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French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and diplomatic resolution as US-Iran talks get underway in Islamabad, while pressing for the ceasefire to be extended to Lebanon. Macron also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, agreeing to stay in close contact to ease regional tensions.
Pakistan has increased its Eurobond issuance from $500 million to $750 million, citing strong investor demand and growing foreign exchange needs. The government has also invited bids from international consortiums for future capital market transactions, signaling a structured approach to external funding.
China's trade with Iran and Gulf countries fell sharply in March as the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Imports from Iran plunged 48% year-on-year, exports dropped 90%, and oil imports from Gulf states declined 25%. The crisis has exposed the vulnerability of global energy chokepoints and reshaped China's trade dynamics.
Twelve Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, have jointly condemned Israel's decision to appoint a non-resident ambassador to Somaliland, calling it a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The joint statement, issued Saturday, warns the move could set a dangerous precedent and destabilize the Horn of Africa. Israel appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to the breakaway region, a step that has drawn regional and international reactions.
Somaliland's government has pushed back against a joint statement by Arab and Muslim states condemning Israel's decision to send a diplomatic envoy, reaffirming its sovereignty and dismissing criticisms as unfounded. The response underscores the region's ongoing dispute with Somalia over its independence claims.
As Iran declares full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, its top adviser warns of a 'chain-reaction' response in other critical shipping lanes, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Such a move would sever Saudi Arabia's only remaining oil export route, escalating an already severe energy crisis. The IMF warns that reduced traffic in these waterways may become the 'new reality' with global economic consequences.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to face MPs in a high-stakes statement over the Peter Mandelson security vetting scandal, with opposition parties and some Labour MPs calling for his resignation. The controversy centres on claims that Starmer was not informed that Mandelson failed security vetting before his appointment as ambassador to the US.
Oil prices have surged amid stalled peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely closed. Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran, including the cancellation of planned talks and the seizure of an Iranian vessel, have kept markets volatile.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a 45-minute phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to advancing regional peace. Iran confirmed participation in Pakistan-offered talks with the US, though Washington has not yet confirmed its involvement.
US President Donald Trump has escalated threats against Iran, warning he will destroy all power plants and bridges if Tehran rejects Washington's terms. He also announced a complete naval blockade and legal prosecution for oil trade, while Vice President JD Vance hinted at new military tools. Trump claims a deal could be reached by April 7 but insists Iran must capitulate.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and AirSial have commenced pre-Haj flights, transporting over 55,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The government has expanded the Road to Makkah project to Lahore, introduced e-SIM cards and modern amenities, and assured comprehensive support for pilgrims.
The IGAD special envoy to Sudan has announced that the 'quintet' group will host more inclusive meetings next month, aiming to bring together all Sudanese factions that did not attend the Berlin conference. The move comes amid criticism from 25 groups aligned with the armed forces who rejected the conference's selective invitations.
A coalition of Western and regional governments welcomed the signing of Libya's first unified national budget in more than ten years, calling it a critical step toward economic coordination and stability.
Iran's military on Saturday reimposed a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, hours after a brief reopening, citing a continued US naval blockade of Iranian ports. At least eight tankers crossed during the window, while two vessels reported being fired upon by Iranian gunboats. US President Donald Trump said the blockade would remain until a peace deal, but Tehran insists it will keep the strait shut.
India summoned Iran's ambassador over attacks on two Indian-flagged vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, conveying deep concern about the safety of merchant shipping. The incident comes amid a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, which India has welcomed while calling for unimpeded trade through the strategic waterway.
Pakistan has repaid $3.45 billion in deposits to the United Arab Emirates, completing a major debt obligation amid regional tensions. The repayment, confirmed by the State Bank of Pakistan, follows a $2 billion payment reported earlier and coincides with new financial support from Saudi Arabia and a successful Eurobond issuance.
As the conflict between Iran and Israel and the US winds down, assessments diverge sharply. Jerusalem Post analysts frame the campaign as a strategic success that degraded Iran's nuclear and missile programs, while Al Jazeera argues the war expanded the conflict and imposed heavy costs on Washington.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt met in Antalya for their third consultative meeting, discussing regional dynamics and cooperation. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, comes amid ongoing ceasefire efforts and is seen as part of broader diplomatic engagements.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Israel "cannot live without an enemy" and is seeking to portray Turkey as a new adversary, prompting a sharp war of words with Israeli leaders. President Erdogan has threatened possible military action, and diplomatic ties have withered, with Azerbaijan reportedly stepping in to de-escalate. The escalating rhetoric reflects a broader regional clash over Iran, Gaza, and influence.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is attending the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, where he is scheduled to deliver remarks and hold bilateral meetings. Organized by the Turkish Foreign Ministry under the theme "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties," the gathering is expected to draw hundreds of officials from some 150 countries. Coverage from TASS outlines discussions on Middle East and regional issues alongside the forum’s broader program.