Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has warned that the world is witnessing the “weaponisation of everything,” with finance, market access, supply chains and technology increasingly being used as tools of pressure. Addressing the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, Jaishankar said growing conflicts and confrontations were undermining international security, economic progress and development, particularly affecting countries in the Global South.

“What we are actually seeing is a weaponisation of everything,” Jaishankar said, referring to the growing use of economic and technological tools as leverage. He said a mindset of extreme competition was undermining institutions and creating new chokepoints in global trade and cooperation.

According to Jaishankar, the trend extends from finance and market access to supply chains and technology. He said countries were increasingly focused on reducing risks and diversifying their economic relationships, but warned that the overall atmosphere was becoming less conducive to trust and goodwill.

Concerns Over Global Conflicts

Jaishankar also addressed ongoing conflicts in the Gulf, Ukraine and West Asia. He called for restraint, de-escalation and the protection of civilians, while stressing the importance of maintaining the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce. He particularly condemned attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in international waterways, saying the loss of Indian and other nationals in such attacks was “simply unacceptable.”

India has also launched a Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, with 23 other partners, aimed at strengthening international attention to maritime safety. On Ukraine, Jaishankar said India supports efforts to bring the conflict to an end, while reiterating the importance of protecting food and energy supplies. Regarding West Asia, he said India supports a two-state solution as the basis for a durable and lasting peace and called for humanitarian assistance for Palestinians.

Warning Over Global South’s ‘4F Crisis’

Jaishankar said developing countries were facing what he described as a “4F crisis” involving food, fuel, fertiliser and finance. He warned that fertiliser shortages, disruptions to grain movements and other global pressures were increasing the challenges faced by developing nations. He also argued that restrictions on market access and non-market practices were making it harder for countries in the Global South to industrialise. Jaishankar further raised concerns about artificial intelligence, saying technology that was expected to create opportunities could also become a source of anxiety if misused.

Call for a More Representative Global Order

The Indian minister also called for reforms to international institutions, arguing that the global order established after World War II is facing new realities. He said the world is moving toward a more multipolar system and that countries should engage through dialogue and cooperation. He also argued that large sections of humanity should not be excluded from global decision-making.

Jaishankar’s address placed India’s concerns about terrorism, maritime security, economic pressures, technology and global governance within a broader call for greater stability and international cooperation.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Russia has backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov calling for greater representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America in the powerful UN body. Speaking during the general debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, Lavrov said Moscow supports the candidacies of both India and Brazil for permanent membership of the Security Council.

“We are in favour of broadening the representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We support Brazil’s and India’s candidatures for a permanent seat,” Lavrov said, according to reports of his UNGA address. Lavrov also said Russia opposed allocating additional permanent seats to Western countries, specifically mentioning Germany and Japan. He argued that any reform of the Security Council should preserve the prerogatives of its existing permanent members while increasing representation from the Global South.

The Security Council currently has 15 members, including five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — which hold veto power. The remaining 10 members are elected for two-year terms. India has for years sought a permanent seat on the Security Council as part of broader efforts to reform the UN’s principal body responsible for international peace and security. India has argued that the Council’s composition should better reflect contemporary geopolitical and economic realities.

Russia’s latest statement adds to recent international support for India’s bid. During the current UNGA session, Mauritius and Portugal also expressed support for India’s candidature, while other countries have called for broader reform of the Security Council. The issue of Security Council reform has gained renewed attention at the 81st UN General Assembly, where countries from the Global South have continued to call for greater representation in the UN’s decision-making institutions.

Russia’s position, however, distinguishes between the countries seeking permanent membership. While Moscow supports India and Brazil, Lavrov opposed additional permanent seats for Germany and Japan, according to reports of his speech. The debate over expansion of the Security Council remains subject to negotiations among UN member states, and Russia’s support for particular candidates does not itself change the Council’s membership.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home Sunday morning after concluding a five-day visit to New York, where he attended the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), delivered his maiden address to the General Debate and held a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings. An Emirates flight carrying the prime minister, his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and members of his entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:21 a.m., according to PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd.) AKM Shamsul Islam, Whip Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu, local MP SM Jahangir Hossain, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar received the prime minister at the airport.

