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The US military launched self-defense strikes in southern Iran targeting missile launch sites and mine-laying boats, even as diplomatic talks continue. Officials on both sides express cautious optimism, but Iran warns a deal is not imminent.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit New York from May 26-28 to attend high-level UN Security Council meetings, including a debate on upholding the UN Charter. The visit comes amid Pakistan's diplomatic push for de-escalation in the US-Iran confrontation, with Dar meeting UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other counterparts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping thanked Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Pakistan's proactive role in mediating peace in the Middle East during a visit marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. Both sides pledged close coordination to promote stability in the region.
Indian sailor Sunil Pooniya survived a missile strike on the oil tanker Skylight near the Strait of Hormuz, an attack that killed two colleagues. As tensions in the region escalate, thousands of seafarers remain stranded, and the human cost of the conflict is becoming clearer.
As over 1.5 million Muslims converge on Mecca for the annual Hajj, the pilgrimage unfolds against a backdrop of regional conflict and scorching temperatures. Saudi authorities report record international participation despite the Iran war, while pilgrims express gratitude and hope for peace amid the sweltering conditions.
Oil prices have experienced sharp fluctuations as markets react to evolving signals from Washington and Tehran over a potential deal to end the US-Israel war on Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. While hopes for a breakthrough briefly drove crude prices down, renewed strikes and cautious statements have reversed gains, leaving traders uncertain.
Dawn's analysis highlights concerns that Pakistan's continued focus on stabilisation under the IMF programme is hindering growth, with the economy slowing, jobs stalling, and poverty rising. The upcoming budget is expected to maintain this approach, prioritising fiscal consolidation over investment and employment.
More than 20,000 sailors are trapped on about 2,000 vessels in the Gulf after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, facing shortages of supplies and fear of attacks. New reports highlight the plight of Hong Kong-linked ships and calls for reopening the waterway.
The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz is entering a dangerous new phase as US and Iranian forces trade fire, negotiations stutter, and Tehran's oil exports fall to a six-year low. US intelligence assesses Iran can withstand the blockade for months, while diplomatic efforts, including Pakistan-led mediation, struggle to gain traction.
Republican leaders in the US House of Representatives canceled a scheduled vote on a war powers resolution that aimed to end US military action in Iran without congressional authorization. The move came as support for the war appeared to be slipping within the party, and the vote was postponed until June.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope for progress in ending the war with Iran, as Pakistani mediators prepare to travel to Tehran for talks. A ceasefire has held since April 8, but negotiations have yet to yield a lasting agreement, with the future of the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key sticking point.
Pakistan and China celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with high-level exchanges, joint statements, and pledges to deepen their 'all-weather' partnership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised China's support as 'unwavering,' while officials highlighted economic cooperation and shared regional visions.
US President Donald Trump has said Washington is ready for further strikes on Iran if no peace deal is reached, while signalling patience of a few days to secure acceptable terms. Negotiations centre on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz, with US officials stressing military readiness and regional partners joining a defensive shipping mission.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has made two visits to Tehran in a week to help keep US-Iran negotiations alive amid escalating threats from both sides. While some progress has been reported, disputes over Iran's uranium stockpile and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to expand the conflict beyond the Middle East if the US and Israel launch new attacks. The warning follows US President Donald Trump's mixed signals on negotiations, and comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan.
The UK has signed a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, potentially generating £3.7 billion annually and removing tariffs on 93% of British goods. The deal has been praised for its economic potential but criticized for omitting a human rights chapter.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged an immediate end to hostilities in West Asia during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as two Chinese oil tankers departed the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting comes amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and a reported Iranian peace proposal.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in Rome, where the two leaders visited the Colosseum, exchanged gifts, and discussed boosting trade to €20 billion by 2029. The trip, the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Italy in 26 years, also saw the countries elevate their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.
China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, even as the Strait of Hormuz crisis pushed up energy and shipping costs. Meanwhile, oil and gas imports from Gulf nations plunged, but Russia stepped in with higher crude shipments, though discounts have narrowed.
As tensions over the Strait of Hormuz persist, analysts warn that the crisis signals a broader shift in how strategic trade routes are managed. With global oil supply disruptions and rising geopolitical competition, the focus is turning to other chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca.