A tragic accident occurred in Iran’s Yazd province when a bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims heading to Iraq for the Arbaeen ceremonies overturned and caught fire near the Dehshir-Taft checkpoint. The crash resulted in the deaths of 28 people, including 11 women and 17 men, and left 23 others injured. Initial reports indicate that a brake malfunction caused the accident. The Arbaeen ceremony, a significant event in Shia Islam, commemorates the 40th day after the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hazrat Hussein, in Karbala. Last year, the event drew around 22 million participants to Karbala.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the recent peace talks in Istanbul have brought a new dimension to diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and proposed a leaders’ summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “A summit with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and the US could help achieve a long-term ceasefire,” he said.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that President Erdoğan has been working actively since the war began. He added that talks in Istanbul on May 16 led to concrete results, including a prisoner swap.
Fidan shared insights from his prior visit to Moscow and said Russia is open to further talks on June 2. He stressed the importance of continuing momentum and involving international actors to build common ground for peace.
Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and representatives of the Crimean Tatar and Gagauz Turkish communities.
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