Trump Says Only His ‘Own Mind’ Limits Him, Questions International Law, NATO, Greenland, and China-Taiwan Tensions

trump with Cnn

In a striking interview with Donald Trump, the US President made bold remarks about international law, global power, NATO, Greenland, and rising tensions between China and Taiwan. Speaking to The New York Times, Trump suggested that his personal judgement, not global rules, is what truly limits his actions.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

His comments have sparked strong reactions worldwide, as they touch on some of the most sensitive global issues.


“Only My Own Mind Can Stop Me”

When asked if there were any limits to his global power, Trump gave an unusually direct answer. He said the only thing that can stop him is his own morality and mindset. According to him, international law is not something that controls his decisions.

At the same time, Trump added that he is “not looking to hurt people,” suggesting he sees himself as acting responsibly, even without strict legal limits.

When pressed on whether the US must follow international law, Trump replied that it depends on how one defines it — making it clear that he personally decides when such rules apply.


Trump on China and Taiwan: “He Won’t Do It While I’m President”

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Trump also spoke about tensions between China and Taiwan. When told that Chinese President Xi Jinping sees Taiwan as a separatist issue, Trump said the decision was Xi’s alone.

However, he claimed he had clearly warned Xi that he would be “very unhappy” if China took military action. Trump said he believes China will not move against Taiwan while he remains in office, though he suggested it could happen under a future US president.


NATO or Greenland? Trump Says “It May Be a Choice”

One of the most surprising moments came when Trump was asked to choose between protecting NATO and obtaining Greenland. He avoided a direct answer but admitted it could become a real choice.

Trump stressed that “ownership is very important.” He argued that owning territory gives power and advantages that agreements or treaties cannot. According to him, ownership is “psychologically needed for success.”

China

These comments have revived global debate over his long-standing interest in Greenland.


Europe, NATO, and Russia

Talking about Europe, Trump said he expects strong relations to continue, but added that European countries must “shape up” on defence spending. He claimed credit for pushing NATO members to spend more of their GDP on defence.

Trump also stated that Russia is mainly concerned with the US, not Europe. He went as far as saying that without his leadership, Russia would have taken all of Ukraine by now — a claim that has drawn criticism from analysts.


JD Vance Warns Europe Over Greenland

Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance also spoke on Greenland, urging European leaders to take Trump seriously. Vance said hostile powers are showing interest in the Arctic region, making Greenland vital for US and global missile defence.

He warned that if Europe does not take its own security seriously, the US may be forced to act on its own.


Why These Comments Matter

Trump’s remarks reflect a strong belief in personal authority over global rules. Supporters see this as decisive leadership, while critics warn it risks undermining international cooperation.

With growing tensions involving NATO, China, Taiwan, and Europe, Trump’s words offer a clear message: under his leadership, power, ownership, and personal judgement come first — even above long-standing global norms.

As the world watches closely, these statements may shape global diplomacy in the years ahead.

Hamas and Lashkar leaders meet in Pakistan, raising regional security concerns

Hamas and Lashkar

Senior figures from Hamas and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) recently held a high-profile meeting in Pakistan, a development analysts say points to a growing operational and ideological connection between the two militant organisations. The details were first reported by NDTV.

The meeting took place in Gujranwala, where senior Hamas commander Naji Zaheer was seen sharing a stage with LeT commander Rashid Ali Sandhu. The event was organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), which is widely viewed as a political front linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Video clips circulating on social media appear to show Zaheer and Sandhu standing together on stage, with Zaheer attending as the chief guest. Observers say the visuals underline the increasingly open nature of contacts between Hamas-linked figures and Pakistan-based militant networks.

Officials and analysts note that this was not an isolated appearance. Zaheer has reportedly travelled to Pakistan several times in recent years, meeting Islamist and militant groups across different cities.