Tarique Rahman left Dhaka on September 21 and reached New York the same day after a stopover in Istanbul. He departed New York on September 25 and travelled through Dubai before returning to Dhaka. During his four working days in New York, the prime minister took part in 30 engagements, including 11 bilateral meetings, eight UNGA-related engagements and 11 institutional meetings. The prime minister and members of his delegation collectively represented Bangladesh at around 80 engagements, according to BSS.

A major highlight of the visit was Tarique Rahman’s first address to the UNGA General Debate on September 24. In his speech, he outlined Bangladesh’s positions on global peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, economic cooperation and humanitarian issues, while calling for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation.

The prime minister held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Croatia, Haiti, Bhutan and Thailand. He also met the vice president of the Maldives, the crown prince of Kuwait, the UAE’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, the Saudi foreign minister and Sweden’s foreign minister. The discussions covered bilateral relations, trade and investment, economic cooperation, manpower exports, energy security, regional and international issues and other areas of mutual interest.

The Rohingya crisis was another major issue during the visit. Tarique Rahman called for stronger international support for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar and discussed the issue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih.

Climate change and the impact of rising sea levels also featured prominently in the prime minister’s engagements. He called for stronger global action to reduce emissions, greater access to climate finance and technology, and international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement and loss and damage. At a Bangladesh-Sweden-UNFPA high-level event on midwifery, Tarique Rahman outlined his government’s vision of a “Healthy Bangladesh,” with primary healthcare at the centre of health-sector reform. He said the government plans to recruit additional health workers and professional midwives while developing an integrated digital health system.

Economic diplomacy was also a significant part of the visit. At a breakfast meeting with Wall Street representatives hosted by JPMorgan Chase, the prime minister discussed Bangladesh’s economic prospects, investment opportunities and potential partnerships. During the visit, Biman Bangladesh Airlines also signed an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 11 aircraft as Bangladesh plans to expand its aviation sector and open new international routes.

Tarique Rahman also held meetings with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman, International Peace Institute President and CEO Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, among others. On September 22, Tarique Rahman and Dr. Zubaida Rahman attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for world leaders and their spouses before attending the opening of the UNGA General Debate. They later attended a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump for leaders participating in the General Assembly.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman also took part in several high-level engagements during the visit, including the UN General Assembly’s Platform of Women Leaders, the First Spouses’ Dialogue and a high-level event focusing on maternal and child health and midwifery. The New York visit marked Tarique Rahman’s first participation in the UN General Assembly as prime minister and included a broad programme of diplomatic, economic, humanitarian and multilateral engagements.

Washington DC — U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and ending fighting across the region, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal cited by Reuters.

Iran has been seeking an agreement that would reopen the strategically important waterway and establish a pause in the wider regional conflict. Tehran said the proposal was transmitted to the United States through Qatari mediators.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the plan would trigger a seven-day countdown to reopening the strait if Washington agreed to the terms. Tehran has also called for the lifting of U.S. restrictions affecting Iranian ports, the release of frozen Iranian funds and the removal of oil sanctions.

However, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had rejected the proposal. Reuters said it could not immediately independently confirm the report, and Iran was still awaiting an official U.S. response.

The uncertainty comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the international economic consequences of the conflict. The waterway is a critical route for global energy shipments, and prolonged disruption has contributed to concerns about oil supplies and shipping costs.

Iran has said it is prepared to discuss broader issues after hostilities are paused, but Tehran has ruled out concessions on several aspects of its nuclear program. The latest developments leave the diplomatic initiative in an uncertain position as Washington considers its response and regional tensions continue.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Iran has proposed a plan that could reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within seven days and pause fighting across the region, Iranian officials said during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the proposal was transmitted to the United States through Qatari mediators. Under the proposal, a seven-day countdown would begin once Washington agrees to the terms, potentially leading to the reopening of the strategic waterway and a halt to hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy-shipping routes, making its continued disruption a major concern for global oil markets and international trade.

Iran’s proposal reportedly calls for the United States to lift its blockade on Iranian ports, release frozen Iranian funds and waive oil sanctions. Tehran has also indicated that broader negotiations could follow once fighting is halted.

Iranian officials have said they are not prepared to make concessions on their nuclear program as part of the proposal. Tehran maintains that it retains rights related to uranium enrichment and has rejected demands that it surrender highly enriched uranium.

The initiative comes amid continuing military tensions across the Middle East. The disruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has added pressure to global energy markets and raised concerns about alternative shipping routes.

Iran has also discussed safe shipping arrangements in the strait with Saudi Arabia, according to Iranian officials. The United States has not formally accepted Iran’s proposal, leaving the status of the initiative uncertain.

Washington DC — The United States and China have agreed to a reciprocal tariff-reduction arrangement covering about $30 billion in trade, while also establishing a new dialogue on artificial intelligence, according to China’s Foreign Ministry and reporting by Reuters.

The agreement was reached during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States and his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two sides described the discussions as part of broader efforts to manage trade disputes and maintain communication between the world’s two largest economies.

Under the arrangement, the United States and China will reduce tariffs affecting certain goods, with the agreement reportedly covering about $30 billion in reciprocal trade. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer separately said Washington and Beijing had reached understandings concerning several categories of goods, including agricultural products, medical devices and consumer goods. Further details are expected to be released by U.S. officials.

The two countries also agreed to establish a new channel for discussions on artificial intelligence. The mechanism is intended to improve communication between Washington and Beijing over AI-related issues, including incidents that could have broader security implications. The AI component comes as both countries compete for technological leadership while attempting to manage concerns over the security implications of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.

The latest trade understanding follows years of escalating economic tensions between Washington and Beijing. Previous tariff measures had pushed duties on some goods to exceptionally high levels before the two sides moved toward a temporary reduction and broader negotiations. The new agreement does not resolve all U.S.-China trade disputes, but it creates additional areas for negotiation and communication between the two governments.

New York – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today left New York for home after winding up a five-day visit packed with high-level engagements, including his maiden address to the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly where he placed Bangladesh’s aspirations and priorities before the global community.

“An Emirates flight carrying the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and members of his entourage departed John F Kennedy International Airport at 11:30pm (New York time) for Dhaka via Dubai,” Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly told KHABOR.

The flight is scheduled to reach Dubai at 8:00pm on September 26 and depart for Dhaka at 2:00am on September 27. The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:40am the same day.

During the visit, he presented Bangladesh’s positions on global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, humanitarian issues, economic cooperation and the Rohingya crisis.

In his UNGA address on September 24, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for UN initiatives aimed at establishing global humanity and world peace, calling for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual cooperation.

He also pledged to establish a prosperous, self-reliant and welfare-oriented democratic Bangladesh by ensuring political and economic empowerment of the people and equal opportunities for all, while outlining the government’s 3-R strategy of Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction.

On the Rohingya crisis, he said safe and dignified repatriation to their homeland is the only solution to the prolonged crisis and sought stronger international support for creating conditions conducive to their voluntary return.

During the visit, the Prime Minister discussed the crisis separately with UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih.

The Prime Minister also met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the two leaders discussing ways to expand Bangladesh-Türkiye trade and investment and diversify cooperation in economic sectors, while underscoring the importance of coordination on regional and international issues.

In separate meetings with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Maldives Vice-President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Tarique Rahman discussed strengthening existing friendly relations and exploring new areas of bilateral, regional and international cooperation. At a meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, they discussed Bangladesh’s development priorities, economic progress, strengthening World Bank cooperation and exploring new areas of partnership.

The Prime Minister also held a meeting with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, discussing bilateral relations, mutual interests and regional and international cooperation.

On September 22, Tarique Rahman and his wife joined a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for world leaders and their spouses before attending the opening of the 81st UNGA General Debate. In the evening, they attended a reception hosted by the US President for leaders joining the General Assembly.

On September 23, the Prime Minister held a breakfast meeting with representatives of the Gates Foundation, Visa Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, International Rescue Committee and Rotary International, where Bangladesh’s perspectives on humanitarian challenges, international cooperation, climate change, sustainable development and economic partnership were highlighted.
He also met Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman and discussed public health, child healthcare, vaccination, affordable vaccines, preventive healthcare and health-system modernisation.

The Prime Minister also addressed the high-level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition”, calling for collective global action to build a safer and more sustainable future for the next generation, including deeper emission cuts and predictable climate finance for climate-vulnerable countries.

A bilateral meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic focused on expanding trade and investment, economic partnership, skilled manpower, education and technology, as well as greater coordination at multilateral forums.

