Rahul's 'Modi Will Dance For Votes' Jibe; BJP Furious, Calls Him 'Local Goon'

On this special report of India Today Global, host Geeta Mohan discusses the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new sanctions targeting 18 individuals and entities accused of helping the Iranian regime evade oil sanctions. Bessent stated, 'Today's sanctions target 18 individuals and entities that the regime uses to evade sanctions on Iranian oil and divert proceeds from its energy sales away from the rightful owners, the Iranian people.' The report highlights President Donald Trump's 'maximum pressure' policy, including a 25% tariff on nations doing business with Tehran. The programme also examines India's contingency plans to evacuate nearly 10,000 citizens from Iran amid the volatility. Professor Mohammad Marandi and other analysts provide insights into the potential for military escalation and the impact of these economic measures on the Iranian establishment and its people.

On this edition of NewsTrack, Maria Shakeel reports on the Supreme Court's significant intervention in the ongoing conflict between the West Bengal government and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The top court has stayed three FIRs filed by the Kolkata Police against ED officials following searches at the premises of political consultancy IPAC. Maria Shakeel notes that the court also issued a notice to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government regarding the ED's request to transfer the investigation to the CBI. During the programme, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar describes the order as a 'supreme slap' to the state government, alleging a breakdown of constitutional machinery. Conversely, TMC representatives argue the ED's actions constitute 'pre-poll interference' aimed at disrupting election strategies. The Supreme Court emphasized that while central agencies must not interfere with election work, 'serious offences cannot be shielded from investigation' by state agencies or political activities. The report explores the intensifying political battle in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming elections.

On this edition of India Today Global, host Geeta Mohan reports on the significant escalation in US-Iran relations as Treasury Secretary Scott Besant announces fresh sanctions. The measures target 18 individuals and entities accused of helping the Iranian regime evade oil sanctions and diverting energy proceeds. During the announcement, Scott Besant stated, 'US Treasury knows that like rats on a sinking ship, you're frantically wiring funds stolen from Iranian families to banks and financial institutions around the world.' The bulletin also highlights President Donald Trump's new 25% tariff on nations continuing to trade with Iran. Journalists Geeta Mohan and Pranay Upadhyay discuss the strategic shift from immediate military intervention to 'maximum pressure' economic tactics, noting the potential impact on global oil prices and the stability of West Asian allies like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The report underscores the US commitment to supporting Iranian protesters while squeezing the regime's financial networks and digital assets.

Professor Fawad Izadi, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran, provides an assessment of the current geopolitical tensions in Iran during an interview with India Today. Addressing the recent unrest, Izadi claims that peaceful demonstrations were hijacked by an organized opposition and Mossad agents as part of a 'regime change operation' involving the former Shah's son and Israeli interests. He warns of severe consequences for any US military intervention, stating, 'I think at least 500 American soldiers will be killed if the Mrs.5 attacks Iran.' Izadi further argues that the ultimate goal of the United States and Israel is the 'balkanization of Iran' to seize control of oil-rich regions. Despite economic difficulties, he asserts that the Iranian people remain united, comparing the national sentiment to the 'rally around the flag' effect seen in India. He concludes by dismissing the idea that a 249-year-old country can end a 7,000-year-old civilization.