Location · 639 published stories · 157 outlets · All places
Pakistan hosted direct talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, with PM Shehbaz Sharif meeting both delegations separately. The discussions, which took place during a two-week halt in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, mark a significant diplomatic effort by Pakistan to mediate peace in the region.
Historic direct talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan in Islamabad, concluded without a final agreement after more than 20 hours of negotiations. Both sides reported some understanding on several points but remained far apart on key issues, with Pakistan urging continued commitment to the fragile ceasefire.
As the Strait of Hormuz remains shut, Australia faces a looming energy crisis with inflation expected to accelerate sharply. The Albanese government is navigating frustration with US actions while ruling out joining the blockade, and considering measures like fuel rationing as it braces for economic pain.
European airports could run out of jet fuel within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, according to ACI Europe. The warning comes as jet fuel prices have more than doubled from last year, with the UK identified as the most vulnerable country in Europe.
Australia and Singapore have agreed to make 'maximum efforts' to maintain fuel and gas supplies between them, as the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy markets. The leaders also committed to a legally binding addendum on essential supplies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is continuing diplomatic visits to Brunei and Malaysia to reinforce energy security.
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains at a fraction of normal levels days after a US-Iran ceasefire was announced. Tracking data shows only a handful of vessels transiting daily, with Iran asserting control through tolls and routing requirements, while the US accuses Tehran of not honoring the agreement.
A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the US and Iran is under strain as Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue, killing more than 300 people. Disputes over whether the truce covers Lebanon have led to sharp exchanges between Washington and Tehran, with diplomatic talks underway in Pakistan.
Despite a fragile ceasefire announcement, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut, and analysts warn of worsening fuel shortages. Global oil prices have surged to multi-year highs, with physical shortages emerging across Asia and governments urging conservation. The collapse of US-Iran talks has heightened fears of a prolonged energy crisis.
Islamabad prepares to host landmark negotiations between the US and Iran, as both sides navigate a precarious two-week ceasefire and deep disagreements over its terms, while Israel's continued bombardment of Lebanon threatens the process.
The fragile US-Iran ceasefire faces mounting strain as President Trump accuses Tehran of breaching promises on the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel strikes Lebanon and both sides dispute the agreement's scope. Talks in Islamabad aim to secure a lasting peace, but intelligence assessments suggest Iran remains defiant.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Singapore seeking to shore up Australia’s fuel supplies amid Middle East tensions, with a further stop planned in Brunei. Defence leaders say Australia could deploy a warship to the Strait of Hormuz if the government asked, while confirming a Wedgetail aircraft is already in the region and foreshadowing billions more for drones in a new defence strategy due this week.
Israel launched a massive aerial assault on Lebanon hours after a US-Iran ceasefire was announced, killing at least 203 people according to Lebanese authorities. The attack has thrown the fragile truce into doubt, with Iran accusing Israel of a 'grave violation' and warning of renewed hostilities, while the US and Israel maintain Lebanon was not part of the deal.
Israel has vowed to press its military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, even as a fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran hangs in the balance. Iranian officials warn the strikes violate the truce and could derail upcoming negotiations, while the US and Israel insist Lebanon was never part of the deal. International condemnation grows as the death toll in Lebanon climbs.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to under 10% of normal levels after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ordered vessels to use alternative routes near Larak Island, citing mine risks. The IRGC has also vowed to prevent military vessels from crossing the strait, while denying reports of US warships in the area.
The US-Israel war on Iran has boosted global oil prices, with Russia emerging as a key beneficiary despite sanctions. However, repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and a new gasoline export ban highlight strains in Moscow's energy sector.
India's state election season began with voting in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, with West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to follow later this month. The elections are seen as a test of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, amid global energy disruptions and controversies over voter roll revisions in West Bengal. Results are due on May 4.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized US envoys for visiting Moscow but not Kyiv, while Ukrainian and Russian officials called for renewed US-led efforts to end the war in Ukraine following a Middle East ceasefire. Concerns grow in Europe over US commitment as talks remain stalled.
In the deadliest day of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 254 people across Lebanon, hours after a US-Iran ceasefire was announced. Disagreements over whether Lebanon was covered by the truce have fueled continued violence, with thousands displaced and a humanitarian crisis worsening.
Amid escalating tensions, a US-Iran ceasefire brokered with China's diplomatic intervention took effect, with both nations agreeing to talks in Islamabad. Iran has expressed hope that China, alongside other major powers, will serve as a guarantor of the fragile peace.
A two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran appears fragile as Tehran again closes the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, while Washington demands the waterway be reopened. Both sides claim victory, but unresolved issues such as Iran's nuclear capabilities and regional strikes persist, according to multiple reports.