Canada said on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) it will temporarily ban residents from three African countries amid an Ebola outbreak. Residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan will be banned from entering Canada for 90 days starting on Wednesday (May 27, 2026)
Stray dog at Hyderabad airport lounge seen eating leftovers, sparks hygiene debateA stray dog spotted at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport lounge in Hyderabad has gone viral after being seen eating leftovers. Published on: May 27, 2026 2:03 PM IST By Vaishali Kapila Share via Copy link A video
Kareena Kapoor's nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shares 3 desi hacks to beat the heat naturally at home: Wala roots to…To combat heat, Rujuta Diwekar recommends adding vetiver roots to water, applying henna to the hands and drinking buttermilk with spices. Here's how they help. Updated on: May 27
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham termed "problematic" the role of Pakistan as a mediator in the United States' war with Iran. Mr. Graham's remarks came as Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said he is not in favour of Islamabad joining the Abraham Accords
Ashneer Grover once shut down his pitch with ‘Tu baith jaa yar’. Now he’s headed to Y CombinatorAn entrepreneur has shared his journey from being dismissed by Ashneer Grover to getting into the world’s most prestigious startup accelerator, Y Combinator. Updated on: May 27
Why did Iran's president apologise?
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian surprised many observers when he apologised to Iran's neighbours for recent strikes against them, during an address delivered on Saturday morning as part of the country's interim leadership.
Apologies between states are rare, particularly during active conflict, and the wording stood out. Leaders usually express "regret" or distance themselves from responsibility.
Pezeshkian instead directly acknowledged that neighbouring countries had been targeted and said Iranian forces had now been asked to stop striking them unless attacks on Iran originate from their territory.
I deem it necessary to apologise to neighbouring countries that were attacked," he said. "We do not intend to invade neighbouring countries.
That alone raises the first question: was this a genuine apology, and why now?
One possibility is that the interim leadership is trying to contain the widening regional fallout.
Some countries in the region have been caught in the crossfire after strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday 28 February.
Pezeshkian suggested these attacks were carried out under "fire at will" instructions after the initial wave of strikes killed senior Iranian commanders and disrupted central command structures.
By apologising, he may be trying to signal that Tehran does not want to escalate the war into a broader regional confrontation.
The message also implicitly acknowledges a political reality: even if some neighbouring countries allowed US forces to operate from bases on their territory, Iran risks isolating itself further if it openly targets them.
But whether the apology translates into policy is far less clear.
Reports from the region indicate that strikes linked to Iran or its forces have not yet stopped. Qatar and the UAE both said on Saturday afternoon they had intercepted missiles targeting them.
If attacks like this continue, it raises a deeper question about control within Iran's fractured leadership structure.
Since the first wave of attacks killed key figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, decision-making has shifted to an interim leadership council.
In theory, that structure gives figures like Pezeshkian more influence than they previously had under a system dominated by a single supreme authority.
In practice, however, the ability to control powerful military and security institutions such as the Revolutionary Guards remains uncertain.
If Iranian-linked strikes on neighbouring states continue despite the president's statement, it would suggest either breakdowns in communication or resistance from factions unwilling to scale back the confrontation.
Hardline elements within the security establishment have long argued that regional pressure is Iran's strongest deterrent against US and Israeli military power.
Domestic reactions also reflect that tension. Some hardliners have already criticised Pezeshkian's remarks as weak.
The current political moment in Iran is unusual: several of the most powerful hardline figures at the top of the system are gone, but many lower-ranking officials and commanders remain deeply suspicious of any conciliatory tone.
For them, apologising to foreign governments risks appearing as capitulation at a time of national crisis.
Outside Iran, the reaction has been shaped by a very different narrative. Donald Trump quickly claimed on Truth Social that Iran had "apologised and surrendered" to its neighbours, arguing that the move proved US and Israeli military pressure was working.
The language also reveals how Washington may interpret Tehran's signals. Trump has repeatedly insisted that the only acceptable outcome is Iran's "total surrender".
That demand creates a diplomatic paradox.
Historically, countries rarely accept unconditional surrender under air campaigns alone, no matter how intense the bombing. Without ground forces, forcing such an outcome is extremely difficult.
