Everything Bagel Seasoning Was Banned in South Korea

Lens Asia

15 July, 2024 01:10 PM

The Trader Joe’s website promotes the product as “the only Everything Seasoning you’ll ever need.”Credit...Trader Joe's

The seasoning is sold by Trader Joe’s, a brand whose popularity has skyrocketed in the region in recent.

The seasoning garnishes everything from bagels and scrambled eggs to fried chicken in many countries. But in South Korea, it tops something else: a list of unexpected goods travelers are banned from bringing into the country.

Trader Joe’s savory Everything but The Bagel seasoning mix has a cult following in the United States, but many who have tried to bring the topping into South Korea have had the garlic, onion and poppy seed blend — often described as “everything seasoning” — confiscated by authorities, local news reports said.

Food containing poppy seeds, “including popular bagel seasoning blends,” is considered contraband in South Korea, according to the U.S. Embassy, making the coveted topping a forbidden treat.

The Trader Joe’s seasoning has been banned in South Korea since 2022, but the brand’s popularity in the region has skyrocketed, with influencers in Japan sporting Trader Joe’s canvas tote bags as a fashion statement.

As more travelers have tried to bring the popular seasoning mix into South Korea, local news and social media sites have reported in recent weeks on an increase in confiscations at airports.

Poppy seeds are not opiates but may be contaminated by the plant’s fluid, which contains opiates, when they are harvested. The amount of contamination can vary, and thus the amount of opiates that end up on poppy seeds in bagels, cakes or seasonings is hard to pinpoint, researchers say.

In South Korea, poppy seeds are banned because they are considered a narcotic.

“You can fail a drug test by consuming poppy seed products,” said Michelle Carlin, an assistant professor of toxicology and forensic chemistry at Rutgers University who has studied poppy seeds. “It obviously depends on the amount of poppy seeds present, but there is much variation found in the opiate compounds in the poppy seeds.”

Growing location, sunlight and how hydrated the poppy plants are can affect the amount of opiate contamination on poppy seeds, Ms. Carlin added. Her research found that, though washing the poppy seeds can remove contamination, it is very difficult to tell if seeds were washed before being put in food products.

Still, the chance of a seasoning mix having enough opiates in it to result in a positive drug test is relatively low, Ms. Carlin said. “With those seasonings, people are not using a lot. And the seasonings have other things like garlic or salt,” she said.

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Israeli Military Operations in the Middle East to Continue

Lens Asia

3 July, 2026 12:21 AM

Netanyahu. Photo: CNN

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the country's military operations across the Middle East are unlikely to end anytime soon, stressing that Israel will continue its campaign for as long as necessary to ensure national security.

Speaking in a lengthy interview with Israel's Channel 14 on Tuesday (June 30), Netanyahu said Israeli forces have made significant gains against Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as in military operations across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. He claimed Israel is now in a stronger strategic position than at any previous time.

Referring to Iran, Netanyahu argued that the recent conflict had broken what he described as a long-standing "wall of fear," claiming Israel had taken actions that had not been pursued for decades.

When asked about his government's pledge to achieve "total victory" following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, Netanyahu said the effort to guarantee Israel's security is an ongoing mission with no fixed endpoint.

Addressing the future of Gaza and the possible relocation of Palestinians, he said the issue concerns what he described as "voluntary relocation." He declined to provide further details, adding that he prefers actions over statements.

Netanyahu also acknowledged that Israel is facing growing international pressure on multiple fronts but said his government would continue to pursue its strategy despite the challenges.

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Positive Progress in Indirect U.S.-Iran Talks: Qatar

Lens Asia

3 July, 2026 12:19 AM

photo: Al jazeera

Qatar has announced that indirect talks between the United States and Iran, held in Doha, have made positive progress. Both sides have also agreed to continue the negotiations.

In a post on X, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said separate meetings were held with U.S. and Iranian representatives in Doha through mediation by Qatar and Pakistan. He noted that the discussions achieved progress on several key issues.