The visit also featured economic diplomacy, including the signing of an agreement by Biman Bangladesh Airlines with Boeing to purchase 11 aircraft as Bangladesh seeks to expand its aviation sector and open new international routes.

On September 24, before his UNGA address, the Prime Minister delivered opening remarks at a high-level meeting on the existential threat posed by sea-level rise, calling for faster and deeper global emission cuts, predictable and accessible adaptation finance, wider access to climate-smart technologies and stronger international cooperation.

He also held a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, with the two premiers discussing bilateral relations, regional and international situations and potential areas of cooperation.

At a Bangladesh-Sweden-UNFPA high-level event on midwifery, Tarique Rahman outlined his vision of a “Healthy Bangladesh”, placing primary healthcare at the centre of health reform.

He said the government plans to recruit 100,000 additional health workers, including 80,000 women, and 25,000 professional midwives, while developing an integrated digital health system.

The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s role in sheltering the Rohingyas and contributing troops to UN peacekeeping operations, while praising Bangladesh’s role in climate resilience and multilateral affairs.

Tarique Rahman also met Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul before delivering his UNGA address and later attended a dinner hosted in his honour by Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN.

On the final day of his New York visit, the Prime Minister attended a breakfast meeting with Wall Street representatives hosted by JPMorgan at its Manhattan Headquarters and held a bilateral meeting with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has called for a stronger focus on trade and private investment as a long-term alternative to traditional foreign aid, saying economic diplomacy should play a central role in strengthening relationships between countries. Speaking at a Trade Over Aid Deals Showcase on September 25, Landau said economic and commercial issues had for decades taken a back seat in diplomacy, which he argued had too often focused primarily on political, military and security matters.

‘Economic and commercial issues should be treated as a core element of diplomacy’, Landau said, arguing that governments have a responsibility to create prosperity, economic opportunities and jobs for their people. Landau said economic projects can create lasting relationships that survive changes in government. While acknowledging that aid programs can help countries remain afloat, he argued that long-term economic projects can provide more sustainable value by generating investment, infrastructure, employment and economic growth.

He also emphasized that foreign investment does not necessarily mean a loss of national sovereignty. According to Landau, governments should establish clear terms and conditions for investments so that both investors and host countries understand their respective obligations and potential returns.

‘Investment is an engine of growth’, Landau said, urging governments and businesses to view foreign capital as an opportunity to expand economic activity rather than as a threat to sovereignty. He described investment relationships as potentially “win-win” arrangements, saying capital inflows can support infrastructure, jobs and economic growth while also strengthening political and commercial ties between countries.

U.S. private sector at the center

Landau said one of his priorities as deputy secretary is to improve communication between the U.S. government and American companies seeking investment opportunities overseas. He noted that during trips around the world, he frequently hears foreign governments asking why American companies are absent from projects where businesses from other countries have submitted bids.

Landau said he had previously focused largely on American companies directly operating overseas, including construction, infrastructure, oil and mining firms. He said he now sees a greater role for U.S. financial capital, particularly from New York City, which he described as the world’s financial capital.

‘There are trillions of dollars here that can be deployed around the world,’ Landau said, arguing that attracting capital providers could help connect foreign investment opportunities with American operating companies. He said he recently met with major capital providers to discuss why they were not investing in certain countries and what obstacles were preventing greater U.S. participation.

Calls for a more coordinated U.S. approach

Landau also acknowledged concerns from private investors about the fragmented nature of the U.S. government’s economic engagement overseas. He said investors sometimes want the U.S. government to have a financial stake or other involvement in projects to reduce risks associated with political changes in foreign countries.

Landau said he wants the State Department, Commerce Department, Export-Import Bank, Development Finance Corporation and Millennium Challenge Corporation to work more closely together and make the U.S. government a more accessible “one-stop shop” for businesses seeking to invest overseas.

He cited the Pacific Islands as one region where he believes greater investment opportunities exist. Landau said he had organized a business summit and investment roundtable in Honolulu in February with Pacific Island leaders and U.S. private-sector representatives to identify sectors where investment could be expanded.

Landau said the U.S. government’s role is to improve communication between governments, businesses and investors and help identify opportunities for private capital. Concluding his remarks, Landau reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the global role of American businesses and called for what he described as an “unprecedented golden era for the American private sector around the world.”

