Author: space4knews

Dr. Dharmagat Bhattarai has identified the primary genetic defect responsible for the rare immunological disorder ARPC1B deficiency in Nepal. This disease has been detected in 24 patients across the country, with five children having succumbed to the condition. A shortage of immunology specialists, lack of diagnostic facilities, and limited public awareness in Nepal pose significant challenges to accurate diagnosis and treatment. Immune disorders often manifest subtly and are misdiagnosed, especially in children with chronic diseases, adolescents, and adults with genetic problems. As a result, these patients frequently receive imprecise diagnoses and inappropriate medication, leading to organ failure and fatal outcomes. There remains an acute lack of public knowledge regarding these diseases in Nepal.

Dr. Dharmagat Bhattarai is Nepal’s only immunology specialist focusing on complex and chronic pediatric diseases from an immunological perspective. He has published research in over 60 international scientific journals and is globally recognized for his work on immuno-actinopathy disorders. Under his leadership, the research team discovered the key genetic defect causing the rare immunodeficiency disorder ARPC1B deficiency, confirming its origin in Nepalese populations. This study was published on July 16, 2025, in the prestigious journal Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology. Worldwide, 64 patients have been identified with this condition, 24 of whom are from Nepal, including five children who have died.

Immunology is the science of immunity, which studies the body’s defense mechanisms against internal and external diseases. The immune system functions somewhat like a nation’s military, protecting the body against attacks from bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Immunology covers immune deficiencies, allergies, and infectious diseases. Statistically, one in every 250 to 1000 individuals experiences some form of immune deficiency or imbalance.

What is the status of immunological diseases in Nepal? After completing my doctorate in 2020 and returning to Nepal, I found that public awareness about immunological diseases was minimal. Through individual efforts, I have been raising awareness throughout all seven provinces and providing training in some medical colleges. A few pediatricians have also begun recognizing these diseases. Currently, Nepal has only about two dozen immunology specialists, and there has been a virtual absence of pediatric specialists in this field, resulting in many patients receiving incorrect treatments and incomplete diagnoses.

What is the cost and accessibility of immunology treatment in Nepal? Diagnosing immune deficiencies brings both relief and challenges because treatment is costly and complex. For example, managing ARPC1B deficiency requires daily and monthly medications that cost between NPR 15,000 to 20,000 per bottle in Nepal. Additional supplements and medicines like mycophenolate increase monthly expenses to NPR 40,000 to 50,000, which is beyond the reach of most Nepalese patients.

What steps should the government take to improve immunology services? The government could establish specialized rare disease and immunology research and treatment centers, similar to the Heart Disease Center. Expansion of bone marrow transplant services within Nepal is possible. However, these advances cannot be achieved by a single individual; medical educational institutions must adopt immunology as a faculty and introduce specialized training programs.

Gagan Thapa, the president of the Nepali Congress, stated that the Supreme Court’s decision has created an encouraging atmosphere to unite the party and move forward. Through a social media post, Thapa said, “This is not about victory or defeat, but about law, process, and democratic practice.” He urged everyone to seize the golden opportunity presented by the successful conduct of the general convention to transform and strengthen the party. 5 Baishakh, Kathmandu.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday evening, Thapa responded via social media on Saturday morning. He wrote, “The honorable Supreme Court’s decision has created an opportunity to unite all party members and advance a shared journey to make the party even stronger.” He expressed confidence that party members and well-wishers, both inside the country and abroad, will responsibly play a positive role in ensuring party unity and revival.

Thapa further stated, “I am clear that the responsibility of the presidency rests with me, and I will demonstrate full commitment accordingly.” He highlighted that the process of the fifteenth general convention is ongoing and urged everyone to use this as an opportunity to make it a success. Appreciating the contributions of senior party leaders, Thapa called for unified efforts to address the aspirations of the new generation and build a party that plays its utmost role in constructing a prosperous Nepal.

Tilotamma Municipality in Rupandehi has merged 42 government schools into 36 under the ‘Big School’ model to improve educational quality. The municipality has implemented a standard requiring at least 15 students per class, integrating smaller schools into larger ones. More than 2,300 students in institutional schools are being provided scholarships through a transparent process prioritizing target groups.

To enhance the quality of government schools, Tilotamma Municipality has embarked on the ‘Big School Model’. Recognizing that schools with very low student numbers result in weaker educational outcomes and ineffective investments, Tilotamma has moved toward this model with larger schools. Currently, over 19,000 students attend 42 government schools, including one Guthii school, while more than 23,000 students are enrolled in 42 institutional schools within Tilotamma.