In February 2025, he is said to have visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where he addressed an anti-India rally alongside commanders from Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. His engagements in Pakistan reportedly date back to at least 2023, when he attended events in Karachi and Islamabad, including media interactions and receptions hosted by Islamist organisations.

Security experts say these repeated visits and public interactions suggest a deliberate effort to build links between Hamas and like-minded militant groups operating from Pakistan. They also point to the growing visibility of Hamas-affiliated figures within the country.

The meeting comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in South Asia, with ongoing concerns about cross-border militancy. Indian and international security agencies have long tracked links between Pakistan-based militant outfits and global jihadist movements, and the latest developments are expected to raise fresh alarms in New Delhi and other capitals.

Pakistan has consistently denied providing shelter or support to terrorist organisations. However, analysts say such public gatherings undermine those claims.

While Islamabad has not officially commented on the Gujranwala meeting, observers warn that closer ties between Hamas and Pakistan-linked groups could further complicate regional security, particularly if cooperation extends to shared planning, resources or coordinated actions.

At Least 40 Killed in US Strike on Venezuela as Maduro and Wife Captured

40 Killed in US Strike

At least 40 people, including military personnel and civilians, were killed in a US strike on Venezuela early Saturday, The New York Times reported, citing a senior Venezuelan official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

According to the report, Washington carried out a “large-scale strike against Venezuela”, during which President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the country.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Earlier, US President Donald Trump told Fox News that the operation caused only a few injuries and no fatalities on the US side. He described the mission as highly complex and praised the professionalism of the American armed forces.

“It was amazing to see the professionalism, the quality of leadership. To have a few injuries, but no deaths on our side, is really amazing,” Trump said.

He added that the operation involved detailed coordination, including the use of aircraft, helicopters and fighter jets, calling it an extremely complex manoeuvre. Trump said US forces managed to enter areas that were previously considered difficult to access.

Trump also said the United States wanted liberty for the people of Venezuela.

Later, speaking at a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said the US would run Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition”.

He said the operation was aimed at bringing what he described as “outlaw dictator Nicolas Maduro to justice”.

“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition. We want peace, justice and liberty for the great people of Venezuela,” Trump said, adding that the US would not allow another leadership to take over without the interests of Venezuelans in mind.

Maduro and Flores were reportedly captured in Caracas in a joint operation involving US intelligence agencies and law enforcement, and later flown out of the country.

Trump said both have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges linked to alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies, and will face trial.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Calls Maduro’s Capture an Act of War, Warns of Legal and Human Impact

Zohran Mamdani

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly criticised the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, calling it an “act of war” and a serious breach of international law.

Speaking on Saturday, Mayor Mamdani said he was briefed earlier in the day about a US military operation that led to Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores being taken into custody. According to him, they are expected to be held in federal detention in New York City.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In a post on X, Mamdani said that launching a military operation against a sovereign country without global approval violates both US federal law and international law. He warned that such actions are not just a foreign policy issue but have direct consequences at home.

“This kind of move does not only affect people abroad,” Mamdani said. “It also impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who live in this city.” He added that his main concern is the safety of all residents and that his administration will keep watching developments closely and share guidance if needed.

According to official statements, Maduro and Flores were captured in Caracas and flown out of Venezuela during a joint operation involving US intelligence agencies and law enforcement.

Former US President Donald Trump said the couple has already been charged in the Southern District of New York. He claimed the charges include alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies.

Trump praised the operation, saying the US military successfully neutralised Venezuela’s defence capabilities during the night-time raid. He described the mission as dangerous but effective, adding that both Maduro and Flores are now facing what he called “American justice”.

He further said that the two will soon stand trial on US soil. Authorities are expected to decide later whether the trial will take place in New York or Florida.

The development has sparked strong reactions, raising questions about international law, sovereignty, and the wider impact on immigrant communities living in the United States.