Interpreting Pezeshkian's apology as a form of capitulation could therefore serve as a political bridge for Washington: a way to claim progress without formally abandoning the demand for surrender.
For Pezeshkian and the interim leadership council, the calculation may be different.
Achieving a ceasefire now could stabilise the situation before a new permanent leader emerges.
If the next figure to dominate Iran's political system were a hardline cleric, the prospects for diplomacy could become even narrower.
That possibility raises another strategic question: is Pezeshkian positioning himself as a negotiable figure, the kind of pragmatic leader Western governments might prefer to deal with?
In his address, he tried to balance defiance and openness, rejecting surrender while signalling restraint towards neighbouring states.
At the same time, the struggle over Iran's future leadership is already beginning to take shape.
Various political and clerical figures, as well as commanders within the IRGC and the security forces, may see the current crisis as an opportunity to strengthen their position.
Some are calling on the Assembly of Experts to move quickly to choose the next leader.
If Pezeshkian fails to deliver stability or assert control over the armed forces, rivals could argue that a more hardline approach is needed.
For now, the immediate test lies outside Iran's borders.
So far, many neighbouring countries have responded cautiously or remained silent, waiting to see whether the apology leads to real changes on the ground.
Israel, which views the conflict as a rare chance to weaken what it sees as Iran's long-term threat, may be less inclined to interpret the message as a genuine step towards de-escalation.
The ambiguity may be deliberate.
Pezeshkian's apology leaves room for several interpretations: a genuine attempt to calm regional tensions, a tactical move to buy time for Iran's interim leadership, or the opening signal of a political repositioning inside Tehran itself.
In a conflict shaped as much by internal power struggles as by external war, it may be all three at once.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: PM Modi speaks with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian PM Modi stresses stability in talk with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian President Pezeshkian says Trump Pezeshkian says Iran will halt strikes on neighbours Iran ppen to US talks if free of threats — What did the Pezeshkian say Observers dig into conspiracy theories behind violence and protracted power transfer Election Commission appoints new observers to monitor SIR in eight States including Bengal We did receive an invitation to send Observers Observers for Bihar polls skew towards BJP-ruled states 15 Rajasthan IAS And 3 IPS Officers Appointed As Observers For Bihar Polls
Israel says it killed the commander of Hamas's military wing, Mohammed Odeh, in a strike in Gaza on Tuesday - days after his predecessor died in a similar attack. At least three Palestinians were killed and dozens more were injured in Tuesday's major attack
2 hours ago
Air India currently operates about 4,400 flights each week, including approximately 3,600 domestic and 800 international services. Air India on Wednesday announced to “rationalise” operations on select domestic routes between June and August 2026. Amid the soaring fuel prices
2 hours ago
100 gharial hatchlings at Chambal sanctuary boost conservation efforts100 gharial hatchlings at Chambal sanctuary boost conservation efforts Published on: May 27, 2026 2:34 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Jaipur, Around 100 gharial hatchlings have emerged from four nests in the Palighat area of the
2 hours ago
Britannia Industries is set to raise prices on its Good Day biscuit family packs by Rs 10 across key variants, according to distributor sources. The Pista Badam 526g pack will be priced at Rs 140, the Butter family pack at Rs 120, and the Cashew family pack at Rs 130
2 hours ago
Why did Joe Biden sue DOJ? 5 things to know about his ‘private’ audio recordings set to be releasedJoe Biden sued the US Department of Justice, seeking to prevent the release of audio recordings and transcripts of private conversations with his biographer. Published on: May 27
2 hours ago
On the morning of December 17, 1967, Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt travelled to Cheviot Beach near Melbourne with a group of friends for what was supposed to be a relaxed day by the ocean. Within hours, the country’s leader had disappeared into the sea and would never be seen again
2 hours ago
Indian benchmark indices traded flat around noon on Tuesday as gains in metal, media and auto stocks offset weakness in financial and IT counters. At 12:35 pm, the Nifty 50 was trading 16 points up at 23,913.50, while the Sensex was up 35 points at 75,995.77
2 hours ago
As temperatures rise, staying hydrated becomes just as important as staying cool. The good news is that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy refreshing summer beverages. From protein-rich sattu sharbat to cooling chaas and tangy jaljeera
2 hours ago
Recent reports of Ebola outbreaks in Central Africa have once again drawn global attention to this group of haemorrhagic fever viruses. However, there have been no reported cases in the Indian subcontinent so far. According to Dr Neha Mishra, Consultant – Infectious Diseases