The municipality has established and enforced standards to facilitate educational improvements alongside school mergers. Under these standards, each class must have at least 15 students. Schools that do not meet this criterion have been merged into larger schools, while those meeting it remain unchanged. In the first phase, six smaller schools among the 42 government schools, including one Guthii school, have been consolidated into nearby larger schools, maintaining a total of 36 schools.

Municipality Chief Ramkrishna Khan explained that the decision to merge schools was based on a report prepared by a nine-member taskforce after two months of on-site study. The goal is to significantly improve the quality of government schools through the Big School Model. Ravi Century, coordinator of the municipality’s Social Development Branch, noted, ‘The distribution of scholarships has been further systematized. Of the more than 23,000 students, over 2,300 will receive full scholarships.’

Chief Justice (Acting) Sapana Pradhan Malla addressed the importance of women’s struggle and perseverance at the ’50 Influential Women’ awards program. She emphasized, “Inclusion is not a favor granted by anyone; our constitution guarantees women rights and equality.” She highlighted the need for strong laws and institutional mechanisms to combat discrimination and violence against women.

Standing here today fills me with profound happiness. This moment is significant not only for the nation but also personally. I stand among fifty women who, in different ways, have quietly overcome invisible barriers. This is not just a professional achievement but a personal one as well. I regard this platform as a mirror—a mirror where a young Nepali girl, whether raised in the lap of the Himalayas, in the Terai plains, or a small city apartment, can see herself. What does she see in that mirror? A woman lawyer, a political leader, a mayor, an artist, a mountaineer, a rights activist, an athlete, an entrepreneur, a writer, a security personnel, a judge. Looking into this mirror, she says, ‘I can be like that too.’

This is the power of identity that teaches us to dream. That possibility lights the path to a brighter future in another woman’s heart. While these fifty stories are inspiring, they remain exceptions. Many women in our society still cannot showcase their potential or pursue their dreams; they are forced to stop midway. They want to progress but are held back by family, children, social expectations, and structural inequalities that narrow their path. Sometimes, they must give up the fight before it even begins.

Therefore, today is not merely a celebration but a moment for deep reflection and honest self-assessment. We need to ask ourselves—

• Have we built a world where daughters can fearlessly dream?
• Or are we repeating old cycles where women must prove themselves at every step?
• Does the next generation still have to struggle this much?
• Or are we paving pathways filled with opportunities and transformation rather than struggle?

True change comes from structural transformation. Women have fought to establish identity as mothers, secure rights to their daughters’ inheritance, ensure equal access to education, value their labor, and promote inclusive representation in politics. Real change will occur only when a young girl says, ‘I can too’ and that is no longer just a dream but her reality.

Inclusion is a constitutional right, not a granted favor. Our constitution enshrines women’s rights and dignity from Article 18 to 38. These are inherent rights protected by the constitution. Change begins with courageous steps, and this initiative exemplifies such courage.

For years, women have created history, yet never received rightful recognition. Despite their contributions, their voices remained unheard. This program breaks that silence. The list of 460 names is more than a compilation—it is a chronicle of struggle. Each name holds a broken dream and a journey of rising again. You have not only showcased these stories but honored and amplified them.

I first want to remember the women who came before us—those who never had such platforms, who endured disrespect without opportunities. Yogmaya raised her voice against injustice and societal wrongs but died without alternatives. Women have fought silently where no one believed them, where their voices were unheard, and where their labor was unrecognized and unowned. Their battle was not just for rights but for existence, respect, identity, and equality.

We stand here because of the paths they forged; we stand on their shoulders. Our struggle brought us here, but it is far from over. Reality remains harsh, and the journey incomplete. We must continue fighting to make our rights vibrant.

Women’s ownership remains under 2%. Though maternal mortality has decreased, it is not yet zero. Crimes against women continue rising daily, with changes in the nature of offenses. Violence extends beyond streets and homes, permeating markets, workplaces, and the digital world. Nearly 90% of cybercrime victims in Nepal are women. Terms like ‘hate expression,’ ‘hate crime,’ and ‘stereotype’ are not mere words but wounds.

Is justice possible amid such discrimination and violence? Can injustice lead to equality? The answer is clear—it cannot. Justice begins with sensitivity. Freedom of expression must be balanced with responsibility. We need not only robust laws but strong institutions. We require systems that understand technology and implement inclusion and good governance.