Iran Issues Chilling Warning to Trump and Israel as Protests Turn Deadly

Iran Protest

Iranian officials on Friday strongly criticised US President Donald Trump and Israel’s Foreign Ministry for their statements on the ongoing protests in Iran. They warned that any foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs would receive a “regrettable response”.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Ali Shamkhani, political adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a member of the Defence Council, said Iran’s national security is a “red line” and cannot be influenced by what he called “adventurous tweets”.

In a post on X, Shamkhani criticised Trump’s warning about “rescuing” Iranian protesters. He said Iranians are well aware of what American “rescue missions” have meant in the past, referring to US actions in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. He warned that any attempt to interfere with Iran’s security would be stopped before it begins.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, also accused the US and Israel of encouraging instability through their statements. He said Iran can clearly tell the difference between peaceful protesting shopkeepers and what he described as “disruptive actors”.

Larijani warned that US involvement would have serious consequences for the entire region and could damage American interests. He said the American public should be aware of the risks, including the safety of US soldiers.

These reactions followed a post by Donald Trump on Truth Social, where he warned Tehran against using force on protesters. He said the US was “locked and loaded” to respond if violence was used against what he called peaceful demonstrators.

Israel also voiced strong support for the protesters. In posts written in Farsi, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that Iranians were protesting against a government that, according to Israel, spent money on groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis instead of helping its own economy.

Meanwhile, clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported in several Iranian provinces. According to Iranian media, protesters threw stones, set vehicles on fire, and damaged public buildings. Authorities claimed that some armed individuals took advantage of the unrest and said weapons were later seized, though no evidence was shown.

At least two deaths were reported in Lordegan county, while earlier a member of Iran’s Basij force was killed in Lorestan province during protests linked to rising prices and economic hardship after Iran’s currency hit record lows.

The current unrest is described as the biggest since the nationwide protests of 2022, which began after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.

Truth Behind Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Chief Shafiqur Rahman’s Meeting With Indian Diplomats ?

Shafiqur Rahman

Rahman issued the clarification after some Bangladeshi media reports referred to a Reuters interview. In that interview, he appeared to say that a meeting with an Indian diplomat was kept quiet at the diplomat’s request. This led to speculation about hidden political talks during a sensitive phase in Bangladesh’s foreign relations.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Rahman explained that he met two Indian diplomats around the middle of last year. This happened shortly after he returned to Bangladesh following medical treatment abroad. He said the meetings took place at the request of the Indian side.

Rahman wrote in Bengali that his party normally makes such diplomatic meetings public. However, he said the Indian diplomats asked for discretion, and Jamaat-e-Islami agreed. “There is nothing secret about it,” he said.

The issue gained more attention because it came at the same time as Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka.

In the Reuters interview, Rahman spoke about Jamaat-e-Islami’s foreign policy views. He stressed the need for balanced and respectful relations with all countries. He also expressed concern about strained ties between India and Bangladesh after the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Rahman said her continued stay in India remains a major obstacle to rebuilding trust between the two countries.

“We must remain open to everyone. There is no alternative to improving mutual relations,” Rahman said. He added that political leaders in Bangladesh regularly meet diplomats from different countries.

Speaking about Pakistan, Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami does not want to be too close to any single country. Instead, the party prefers practical and respectful relations with all nations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not released any official statement on the matter. However, a senior Indian government source told Reuters that India keeps in touch with several political parties in Bangladesh as part of normal diplomatic practice.

The controversy surfaced on the same day Jaishankar visited Dhaka to pay respects to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died on December 30, 2025. During the visit, Jaishankar also met her son Tarique Rahman, seen as a possible future prime minister, and delivered a condolence message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

China Claims It Helped Ease India–Pakistan Tensions After Operation Sindoor, India Rejects Third-Party Mediation

China

After repeated claims by former US President Donald Trump that Washington stopped a possible war between India and Pakistan, China has now made a similar claim.

