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Israeli and Lebanese delegations resumed talks in Washington on Wednesday, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighting the Hezbollah threat as a central issue. The negotiations, which have extended beyond their planned duration, focus on establishing pilot zones in southern Lebanon where the Lebanese Armed Forces would deploy, contingent on Hezbollah's removal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the Gulf region to address allies' security concerns over the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The deal, which extends a fragile ceasefire and includes provisions on sanctions relief and the Strait of Hormuz, has raised questions among Gulf states that were attacked by Iran during the conflict.
The International Atomic Energy Agency will conduct inspections in Iran under a preliminary peace agreement with the US, as confirmed by IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. Disputes between Washington and Tehran remain over the scope and timing, with Iran insisting that access to damaged facilities is tied to a final deal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Gulf tour aims to reassure allies concerned about the US-Iran peace deal, which includes a proposed $300 billion fund. The visit highlights divisions within the Trump administration over Israel's actions in Lebanon, while Israel insists it will not withdraw from southern Lebanon.
The US Senate voted 50-48 to pass a nonbinding resolution directing President Donald Trump to remove US armed forces from hostilities with Iran, marking a rare bipartisan rebuke. The measure, already passed by the House, does not require Trump's signature, and Trump has criticized it as 'poorly timed and meaningless.'
Pakistan's Petroleum Division has assured oil firms that the weekly pricing mechanism will continue, with upcoming adjustments based on actual import premiums, despite industry protests over a record price cut that they say caused billions in losses. Oil companies warn of bankruptcies and reduced foreign investment, while the government insists on stability in the pricing formula.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has launched an operation to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz since February, following an interim US-Iran deal. The operation is coordinated with regional states, while shipping traffic is slowly resuming and diplomatic disputes over nuclear inspections persist.
The US Senate has for the first time approved a war powers resolution seeking to block military action against Iran, passing 50-48 with four Republican defections. The largely symbolic measure, previously approved by the House, reflects growing unease over President Trump's handling of the conflict and the deal with Iran.
Iran has denied US claims that it agreed to allow IAEA inspectors back into the country following the first round of talks in Switzerland. Washington temporarily waived sanctions, while mediators Qatar and Pakistan said both sides agreed to a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain to discuss a preliminary Iran accord with Gulf allies. Gulf leaders are concerned about the deal's provisions, including a $300 billion reconstruction fund and the absence of limits on Iran's ballistic missile program. Rubio expressed hope for constructive dialogue with Iran.
Pakistan International Airlines has been formally handed over to a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation, with the government completing the first financial closing of the privatisation transaction. The consortium has committed Rs180 billion in investments, including Rs80 billion as fresh equity, and plans to acquire the remaining government stake within twelve months.
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon over the weekend killed at least 16 people, according to Lebanese civil defense, testing a ceasefire that took effect Friday. Israel said it was responding to projectiles fired by Hezbollah, while Hezbollah accused Israel of violations and said it remained committed to the truce.
The US and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to end their 15-week war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and initiating 60 days of technical talks. While President Trump hailed it as a major win, analysts and critics note that the agreement leaves many contentious issues unresolved, including Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missiles.
Egypt and Belgium opened their World Cup Group G campaign with a 1-1 draw in Seattle, with Emam Ashour's 19th-minute strike cancelled out by an own goal forced by Romelu Lukaku. The result leaves both teams level at the top of the group, while Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has downplayed any talk of unrest involving Mohamed Salah.
Despite US President Donald Trump's announcement of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of the naval blockade, vessel-tracking data shows traffic remains limited. Hundreds of commercial ships have crossed, often with transponders off, while some Iranian tankers may be slipping through. The number of vessels passing fluctuates sharply, with a recent closure announced by Iran leading to a fall in crossings.
The Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen on Friday after a US-Iran framework agreement, but mine clearance, insurance hurdles, and shipper caution mean normal traffic may take weeks to resume. Around 500 vessels remain stranded in the Gulf, and daily transits are still a fraction of prewar levels.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said troops will remain in southern Lebanon, complicating US-Iran interim peace talks. Israel plans to stay 'indefinitely' in lands it holds in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, while Iran has tied the deal to halting attacks on Hezbollah. The remarks are the first official Israeli comments since the interim deal announcement.
Brent crude has fallen to its lowest levels since early March as a US-Iran peace deal appears imminent, raising hopes for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While markets react positively, experts caution that a swift return to normalcy is uncertain and could take months.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a final text of a US-Iran peace deal has been reached, with details including the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The signing is expected soon, though Iran's foreign ministry has cautioned against confirming a specific date. Pakistan has played a key mediating role, with its army chief credited for keeping negotiations alive.
The U.S. and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to end hostilities, lifting blockades and setting the stage for nuclear talks. The deal, reached after a months-long war that failed to achieve either side's goals, has been met with relief and skepticism, with Israel watching from the sidelines.