The 2024 Democratic National Convention continues today with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the running mate of Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, set to deliver the keynote address. As the convention enters its third day, anticipation is high for Walz's speech, which is expected to highlight the Democratic vision for the future and Harris's leadership qualities.

Today's theme, "A Fight for Our Freedoms," underscores the Democratic Party's commitment to protecting American liberties and framing the upcoming election as a crucial battle for the soul of the nation. Democrats are rallying around Kamala Harris as a champion of these freedoms, contrasting her with former President Donald Trump, whom they argue poses a significant threat to the nation's democratic values.

In addition to Governor Walz, the convention will feature speeches from several other prominent Democratic leaders. Former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are among those who will take the stage, each emphasizing the stakes of the 2024 election and the importance of unity within the party.

The convention has already seen powerful moments, particularly on Tuesday when former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama captivated the audience with their impassioned speeches. Barack Obama criticized Trump, warning that the United States cannot afford another four years of chaos under his leadership. Michelle Obama delivered a fierce critique of the current state of American politics, accusing Trump of sowing division and fear.

With the convention drawing closer to its conclusion, tonight's speeches are expected to further solidify the Democratic Party's message of defending American freedoms and rallying support behind Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as they seek to lead the country in a new direction.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a stern warning against any form of retreat or compromise, framing it as inviting "divine wrath." His comments come amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, who was killed last month during an official visit to Tehran.

Khamenei condemned what he described as "enemy psychological warfare," accusing adversaries of attempting to pressure Iran into reconsidering its plans for retaliation against Israel. He emphasized that any retreat—whether military, political, or economic—would lead to severe divine punishment. Tehran attributes Haniyeh’s assassination to Israeli intelligence, placing Iran in a delicate position as it deliberates over its response.

Khamenei urged nations to resist the demands of dominant powers by drawing strength from their people and assessing their adversaries' true capabilities. He criticized the tendency to overstate enemy power, citing past US, British, and Israeli efforts to undermine Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Despite Khamenei's fiery rhetoric, Iran has so far refrained from immediate retaliation. Analysts suggest this might be a strategic pause, though Iranian officials have dismissed Western calls for restraint. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has accused Western nations of double standards, claiming they overlook what Tehran describes as Israel's "genocidal" actions in Gaza while expecting Iran to forgo retaliation for Haniyeh’s killing.

Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has aligned publicly with Khamenei's hardline stance, though there are reports he may have privately expressed concerns about the consequences of further escalation. Israel, meanwhile, has warned that any direct aggression from Tehran would provoke a swift and decisive response, with Israeli officials making clear to both the US and European nations that an Iranian strike would trigger a significant retaliation.

Iran or its proxies are "increasingly likely" to launch an attack on Israel within days, according to a White House warning based on intelligence. The attack could "happen as soon as this week," White House spokesperson John F. Kirby announced. This warning comes even as the Israeli military remains on "peak readiness" for a potential retaliatory strike.

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East following two recent Israeli operations. On July 31, Israel reportedly assassinated Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran, followed by an airstrike on Hezbollah’s senior commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon. In response, Iran has vowed retaliation, putting the region on high alert.

In light of the rising tensions, five world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, have urged Iran to "stand down." The leaders of the U.S., UK, France, Germany, and Italy issued a joint statement calling for ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas to continue. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have reached out directly to Iran's newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging him to prevent further military escalation.

Ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar are set to resume on Thursday, though the White House warned that any Iranian attack could delay these discussions. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has ramped up its operations, increasing air patrols over Lebanon and conducting daily strikes on targets identified as threats. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, has emphasized maintaining a high level of readiness for both offensive and defensive actions.

In support of regional stability, the U.S. Pentagon has reinforced its presence in the Middle East. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered the deployment of the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia, along with additional combat aircraft and missile-defense ships, underscoring the U.S. commitment to security in the region.