According to Al-Ansari, the latest round of talks builds on the momentum of previous high-level meetings held in Switzerland. He added that the date for the next round of negotiations will be determined after the funeral and burial ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, are concluded.

Qatar said diplomatic efforts would continue to resolve the remaining outstanding issues through dialogue, with both parties expressing willingness to keep the negotiation process moving forward.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities announced that official state ceremonies marking the funeral and burial of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will take place across Iran and Iraq from July 4 to July 9.

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Pakistan Supreme Court Returns Imran Khan's Appeal

Lens Asia

30 June, 2026 11:47 PM

Photo: The Express Tribune.

Pakistan's Supreme Court registry has returned an appeal filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, challenging an order related to the suspension of their sentences in the £190 million corruption case.

The appeal was filed against a ruling by the Islamabad High Court regarding their request to suspend the sentences.

According to the Supreme Court registry, the appropriate forum for such legal relief is the Federal Constitutional Court, not the Supreme Court. As a result, the appeal was returned.

However, Imran Khan's lawyer, Salman Safdar, challenged the decision, arguing that under Article 185(3) of Pakistan's Constitution, the appeal is maintainable before the Supreme Court.

Earlier, the Islamabad High Court ruled that there was no need to hear the sentence suspension request separately because a date had already been set for the hearing of the main appeal.

In the appeal, Imran Khan said he has been suffering from health problems while in prison and that his prolonged detention has caused both physical and mental hardship. He also alleged that the legal proceedings had been deliberately delayed.

Source: The Express Tribune.

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Iran to Honor Deal if U.S. Does: Masoud Pezeshkian

Lens Asia

30 June, 2026 11:43 PM

Masoud Pezeshkian. Photo: CNN

Iran will fulfill its commitments if the United States fully complies with the terms of their agreement, President Masoud Pezeshkian said, while warning that Tehran is prepared to respond to any form of pressure or threats.

In a post on X on Monday (June 29), Pezeshkian said that the success of any agreement depends on both sides honoring their commitments. He stressed that a deal can only be effective when all parties fulfill their respective obligations.

He added that if the United States adheres to the agreed terms, Iran will remain committed to implementing its own obligations.

Although he did not mention any U.S. leader by name, Pezeshkian said Iran would maintain a rational and dignified stance in the face of what he described as baseless accusations or unjustified threats from Washington. He also warned that Tehran would not hesitate to take firm and uncompromising action if its national interests or security were at risk.

His remarks come at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran have not been fully resolved despite ongoing diplomatic contacts and discussions over a possible understanding. Mutual distrust between the two sides remains a major obstacle.

Observers say Pezeshkian's comments signal Iran's willingness to pursue dialogue while reaffirming its determination to defend its national security and sovereignty.

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Lebanon Announces Deployment of Troops Along Israeli Border

Lens Asia

30 June, 2026 11:42 PM

photo: Al jazeera

Lebanon will deploy its armed forces up to the Israeli border as part of efforts to strengthen state control across the entire country, President Joseph Aoun announced. He outlined the plan during a meeting with Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. military forces in the Middle East.

The meeting focused on implementing the recently signed U.S.-mediated peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon, as well as the security situation along the border.

During the same visit, Admiral Cooper also met with Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal.

In a statement, the Lebanese Armed Forces said the discussions covered both Lebanon's domestic security situation and broader developments across the Middle East.

Under the U.S.-brokered agreement, the Lebanese Army is responsible for disarming Hezbollah. However, Israel has maintained a firm stance on the issue.

Israeli officials said their forces stationed in southern Lebanon will remain in place for the time being. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel has no intention of occupying Lebanese territory, but its troops will not withdraw until Hezbollah has been fully disarmed.

The visit by the head of U.S. Central Command is being viewed as significant, coming shortly after the Israel-Lebanon peace agreement was signed. On the same day, Israel reiterated that its forces would continue their deployment in southern Lebanon.