China said it helped reduce tensions between India and Pakistan after their military clashes earlier this year.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing had played a mediating role in several international conflicts. His remarks were later shared by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on X.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Wang Yi said that China aims to build lasting peace by taking what it calls an “objective and fair position” and by addressing both immediate problems and their deeper causes.

China Promises

He claimed that under this approach, China had mediated in several situations, including conflicts in northern Myanmar, the Iranian nuclear issue, tensions between India and Pakistan, issues between Palestine and Israel, and the recent conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

China’s statement comes months after India and Pakistan were involved in a short but intense military confrontation in May. The crisis began after a terror attack in the Pahalgam valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India has consistently rejected claims of any third-party mediation. New Delhi has stated that the four-day confrontation ended through direct communication between the two countries’ militaries.

According to India, after suffering heavy damage, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted the Indian DGMO. Both sides then agreed to stop all firing and military actions on land, air, and sea from May 10.

China’s latest claim has renewed attention on its role during the crisis, especially because of its close defence relationship with Pakistan. China is Pakistan’s largest supplier of military equipment.

Earlier, in November, a report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission accused China of running a disinformation campaign after Operation Sindoor. The report claimed that fake social media accounts were used to spread AI-generated images of false aircraft wreckage. These images were allegedly meant to harm sales of France’s Rafale fighter jets while promoting China’s own J-35 aircraft.

On the diplomatic front, China had called for restraint on the very first day of Operation Sindoor. At the same time, it expressed concern over India’s military action.

“China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on May 7.

India, however, continues to maintain that the situation was handled bilaterally and did not involve any external mediation.

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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Dies at 80 After Long Illness

Khaleda Zia

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early on Tuesday while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital, her party confirmed.

She was 80 years old. According to the BNP, Khaleda Zia died at around 6:00am local time, shortly after the Fajr prayer. The party shared the news through posts on its verified Facebook page.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The BNP said, “Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00am, just after Fajr prayer. We pray for the eternal peace of her soul and request everyone to pray for her.”

Khaleda Zia had been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on November 23 after suffering from a lung infection. She had been dealing with several long-term health problems for many years, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis and kidney complications.

Earlier this month, she was taken to London for advanced medical treatment due to her worsening health conditions.

Her death comes at an important political time for Bangladesh. The country is preparing for national elections scheduled for February 2026. Political tensions have been high since last year’s July Uprising.

The passing of the former prime minister also comes soon after the return of her son, BNP leader Tarique Rahman, to Bangladesh after many years in exile. Tarique Rahman had left the country after his arrest in 2007–08 and later moved to London following his release.

After the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government last year, Tarique Rahman was cleared of several cases filed during the Awami League period. This cleared the way for his return to Bangladesh.

Tarique Rahman arrived in the country last week and was welcomed by a large crowd of party leaders and supporters near the airport. The event was seen as a major political moment ahead of the upcoming elections. After returning, he also visited his mother at Evercare Hospital.

Details about Khaleda Zia’s funeral arrangements and official programmes are expected to be announced soon.

Al-Tilmeez: A Pioneering Arabic Literary Journal from Jammu and Kashmir

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Hamas Confirms Death of Abu Obeida, Introduces New Spokesman for Al-Qassam Brigades

Abu Obeida

Hamas’s military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, on Monday introduced a new spokesperson and officially confirmed the death of its long-time spokesman in an Israeli air strike on Gaza City in August.

In a pre-recorded video message aired on Arab media, the new spokesman revealed for the first time that the previous spokesman, widely known by the nom de guerre Abu Obeida, was actually Huthaifa Samir al-Kahlout. Hamas had never publicly confirmed his real identity during his lifetime.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The new spokesperson, whose real identity has not been disclosed, said he will continue using the same nom de guerre, Abu Obeida.

A Figure Hidden for Two Decades

Kahlout served as the spokesman of the al-Qassam Brigades for more than 20 years, always appearing with his face covered by a red keffiyeh. Because of this, he became known across the Arab world as “the masked one”.

