Iran denies ceasefire agreement with Israel, warns response will stop only if attacks cease
Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday dismissed reports of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, stating that no such deal currently exists between the two countries.
In a statement posted on social media, Araghchi said, “As of now, there is NO 'agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” directly contradicting an earlier announcement by the US President, who had claimed that a ceasefire was expected to begin around 0400 GMT.
However, Araghchi indicated that Iran would halt its retaliatory operations if Israel ended its military actions. “If the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards,” he said.
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Nagaland bypoll: Nearly 20 pc voter turnout recorded in Koridang seat in first two hours
Kohima (PTI): Nearly 20 per cent of 22,382 electors exercised their franchise in Nagaland's Koridang Assembly bypoll in the first two hours of polling on Thursday, officials said.
The voting that commenced at 7 am across all 30 polling stations has so far been peaceful, they said.
The polling will continue till 4 pm.
Security has been significantly tightened across the constituency following violence on April 5 and 6, in which one person died, and several vehicles were damaged.
The byelection was necessitated by the demise of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen in November last year.
A total of 22,382 electors, including 11,071 women, are eligible to decide the fate of six candidates in the fray.
The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has fielded BJP nominee Daochier I. Imchen, while the Congress candidate is T. Chalukumba Ao. The National People’s Party (NPP) has nominated I. Abenjang, while the Independent candidates are Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Toshikaba.
Of the 30 polling stations, 13 have been categorised as vulnerable and 17 as critical, prompting deployment of additional security personnel and intensified surveillance measures. Two polling stations have been designated as all-women booths.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
