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Pakistani mediators are stepping up diplomatic efforts to broker a new round of US-Iran talks, with officials expressing optimism about a potential breakthrough on Tehran's nuclear programme. A high-level delegation led by Army Chief Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran to deliver a US message and lay the groundwork for renewed negotiations as a fragile truce approaches expiry.
Ukrainian forces have conducted over 100 attacks using unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), according to a unit specializing in such operations. The vehicles are used for logistics, combat, and engineering tasks, reducing risks to personnel. Reports highlight Ukraine's rapid innovation in drones and UGVs, with some sources comparing it to Israel's experience.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud held a phone conversation to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities affecting Gulf states. The talks come amid reports of US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory measures, with Pakistan emerging as a potential mediator.
The US Senate rejected two resolutions by Senator Bernie Sanders to block arms sales to Israel, but the votes revealed growing Democratic opposition to unconditional military aid. Nearly 85% of Senate Democrats backed at least one measure, reflecting a broader shift in public opinion and party sentiment.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has intensified her criticism of President Trump's military action against Iran, calling the decision to abandon diplomacy a 'mistake' that has destabilised the global economy. Her remarks come as economic forecasts warn of significant fallout for the UK, with new figures suggesting it will be the worst-hit G7 nation.
Iran’s military has warned it will block exports and imports across the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea unless the United States lifts its naval blockade, which has halted sea trade with Iranian ports. The threats come amid a fragile ceasefire, with Washington and Tehran signalling possible new talks.
President Trump says the US-Iran war is 'very close to over,' with peace talks expected to resume in Pakistan after the first high-level negotiations in Islamabad ended without a deal. As the US naval blockade continues, Trump hinted at a possible 'grand bargain' with Tehran, while the IMF warned of a global recession risk and regional tensions persist.
The U.S. military has confirmed its naval blockade of Iranian ports is fully in effect, halting all seaborne trade, while President Trump signals potential resumption of talks in Pakistan. Tehran conditions negotiations on lifting the blockade, and regional powers urge restraint as the Strait of Hormuz remains contested.
US President Donald Trump has said the US-UK trade deal 'can always be changed,' citing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's refusal to join the US-led war against Iran. Trump's remarks come amid growing strains in the 'special relationship,' though he insisted the upcoming state visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla would proceed as planned.
The South Korean won strengthened against the U.S. dollar as investors weighed signs of progress in talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz against ongoing Middle East tensions. Markets reacted to diplomatic moves and the expiry of a ceasefire looms, while the KOSPI saw gains. Analysts note persistent pressure from higher oil prices on South Korea's energy-dependent economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, urging stronger strategic coordination and deeper cooperation. Lavrov offered to help offset China's energy shortages amid the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as regional leaders flock to Beijing for talks.
South Korean stocks rallied this week on hopes for a second round of U.S.-Iran peace talks, with the KOSPI closing above 6,000 for the first time since the outbreak of the conflict. Gains were driven by diplomatic signals and Wall Street's advance, despite ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump has indicated that a second round of US-Iran talks could take place in Islamabad within the next two days, praising Pakistan's army chief for his mediation efforts. The comments come after the first round of talks ended without an agreement and as a two-week ceasefire approaches its expiration.
Lord George Robertson, a co-author of Britain's strategic defence review, has accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government of 'corrosive complacency' over defence, urging faster action on spending plans. Fellow author Fiona Hill echoed concerns about a 'bizarre' lack of urgency, as critics point to delays in a key 10-year investment plan.
The IMF downgraded its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% from 3.3%, citing the impact of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz. Higher energy and food prices are expected, with low-income countries hit hardest. In a worst-case scenario, growth could fall to 2.5%.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply since the US-Iran conflict began, with only a handful of vessels transiting daily compared to a pre-war average of 140. The US military has redirected dozens of ships since imposing a blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has announced the strait is open but under its own conditions. Shipping companies remain cautious, citing mine risks and the need for clarifications.
Amid a US blockade on vessels visiting Iranian ports, several sanctioned tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, while shipping in Pakistan remains normal. The blockade follows failed US-Iran peace talks, and transits through the crucial waterway have dropped sharply.
South Korea will participate in a multilateral ministerial meeting this week to discuss stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz, following a Britain-led gathering of over 40 nations. Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae will attend the virtual session, which aims to ensure safe passage and address the impact of the Middle East conflict on global energy supplies.
Amid ongoing Middle East tensions, reports indicate Iran has begun charging transit fees in yuan for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and China's cross-border payment system has seen record volumes. Analysts suggest these developments reflect a broader effort to reduce reliance on the US dollar in global oil trade.
Diplomatic efforts to broker a US-Iran agreement appeared increasingly fragile after American and Iranian delegations left Islamabad without a deal. President Donald Trump's latest threats — including a call to 'take out' Iran 'one night' and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — drew sharp criticism from Pakistani media, which argue his rhetoric is undermining peace overtures.