This announcement marked the first official confirmation of his identity, which had remained secret despite his high-profile role as head of the group’s military media unit.

“We mourn the great leader Huthaifa Samir al-Kahlout, Abu Ibrahim, who spent two decades frustrating the enemy and strengthening the morale of believers,” the new Abu Obeida said. He described him as “the thunderous voice of the nation” who stood with his people in their darkest times.

Other Senior Leaders Also Confirmed Dead

The new spokesperson also confirmed that Mohammed al-Sinwar, a former commander of the al-Qassam Brigades, was killed by Israeli forces in May. He further said that other senior military leaders, including Raed Saad, were also killed earlier this month.

Hamas

Rise to Prominence

Abu Obeida first appeared publicly in 2004 during an Israeli ground operation in northern Gaza. From that point on, he became the sole military spokesperson of the al-Qassam Brigades, delivering battlefield updates and statements through Hamas’s official media channels.

His profile grew further in 2006 when he announced the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, and again in 2014 when he declared the capture of another soldier, Shaul Aron, during the Gaza war.

He was also known for commenting on political and humanitarian issues. In October 2024, one of his speeches gained wide attention when he criticised Arab leaders for failing to send humanitarian aid to Gaza. A phrase he used in that speech later became a popular slogan across the Arab world and on social media.

Background and Legacy

Very little was known about Kahlout’s personal life. In a rare interview in 2005, he said his family had been displaced during the 1948 Nakba and resettled in a refugee camp in Gaza. He suggested at the time that he was in his early twenties, indicating he was likely born in the mid-1980s.

Sources within Hamas said that only a small number of people knew his true identity before his death. Israel reportedly attempted to assassinate him several times over the past two decades.

In April 2024, the United States Treasury Department imposed sanctions on him, accusing him of leading Hamas’s “information warfare” and cyber influence operations.

With the confirmation of his death, Abu Obeida remains one of the most recognisable and influential figures associated with Hamas’s military wing, whose image and voice left a lasting mark across the Arabic-speaking world.

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Tarique Rahman Thanks Nation on Return After 17 Years, Calls for Unity and Democratic Future

Tarique Rahman

Last Thursday became one of the most emotional days of my life—the day I returned to the soil of my homeland after 17 long years. The warmth of your welcome, the sea of people lining the streets of Dhaka, and the prayers of millions will forever remain etched in my heart.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

I offer my deepest gratitude to everyone. Words are not enough to express the love, respect, and dignity that my family and I felt during this homecoming. To our supporters who stood firm through every hardship and never lost hope—your courage and resilience continue to inspire me.

I sincerely thank members of civil society, the youth, professionals, farmers, workers, and citizens from all walks of life. You have once again reminded us that the true strength of Bangladesh lies in its people—especially when they stand united.

I am also grateful to the media for covering this historic moment with responsibility and professionalism, and to all those who ensured peace, safety, and calm during my return. Your service to the nation is deeply valued.

My appreciation also extends to leaders of other political parties and movements who welcomed my return. I respect their thoughtful reflections that highlighted democracy, multiparty coexistence, and the enduring will of the people. I am thankful for the hope expressed for a peaceful, democratic political culture and for calls to move beyond politics rooted in vengeance. I receive these sentiments with humility.

When I addressed the nation, I spoke not merely of a dream, but of a clear plan for Bangladesh’s future—a future where peace and dignity flourish, where every community feels safe and respected, and where every child grows with hope and opportunity.

This vision is for all Bangladeshis.
A united Bangladesh.
An inclusive Bangladesh.
A Bangladesh that moves forward—together.

Thank you for welcoming me home.
May Allah bless Bangladesh and all of you, now and always.

Al-Tilmeez: A Pioneering Arabic Literary Journal from Jammu and Kashmir

Professor Mufti Abdul Ghani Azhari: Scholar, Sufi, Historian, and Social Reformer of Kashmir

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