While the constitution recognizes women’s reproductive roles, practical transformations are necessary—transformations that form the foundation for sustainable change. We need a system where technology assists justice, not weaponizes revenge. Rules must be enforceable and ensure the rights of all.

Most importantly, we need a society where injustice does not cause people to look away, but where voices rise, solidarity is given, and transformations embraced. Change has begun but the responsibility to complete it rests on all of us.

What does pursuit and perseverance look like for a Nepali woman? It can be seen when Jhamakkumari Ghimire creates words with her toes. It can be seen when Meera Rai becomes a world-class runner from a village with no track. When a woman mayor builds a road in an electricity-deprived village. When a woman thrives in challenging environments, achieving excellence. Perseverance is not a one-time achievement but the daily decision to show up despite numerous barriers just for being a woman.

Every woman here understands the true meaning of perseverance through her life. When one Nepali woman succeeds, she does not succeed alone—it opens possibilities for thousands. Nepali women today lead in the judiciary, politics, and local governments, proving leadership requires not gender but determination, capability, courage, and sensitivity.

The words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg come to mind: ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.’ Let us look around this room. Who is present? Women in the judiciary who make rights a lived reality, women in science securing health and futures, women artists shaping identity and soul. And in the same room, a young girl peers at herself in a mirror, observing, learning, dreaming of what is possible.

Women in sports carry Nepal’s flag with pride on international stages. Women in security uphold community safety. Women in education shape tomorrow’s generations. Across many sectors, women are steadfastly making history. Where security roles once belonged only to men, today female officers lead from traffic management to crime investigations, from the CIB to international peacekeeping missions. Women pilots now command the skies, replacing outdated notions that Nepali women cannot fly planes.

In challenging national circumstances, Sushila Karki became the first female Chief Justice, providing critical leadership and direction. The story is changing—and the pen is now in your hands.

Intersectionality reminds us that our fight against discrimination must consider multiple layers: being a woman, Madhesi, Dalit, indigenous, or differently-abled woman brings overlapping discriminations. The constitution clearly prohibits such discrimination and is fostering an environment for every woman to advance, breaking conservative mindsets.

Looking at the 50 honored women today, I say you have not only earned this recognition but given it meaning. You represent the direction of Nepal. You are transforming the country. You carry the hopes of all women and have shattered the glass ceiling. Without permission, you entered new spaces and redefined them. Yet, many ceilings remain to be broken. Leave pathways open for those who follow.

Use your influence, your voice, and your platform. Support other women, help them move ahead, and guide them. Our success should be measured not by how high we reach but by how many we bring along.

I want to conclude where I began. Somewhere a little girl is looking at us like a mirror, seeing herself. She is studying, learning what is possible. She will understand Nepal is not just about mountains but about the women who climbed them. She will realize success is not reserved for a select few women but is a right for all. Whether standing in court, piloting a plane, or drafting laws, these will be her rights, no longer extraordinary achievements.

Once again, thank you for bringing us all together in one place to show, ‘Look at the power and potential in Nepal.’ Finally—struggle is real. Perseverance is boundless. It is through this struggle and perseverance that success is guaranteed. Let us continue giving our best efforts.

(Address by Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla at the ’50 Influential Women’ Awards Ceremony)

May 18, Dhangadhi – In Kailali, two children have died after consuming meat from dead broiler chickens. According to police, 5-year-old Deepak Tamrakar and 8-year-old Bhim Tamrakar of Chure Rural Municipality-3 died after eating the meat of broiler chickens that had died on Thursday. The two were brothers. Assistant Spokesperson of the District Police Office, Inspector Kailash Bista, reported that both children died on Friday during treatment at Seti Provincial Hospital.
According to him, the mother of the deceased children, 28-year-old Radhika Tamrakar, and their youngest son, 3-year-old Dipesh Tamrakar, who also consumed the dead chicken meat, are currently undergoing treatment at the provincial hospital. Although the incident occurred on Thursday, the police were informed only on Friday. Following this, all four family members were brought to Dhangadhi for treatment coordinated by the police. The investigation revealed that the dead chicken meat had been purchased from the local Vikas Poultry Farm. The farm operator, Mangal Saud, appeared voluntarily at the Malakheti Area Police Office to give his statement. Police have assigned a relative to ensure his presence when called for further questioning.

