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic Hospital. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing "deep grief." This marks Islamabad's second major suicide bombing in three months, following November's court complex attack that killed twelve.

The United States imposed fresh sanctions on Iran's oil exports Friday, targeting 14 shadow fleet vessels including an India-flagged tanker, moments after indirect talks in Oman concluded. The State Department blocked transactions with vessels from Turkey, India, and UAE transporting Iranian oil. Indian entity Elevate Marine Management and director Akash Anant Shinde were sanctioned for managing a Cameroon-flagged tanker that transported Iranian petroleum products. The sanctions came as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called talks a "good start," while US Secretary Marco Rubio demanded discussions include Iran's ballistic missiles and regional proxies. The talks aimed to create conditions for diplomatic negotiations amid tensions following Iran's brutal protest crackdown. (PC: X)

Three African nations Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to accept deportations of UK migrants lacking legal residency after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood threatened visa restrictions. The DRC complied after Britain stripped VIPs of preferential visa treatment and revoked fast-track visas for DRC nationals. Over 3,000 nationals from these countries could face removal under the agreements. Labour has removed 58,500 foreign criminals and illegal migrants since 2024. Simultaneously, Mahmood proposed sweeping settlement changes including 10-year waits for indefinite leave, 15 years for care workers, and 20 years for refugees, applied retroactively. Labour backbenchers criticized the April proposals as "un-British" and a "breach of trust." (PC: MSN)

Senior US and Iranian officials are holding indirect talks in Oman amid fears of military confrontation following Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government protests that killed at least 6,883 people and arrested over 50,000. The discussions, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, aim to establish a framework for negotiations. The US demands Iran freeze its nuclear programme and discard 400kg of enriched uranium, while Iran insists talks focus solely on nuclear issues. President Trump has threatened military action, deploying an "armada" to the region. Iran's weakened regime faces potential US strikes unless successful negotiations occur. Both sides remain far apart despite mutual interest in avoiding conflict. (PC: BBC)

Violent clashes erupted outside Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' Dhaka residence as government employees demanding implementation of the Ninth National Pay Scale confronted police. The unrest occurred six days before general elections meant to restore elected governance since August 2024's violence that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. Protesters marched from Shaheed Minar to Jamuna chanting "there is no rice in the stomach," accusing authorities of ignoring livelihood concerns. Police deployed water cannons, tear gas, sound grenades, and lathi charges, injuring several demonstrators. A deputy commissioner questioned protesters about election sabotage, prompting threats to boycott voting. Heavy security remained deployed around Shahbagh and Jamuna as tensions persisted.

A suicide bombing at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad's Shehzad Town killed at least 31 people and injured 169 during Friday prayers. The explosion at Tarlai Imambargah scattered severed limbs across the prayer area as desperate families searched for loved ones. Emergency services rapidly transported victims to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic hospitals, which declared emergencies. The attack coincides with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's state visit and follows recent deadly clashes between Pakistani forces and the Balochistan Liberation Army. This marks Islamabad's second major bombing in six months, after November's court complex suicide attack killed 12. Videos showed security personnel cordoning off the site as forensic teams and medical staff flooded the area.

A new white paper released in London says the Indian diaspora has played a major role in building modern Britain, from post-war recovery to today’s digital economy. The report was launched by Here & Now 365 founder Manish Tiwari with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It maps four waves of Indian migration to the UK since Independence, covering labour, business, public services, and technology sectors. The study says Indian-born professionals now make up about 15% of the UK’s technology workforce. It adds that Britain’s tech industry ranks second globally after the US and China, with strong Indian participation. Manish Tiwari said, “Indian migrants helped rebuild Britain after the war, powered its digital revolution, and strengthened its health and care systems in times of crisis.” Aston University noted the diaspora “supports public services and powers innovation” while strengthening UK–India economic links.  

At least 31 people were killed and 169 injured in a suicide bombing at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad on Friday. The blast took place at Tarlai Imambargah in the Shehzad Town area while worshippers were offering Friday prayers. Police said early findings point to a suicide attacker. One officer told Reuters, “We have shifted several people to hospitals. I can’t say how many are dead at this moment, but yes people have died.” Emergency services reached the site soon after the explosion. An emergency was declared at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. The wounded were moved to PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals for treatment. (PC: X)