Israel on Monday told residents of south Lebanon to stay out of a belt of territory at the border and not to approach the area of the Litani River, entrenching its grip over southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire in the war with Hezbollah. The US-mediated, 10-day ceasefire took effect on Thursday, largely halting the war […]
US
Naqvi meets Iran, US envoys to discuss upcoming round of Islamabad Talks
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday held separate meetings with the Iranian and US envoys to discuss arrangements made for a second round of Islamabad Talks between the two warring parties. Naqvi’s intensified efforts come as Islamabad continues to set the stage for a possible second round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran, after the […]
Zelensky condemns US extension of Russian sanctions waiver
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a US decision to extend the period during which Russia is allowed to sell oil despite Western sanctions. The move means countries can purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until 16 May. The US argues that the waiver is meant to ease the […]
US Releases Video After Seizing Iranian Vessel in Gulf Waters
US Releases Video After Seizing Iranian Vessel in Gulf Waters as United States Central Command confirmed that American forces have taken control of an Iranian ship. Officials said US Marines boarded the vessel and secured it. The command also shared video footage showing details of the operation. According to officials, the vessel is now fully […]
US, Iran eye Islamabad for fresh talks as Hormuz blockade tightens
The blockade over an artery responsible for one-fifth of the global oil traffic began with a warning crackling over the radio: “Do not attempt to breach the blockade. Vessels will be boarded for interdiction and seizure…Turn around or prepare to be boarded. If you do not comply…we will use force.” The message, posted by US […]
Pakistan urges caution over US-iran talks speculation
Pakistan has urged media and observers to avoid speculation regarding the timing and details of the second round of US–Iran negotiations, saying that no official schedule has yet been announced for the next phase of talks. Read More: Pakistan relaying messages in US–Iran indirect talks, says Dar Speaking at a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir […]
Lebanon, Israel hold first direct diplomatic talks in decades in US
Lebanon and Israel opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington following more than a month of war between Israel and the Hezbollah group, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it a “historic opportunity” but making clear no breakthrough agreement was immediately expected. Rubio said the Trump administration is “very […]
Oil under pressure as US blockade of Hormuz begins
The United States Naval blockade begins in the Strait of Hormuz after the deadline of 7 pm (10 am ET). A blockade was imposed on all the ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. After the deadline, Trump warned on the Truth Social platform about the blockade. ” If any of these ships come anywhere close […]
Pakistan calls on US, Iran to uphold ceasefire
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Sunday announcing the end of Islamabad Talks between the United States of America and Iran said that it was imperative that the parties continued to uphold their commitment to ceasefire. “We hope that the two sides continue with the positive spirit to achieve durable peace […]
US military to stay near Iran until ‘real deal’ reached, says Trump
United States President Donald Trump has warned that US forces will remain deployed around Iran and threatened overwhelming military action if Tehran fails to meet Washington’s demands, casting doubt over a fragile ceasefire. Writing on social media late on Wednesday, Trump said US troops, aircraft and naval forces would stay in position until what he […]