The Election Commission has reported a rise in the number of voters registering online using their national identity cards. In Jumla, approximately 90 percent of registrations have been completed online, according to Deependra Kandel, an official at the District Election Office. To date, 335 individuals have registered through their national identity cards, while five have registered in person at the office. (5 Baisakh, Jumla)

The number of people registering in the voter registry online using their national ID numbers has increased. Following the resumption of the voter registry collection and update program by the central office of the Election Commission, most voters who have obtained national identity cards have started registering their names online, Election Officer Deependra Kandel from the District Election Office informed.

According to him, about 90 percent of applicants have registered online. So far, 335 have registered with their national identity cards and five in person at the office, making a total of 440 registrations, Election Officer Kandel stated. All local levels in the area have been corresponded with regarding the voter registry collection and update.

In the last House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21, the district had a total of 71,739 registered voters, consisting of 34,280 female voters and 37,459 male voters.

Following prolonged disruptions in the highly sensitive and strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East, global attention is increasingly turning to another crucial maritime corridor. In this context, the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia has drawn heightened interest, notably confirmed by a proposal put forth by the United States. After a defense agreement signed on Monday, the U.S. has proposed obtaining permission to conduct uninterrupted military flights through Indonesian airspace, a proposal that Indonesian officials have reportedly accepted. However, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that a final decision on the matter is still pending. Experts suggest that this move is likely to have significant geopolitical implications.

What is the Strait of Malacca and why is it important? According to a study conducted by Ajifa Astrina, a regional specialist at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in the UK, this waterway is critical for trade between the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. Astrina, who is currently studying at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explains, “The Strait of Malacca is the shortest and most efficient maritime route linking the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, making it indispensable for trade between the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia.”

Located near Singapore in the Phillips Channel, the narrowest point of this strait is approximately 2.8 kilometers wide. According to the latest report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 23.2 million barrels of oil were transported via the Strait of Malacca in the first half of 2025, accounting for roughly 29 percent of the region’s total oil supply.

The significance of the Strait of Malacca extends beyond economics; increasing geopolitical sensitivities also elevate its importance. Expert Balsy notes, “Rising tensions over maritime dominance among China, the United States, and India could cause serious disruptions to traffic through this waterway.” Astrina has warned that the growing presence of U.S. military flights in Indonesian airspace could yield unfavorable long-term outcomes.

She adds, “While such a move might not immediately impact trade, it carries the risk of structurally destabilizing the region over the long term.” According to her analysis, “The greatest concern is how prolonged tensions may escalate and the nature of the resulting regional dynamics.”

Analytical report prepared based on recent data. In the first quarter of 2026, China’s economy grew by 5 percent, exceeding economists’ forecasts. China disclosed that export growth slowed to 2.5 percent in March, while imports surged by 28 percent. The conflict with Iran poses risks to China’s energy supply and export sectors, potentially dampening economic growth in upcoming quarters. Kathmandu, April 18 – In the first quarter of 2026, China’s economy advanced at a faster pace than anticipated. Meanwhile, the war between the US and Israel against Iran has affected many nations worldwide.

Official data indicates China’s GDP rose by 5 percent compared to the previous year from January to March, surpassing economist projections of approximately 4.8 percent growth. Last month, China revised its annual economic growth target downward to between 4.5 and 5 percent, marking the first official GDP figure release under this reduced goal – the lowest growth target since 1991. The manufacturing sector made a significant contribution; previously, GDP grew by 4.5 percent in the prior quarter, but this time production played a more prominent role in driving growth.

Meanwhile, investment in China’s real estate sector continues to face downward pressure in the world’s second-largest economy. Kyle Chen, an analyst from the Brookings Institution, noted that automobiles and other exports heavily influenced the GDP figures. Chen stated, “The full impact of the Iran conflict is yet to be assessed. Future quarters could show a decline in GDP data due to these tensions.” China’s latest GDP targets and economic goals were incorporated into the newly announced Five-Year Plan in March.

China is committed to steering its economy in a new direction by heavily investing in innovation, high-tech industries, and domestic consumption. The ruling Communist Party is striving to reshape the economy, focusing on addressing challenges such as low consumption, a declining population, and a long-standing housing crisis. The Iran conflict has also caused China to endure an energy shortage. Additionally, global trade tensions and tariffs under former US President Donald Trump’s administration have intensified this crisis, with China currently subjected to a 10 percent American tariff on many products.

However, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen indicated on Tuesday that these tariffs might revert to their pre-introduction levels by early July, the rates that were in place before the Supreme Court struck down several import taxes. A bilateral meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China is expected in May. On Tuesday, China released its export data for March, revealing a sharp slowdown in export growth, attributed to the conflict’s impact on rising living costs and reduced consumer demand.

March also saw an increase in China’s imports. Data from the General Administration of Customs released Tuesday shows that China’s export growth rate dropped significantly to just 2.5 percent in March — the lowest in the past six months. Exports were robust in January and February, with growth rates exceeding 20 percent due to high demand for electronics and manufactured goods. China combines the first two months of trade data annually to better capture fluctuations during the Chinese New Year holiday. Customs data also shows imports rose by nearly 28 percent in March, pushing China’s monthly trade surplus (the difference between exports and imports) to about $50 billion, though this is the smallest monthly trade surplus recorded in the past year.

According to Yixiao Zhu, an economics lecturer at the Australian National University, the rise in import values may largely be due to global cost increases triggered by the Iran conflict.

What impact could the Iran conflict have on Chinese exports? Iran’s threats to vessels using the Strait of Hormuz have driven crude oil prices higher, pushing up costs for products such as plastics. The crisis has severely affected major Asian economies like Japan and South Korea, while China’s dependence on Gulf countries for oil is comparatively lower. Nevertheless, gasoline prices in China have risen, and some Chinese airlines have cut flights due to more expensive aviation fuel. Zhu warned that if global consumers reduce spending due to the conflict, China’s export sector could be negatively impacted. He added, “Export growth ultimately depends on the economies of your trading partners. Sustaining high growth levels over a long period is challenging.”

Sameer Paul Kapoor, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, is preparing to visit Kathmandu next Monday. Kapoor plans to hold high-level meetings in Kathmandu and meet with several government ministers. His visit will last three days, and he is scheduled to return on Wednesday via Turkish Airlines.

Of Indian heritage, Kapoor is visiting Kathmandu with the aim of expanding relations with the new government led by Balen Shah. In October last year, U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Kapoor as Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, succeeding Donald Lu in this role.

According to a diplomat from the Nepali Embassy in Washington D.C. and an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported by The Kathmandu Post, Kapoor’s visit to Kathmandu will span three days. He will fly from Washington to Kathmandu via Turkish Airlines and return on the same flight on Wednesday. However, a formal announcement of this visit has yet to be made. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not provided any official information as of the time this report was prepared. If Kapoor arrives in Kathmandu on Monday, he will be the most senior foreign diplomat to visit since the formation of the Balen Shah-led government.

Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narasingh KC emphasized that everyone’s priority should be focused on party unity. With the Supreme Court having confirmed the validity of the special convention, KC stated that there is no room for arrogance or ego. He highlighted the necessity of successfully conducting the 15th general convention as a unifying event and campaign. Kathmandu, 5 Baishakh.

KC said, “With the Supreme Court settling the legality of the special convention, our collective priority now should not be any form of arrogance, ego, or power display, but rather an overall concentration on party unity.” He acknowledged that differences of opinion are natural in a democratic party and stressed that dialogue and consensus, while respecting all factions, are essential to make the 15th general convention a success.

“It is our shared responsibility today to include dissenting members, establish a common agenda, and cultivate a culture that prioritizes party statutes, procedures, and institutional interests over personal disputes,” KC wrote. He further noted that to face current challenges effectively, the leadership must enhance generosity, tolerance, and inclusive decision-making processes to build a capable, strong, and unified Congress.

April 17, Kathmandu – The Supreme Court has officially recognized the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. Resolving a three-month-long dispute, the court dismissed the writ petition filed by former Bahadur Khadka seeking a special general convention. Understand the Supreme Court’s decision in eight key points:

The petition was filed concerning term limits by the Nepali Congress Central Committee, submitted by the president elected through the 14th general convention and the acting president. According to Nepali Congress’s 2017 constitution, sections 17 (1) and 43, the term of the elected Central Committee is four years, with an extraordinary provision allowing an extension of up to one year by the Central Working Committee. The petitioners’ term expired on 2082/08/28 (Nepali calendar), and although the committee extended the term until the end of Magh 2082, that period has also concluded.

As per legal provisions under section 17 (2) of the party constitution, a special general convention must be convened within three months if 40 percent of members submit a written request. Such a request was registered on 2082/06/29 under registration number 101. However, due to delays in scheduling, petitioners had announced a 15th general convention for 2082 Poush 26-28 and later postponed it to 2083 Baishakh 28-31. This indicated the petitioners’ unwillingness to effectively convene the special convention.

The special convention was duly notified on 2082/09/23 and held at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, on 2082 Poush 27 and 28, with information provided to the Election Commission. According to the Commission’s ruling, the call for the special convention was mandatory, and decisions including leadership changes were reviewed and updated as per section 51 of the Political Parties Act 2073. No legal or procedural errors were found.

The letter sent by Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel cannot be regarded as a complaint under sections 43 and 44 of the Act. Gagan Thapa, as the legitimate chief office bearer, had already filed his candidacy on 2082 Falgun 21 for the Federal Parliament direct elections, which have since taken place, conferring political legitimacy. There is no need to annul the notices or proceedings of the special convention. The Election Commission’s ruling is final under section 46 (2) of the Act, thus there is no ground for the issuance of orders sought in the writ petition, leading to its rejection.

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Iran’s foreign minister has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is open again for commercial vessels, but emphasized that ships must use only designated safe routes. Following an attack by the United States and Israel on February 28, Tehran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on April 22.

US President Donald Trump has stated that American naval blockades against Iranian ports will continue until a peace agreement is reached between the two countries, while calling the situation a “great and wonderful day for the world.” Various maritime organizations are monitoring whether vessels can safely transit the waterway, with tracking data indicating minimal ship movement at present.

On Friday, the first day of a 10-day full ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared the Strait of Hormuz reopened. “According to the Lebanon ceasefire agreement, the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the period. Ship movements will be coordinated through the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization,” Araqchi posted on social media platform X.

However, Iran’s state television later quoted a senior military official stating that ships are only allowed to navigate designated “routes,” with military vessel movement still “restricted.” This likely refers to the two routes established by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a map of which they had previously released to the media. Some Iranian news outlets criticized Araqchi’s post as well.

Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, described the opening as “unacceptable and incomplete,” noting that as long as the US naval blockade persists, tanker movements would be deemed “illegal.” Other media outlets have requested clarifications from Iranian officials on the matter. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament and head of the Iranian delegation in talks held in Islamabad, dismissed Trump’s claims as “seven false claims in one hour” in a post on X.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he stated, “The waterway will not be open as long as [the US] blockade continues.” He rejected Trump’s assertions outright. Hezbollah, a Shiite political and military group based in southern Lebanon, is an Iranian ally. In retaliation for a Hezbollah attack, Israel launched strikes on Lebanon on March 2. All of these incidents occurred in response to the US and Israel’s assault on Iran. Meanwhile, President Trump has indicated that ongoing war termination talks show few disagreements and are expected to continue until Saturday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States and Iran will jointly excavate Iran’s nuclear facilities and transfer uranium to America. In response, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf accused Trump of making seven false claims within an hour. Iran stated that it will not send its uranium abroad and, although willing to open the Strait of Hormuz, the blockade will remain in place.

According to Trump, representatives from both countries will jointly inspect the nuclear sites damaged by bombing, using heavy machinery to excavate and remove uranium. He also asserted that Iran has agreed never to close the Strait of Hormuz again and indicated that another round of talks could take place over the weekend, with a peace agreement possibly reached within a day or two. However, Iran has accused President Trump of lying.

Ghalibaf stated, “Such claims neither signify an American victory in the war nor offer any benefits in negotiations.” He added that attempts to influence the public via social media are underway, but the Iranian people will not be swayed by U.S. falsehoods. Ibrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s National Security Council, also clarified that Iran will not transfer its uranium abroad.

Rezaei said, “There will be no agreement to fully cease uranium enrichment or to terminate it, as Iran considers it part of its peaceful nuclear program.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei echoed this, rejecting Trump’s claims and emphasizing that uranium holds significance for Iran akin to its own soil and will never be exported under any circumstances.

Trump mentioned that while Iran is ready to open the maritime route known as the Strait of Hormuz, the blockade will continue. The U.S. Central Command has also notified that the blockade will remain in effect until President Trump orders otherwise. Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf warned that if the U.S. continues the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open indefinitely. According to him, vessel movements will follow specific routes and require Iran’s permission.

Ghalibaf remarked that whether the Strait of Hormuz remains open or closed will not be determined by social media claims but by physical circumstances. Following Iran’s declaration to open the Strait of Hormuz during a ceasefire, international oil prices have dropped. Brent crude fell nearly 9% to $90.38 per barrel, marking the lowest level since March 10.