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Bangladesh-U.S. relations are currently on a positive trajectory, with Washington highlighting recent progress in trade, aviation and civilian nuclear cooperation as important developments in bilateral ties. Bethany Morrison, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, made the remarks during a briefing on South Asia at the New York Foreign Press Center on Thursday.

“We are also in a good place with Bangladesh,” Morrison said, pointing to recent high-level engagement and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Meets President Trump

Morrison noted that Bangladesh’s foreign minister had the opportunity to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week. She described the meeting as an important example of high-level engagement between Washington and Dhaka.

Highlighting recent trade cooperation, Morrison also referred to a major commercial agreement involving Boeing. She said President Trump had also posted about the development on his Truth Social account on Thursday morning.

Civilian Nuclear Cooperation

Morrison also said Bangladesh and the United States are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on civilian nuclear cooperation. According to Morrison, the MoU is expected to be signed on Friday with the participation of a U.S. undersecretary. The proposed agreement could open another area of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and related civilian applications.

U.S. Sees Greater Engagement in South Asia

Morrison described the recent high-level contacts and agreements with Bangladesh as part of broader progress in U.S.-Bangladesh relations. Speaking about Washington’s wider policy toward South Asia, she said the Trump administration is placing greater importance on the region than in the past.

She indicated that the United States expects further progress in its relations with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries in the coming days. Journalists from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, South Korea, the United States and other countries attended the briefing at the New York Foreign Press Center.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York – The United States has said it has taken no position on lifting restrictions on Bangladesh’s Awami League or on allowing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh and participate in the country’s political process. Washington has also not taken an official position on the judicial proceedings against Sheikh Hasina, a senior U.S. State Department official said during an on-background briefing on South Asia at the New York Foreign Press Center on Thursday.

Asked whether the United States supports lifting restrictions on the Awami League and allowing Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh and participate in politics, the official said Washington does not want to take sides in Bangladesh’s domestic political affairs.

The official said the United States is working with Bangladesh’s elected government and wants to strengthen bilateral relations with the aim of helping build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Bangladesh. Asked whether the decision to lift restrictions on the Awami League was ultimately a matter for the United States, the official replied that it was “a decision for the government of Bangladesh.”

No official U.S. position on Sheikh Hasina’s trial

The issue of Sheikh Hasina’s trial and possible return to Bangladesh was also raised by journalist Lovlu Ansar. He asked about the U.S. position on the verdict against Hasina by a Bangladeshi court, her reported desire to return to the country and her request for an opportunity to challenge proceedings conducted in her absence.

In response, the U.S. official said Washington has not taken an official position on the matter. The official described the issue as an important point of disagreement in India-Bangladesh relations and said the United States hopes India and Bangladesh will resolve the matter through discussions between the two countries.

The official also said Washington has not taken a specific position on what should be done regarding Sheikh Hasina. The United States, the official added, wants to see improved relations between India and Bangladesh and encourages both countries to strengthen their bilateral ties.

U.S. responds to questions about AQIS in Bangladesh

The briefing also touched on concerns regarding the activities of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Journalist Lovlu Ansar referred to a report by the UN Security Council sanctions monitoring team that raised concerns about AQIS attempting to establish small clandestine terrorist cells in several countries, including Bangladesh. Asked about Bangladesh’s response and the U.S. position on the issue, the official said he was not familiar with the details of the specific report.

However, he described Al-Qaeda as a terrorist organization and said the United States would work with countries on counterterrorism efforts. The official declined to comment specifically on the report because he had not reviewed its details.

U.S. does not want Bangladesh to choose sides

The official was also asked about Bangladesh’s efforts to maintain relations with the United States, India and China. He said Washington does not want Bangladesh to be forced to choose one side over another. At the same time, he said Bangladesh should make careful decisions regarding sensitive sectors, including critical infrastructure and telecommunications. The United States, he said, wants to help Bangladesh protect its sovereignty and systems while providing alternatives in strategically sensitive areas.

“We’re not saying you have to choose between this or that. We want to provide alternatives for these countries, particularly in their sensitive sectors,” the official said.

U.S. monitoring Imran Khan’s situation

The briefing also included a question about former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The U.S. official said Washington is closely monitoring developments surrounding Khan’s legal cases and health situation. However, the official said U.S. involvement in the matter remains primarily limited to monitoring developments.