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Iran Agrees to Full Nuclear Inspections, Says Trump

Lens Asia

24 June, 2026 02:57 AM

Donald Trump. Photo: Al jazeera

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has agreed to allow the highest level of international inspections of its nuclear program.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said no talks or agreement with Tehran would have been possible without acceptance of this condition.

He also stated that Iran had made concessions on several key issues, paving the way for continued navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, he added that the risk of the vital shipping route being blocked again is currently very low.

According to Trump, U.S. warships remain deployed and ready to respond to any potential crisis despite the easing of tensions.

Addressing Iran's frozen assets and possible sanctions relief, Trump said any released funds would be placed in special escrow accounts under U.S. supervision rather than being transferred directly to Iran.

He noted that the money would be restricted to purchases of food, medicine and other humanitarian goods, while also allowing the purchase of U.S. agricultural products such as corn, wheat and soybeans.

Iran has not yet issued an official response to Trump's remarks.

Source: Al Jazeera.

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Iran Opposes IAEA Access to Damaged Nuclear Facilities

Lens Asia

24 June, 2026 02:56 AM

photo: BBC

Iran has said it will not allow the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to inspect its key nuclear facilities that were damaged in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes last year.

The announcement came after the first round of talks in Switzerland aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East. Tehran's position emerges as international diplomatic efforts intensify to ease tensions across the region.

Earlier, reports indicated that Iran and the United States had signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding. Under the framework, both sides were given a 60-day deadline to pursue a lasting agreement on major issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions.

Diplomatic sources say discussions surrounding a potential final deal are now accelerating at both regional and global levels.

As part of these efforts, a senior Iranian envoy may visit Pakistan, which is expected to play a mediating role. At the same time, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly preparing to visit key Gulf allies.

Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions are also underway in Washington regarding the possibility of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel.

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Israeli Strike in Gaza Kills Al Jazeera Journalist

Lens Asia

22 June, 2026 02:37 AM

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An Al Jazeera video journalist has been killed in an Israeli drone strike on the central Bureij refugee camp in Gaza.

According to the Qatar-based news outlet, cameraman Ahmed Wishah was killed on Saturday (June 20) when an Israeli drone targeted a residential building. Several civilians were also reported injured in the attack.

An Al Jazeera correspondent said the drone directly struck the building. Ahmed Wishah, who was at the scene, suffered critical injuries and later died.

Earlier this year, another member of the same family, Mohammed Wishah, was also killed in an Israeli attack in April.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military claimed that the journalist had links to Hamas and that he was the intended target of the strike. However, it did not provide any independent evidence to support the allegation.

The Israeli army further alleged that Ahmed Wishah had been involved in military activities inside Gaza, sparking renewed controversy over the circumstances surrounding the attack.

According to the international media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, more than 200 media workers have been killed since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023, with many losing their lives while carrying out their professional duties.

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Monday Resignation Announcement British Prime Minister

Lens Asia

22 June, 2026 02:36 AM

collected photo

Speculation is growing in British political circles that Prime Minister Keir Starmer could announce his resignation on Monday. British media reports suggest that he may also reveal a potential timeline for stepping down from office.

According to the reports, Starmer has been discussing his political future with close allies amid mounting political pressure and internal party unrest. However, a government source said that he remains focused on his duties and has not made any formal decision.

Questions over his leadership have been emerging within the Labour Party for several months. Discussions about a leadership change intensified following Andy Burnham’s recent victory in a key party contest.

Although Starmer led Labour to a significant election victory in 2024, he has since faced declining public support over a range of policy and economic issues. Criticism of the government's handling of the cost-of-living crisis, public services, and immigration has also increased.

Party sources say that a significant number of Labour MPs have already expressed support for a change in leadership, adding to the political pressure on Starmer.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is widely viewed as the leading potential successor. While he has not officially entered any leadership race, his name is being mentioned more frequently than any other figure in discussions about the party’s future leadership.

Meanwhile, Starmer has publicly stated that he is prepared to face any challenge to his leadership. Nevertheless, political observers are closely watching for any announcement he may make on Monday.

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