2 hours ago
The Congress party has strongly criticized the government regarding the CBSE's On-Screen Marking system. They allege that the Education Minister ignored advice, leading to student distress. The party is demanding the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
2 hours ago
Cardiologist explains why ‘normal’ stress test does not mean arteries are clean, shares 5 symptoms to look out forA stress test does not give the total picture of the cardiac blood vessels. As such, the risk of heart attack remains, shares Dr Yaranov. Updated on: May 27
2 hours ago
The Cleveland Cavaliers crashed out of the NBA playoffs in humiliating fashion on Monday, getting swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals after a brutal 130-93 defeat in Game 4. And almost immediately, the familiar speculation returned: could LeBron James make one final return
2 hours ago
The Congress on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) paid rich tributes to Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary, with Rahul Gandhi saying that India's first Prime Minister's visionary leadership will continue to "guide us forever". Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi
2 hours ago
Organisational intelligence, the new growth pivot for enterprises, is emerging as a key differentiator between growth and stagnation of organisations. The key to being on the greener side of this phenomenon is the ability to learn faster and knowing how to put that knowledge into execution
2 hours ago
Fans of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh are reacting with shock after a major film workers' union asked its members not to work with him over his alleged abrupt exit from the upcoming movie Don 3. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE)
2 hours ago
Ahead of the first Qualifier here, Arun Dhumal, the IPL chairman, spoke to The Hindu about the way ahead for the league. Ideally, in a 10-team format, you should have nine home and nine away games. Logistical challenges and the commitment given to bilateral series are the reasons we haven’t made
2 hours ago
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to build a secure, high-speed satellite communications network to connect military sensors and weapons platforms across the globe, the service announced on Tuesday. The fixed-price nontraditional contracting agreement
2 hours ago
Nuno Espirito Santo will stay on as West Ham manager to lead their fight to get back to the Premier League at the first attempt. The Portuguese met with the club's senior management on Monday in the wake of their relegation from the top flight
2 hours ago
Exclusive| Renuka Shahane to direct husband Ashutosh Rana for the first time in a short film, shares detailsAfter celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, Renuka Shahane reveals to us that she is directing husband Ashutosh Rana for the first time in a short film Updated on: May 27
2 hours ago
Republicans in South Carolina have defied US President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections by blocking a measure to redraw voting maps in their favour. They allowed the state's only Democrat in the US House of Representatives, Jim Clyburn, to keep his seat intact
2 hours ago
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh met spiritual leader Sadhguru recently amid controversy surrounding his Don 3 exit. Recently, the official Instagram handle of Sadhguru shared a glimpse of Singh’s interaction with the spiritual leader, in which the actor was asking about the purpose of life
2 hours ago
Who is Wade Wilson's biological father and where is he now? All on Steven Testasecca as Worst Ex Ever streams on NetflixSteven Testasecca, Wade Wilson's biological father, played a crucial role in his son's arrest for two murders in 2019. May 27, 2026
2 hours ago
An Israeli airstrike on a village in eastern Lebanon killed 12 people, state media said on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), as an Israeli official said the military had called up more troops to Lebanon. The strike hit the village of Mashghara in the Bekaa Valley late Monday (May 25)
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.On Sunscreen Day, dermatologists debunk common myths and share key ingredients to watch forWhether you stay indoors or simply commuting to work
5 hours ago
Woman shares 'things she has been told as a big-chested girl in India': 'Could be sign of a disease'At 19, Piyali Roy was told being 'big-chested' could be a disease. She shares the unsolicited advice, policing, and harassment big-chested women face. Published on: May 27
5 hours ago
Firefighters battled a grass fire in Edinburgh and temperature records toppled as a spring heatwave scorched parts of Western Europe, triggering government warnings about risks to life. London recorded a rare “tropical night,” defined as one in which the temperature does not fall below 20
5 hours ago
Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry temporarily banned so-called prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi for operating in the country without a gambling licence, the official state gazette showed on Tuesday. In a statement, the ministry said its gambling watchdog had opened a probe
5 hours ago