As Bangladesh is facing turbulence, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership pledged on Sunday to uphold the rights and religious freedoms of minorities, urging society to foster interfaith harmony, love, tolerance, brotherhood, and unity. This commitment was emphasized on National Minorities Day, observed annually on August 11 to honor a landmark speech by Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in 1947, where he vowed to protect minority rights.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, reaffirmed that minorities in Pakistan enjoy full political, economic, and social rights as enshrined in the Constitution. He highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to empower minorities politically, socially, and economically, reiterating the promise made by Jinnah to safeguard their rights and religious freedoms.

Zardari called on all segments of society to promote awareness about these rights and work towards interfaith harmony to strengthen Pakistan. He expressed confidence that minorities would continue contributing positively to the nation's development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the significant contributions of minorities to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. He noted that National Minorities Day serves to express solidarity with minorities and recognize their vital role in the country's history, including their key involvement in the Pakistan movement.

Sharif, referencing Jinnah's historic speech, emphasized that religious freedom for minorities is fully respected and committed to ensuring their rights, development, and prosperity.

The military leadership, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the services chiefs, acknowledged the indispensable contributions of minorities to the nation’s growth and cultural heritage. The army leadership reaffirmed the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and harmonious coexistence, noting that minority rights are fundamental, protected by both the Constitution and Islamic principles.

In Bangladesh, massive protests have erupted as lakhs of Hindus take to the streets to condemn ongoing violence against their community following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India. The protests, concentrated in the capital Dhaka and the second-largest city, Chittagong, saw large crowds gathering on Saturday.

Since the fall of the Hasina-led government on August 5, there have been over 205 reported incidents of attacks on minority communities across 52 districts. These attacks have left hundreds of Hindus injured and have resulted in widespread damage to homes and businesses. Several Hindu temples have also been vandalized, and at least two Hindu leaders associated with Hasina's Awami League party have been killed.

In response to the escalating violence, thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus are attempting to flee to neighboring India. The situation has prompted demands from Hindu demonstrators for the establishment of special tribunals to expedite trials against those who persecute minorities. They are also calling for the allocation of 10% of parliamentary seats for minorities and the enactment of a minority protection law.

In Dhaka, protesters blocked traffic for over three hours at Shahbagh, a central intersection in the city. Thousands of Muslim protesters, including students, joined in solidarity with the Hindu community, expressing their support for the protection of minorities. A similar large-scale demonstration took place at the historic Cheragi Pahar Square in Chittagong, with some reports estimating over 700,000 attendees. The protests have also spread internationally, with demonstrations held in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, condemned the attacks on minority communities, calling them "heinous." The Nobel laureate urged students, who are leading the protests, to protect all Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families, emphasizing the importance of national unity and brotherhood.

A standoff between Iran's newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian and hardliners in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has cast uncertainty over Iran's response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The Iranian government is reportedly divided on how to retaliate against Israel following the killing.

The IRGC is pushing for a direct and severe missile strike on Tel Aviv and other major Israeli cities. However, President Pezeshkian, who took office just days before the assassination, opposes this aggressive strategy. Known for his moderate stance and electoral victory over a candidate backed by the IRGC, Pezeshkian advocates for a more calculated response. He suggests targeting alleged Mossad bases outside Israel, particularly in neighboring regions like the Republic of Azerbaijan and Iraqi Kurdistan. This approach, he argues, would reduce the risk of triggering a full-scale war with Israel, a conflict he believes could have dire consequences for Iran.

A close aide to Pezeshkian told The Telegraph that the president fears a direct attack on Israel could lead to serious repercussions. Pezeshkian has even proposed notifying Azerbaijan and Iraqi Kurdistan before striking any alleged Israeli bases within their borders.

The IRGC, historically powerful and influential within the Iranian government, is reportedly undermining Pezeshkian’s efforts to avoid a major confrontation with Israel. An IRGC official dismissed the president’s restrained approach, emphasizing the priority of striking Tel Aviv, possibly with Hezbollah's support. Esmail Qaani, commander of the IRGC's elite Quds Force, also supports an immediate and decisive retaliation.

Pezeshkian faces significant challenges in asserting his authority over the IRGC, which remains loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to another aide, the IRGC's push for a more aggressive response is seen as an attempt to undermine Pezeshkian’s week-old presidency rather than address the fallout from the assassination.