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Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, but President Trump insists the US naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain until a deal is signed. The move comes amid a fragile ceasefire, with conflicting signals from Tehran and Washington over the terms of any agreement.
Iran's decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could allow Iraq to export over 20 million barrels of oil from Basrah, according to Iraqi media reports. Meanwhile, Iraq is also resuming oil shipments via a pipeline to Turkey's Ceyhan port, as regional dynamics shift following the Iran war.
President Donald Trump has said a deal with Iran could be reached within a day or two, with talks possibly resuming over the weekend. Reports from BBC and TASS highlight both optimism and lingering threats of military action if negotiations fail.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain and France will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following a Paris summit with 49 countries. The mission, described as strictly peaceful and defensive, aims to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance. Starmer also called for the unconditional reopening of the Strait, which Iran has partially closed to ships affiliated with the US, Israel, and their supporters.
As indirect US-Iran talks converge on Islamabad, President Trump claims a deal is close, including an alleged Iranian agreement to hand over enriched uranium—a claim Tehran denies. Pakistan’s role as facilitator is highlighted, with its military chief meeting Iranian officials. The article compares coverage from Al Jazeera and Dawn, examines key claims, and presents perspectives from Washington, Tehran, and Islamabad.
Iran's deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, stated that Tehran does not accept temporary ceasefire agreements with the US, warning they would lead to a resumption of hostilities. He spoke at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he also indicated that no date has been set for the next round of Iran–US talks following the failure of initial negotiations.
US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, effective April 16, 2026, following six weeks of conflict involving Hezbollah. The truce, brokered with US mediation, aims to facilitate negotiations for a lasting peace, though violations and unresolved issues remain.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has concluded a three-nation tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye, during which he met regional leaders and participated in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The visit underscored Pakistan's mediation efforts between the US and Iran and its emphasis on regional stability.
The Punjab Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, citing their diplomatic efforts in promoting a ceasefire between the US and Iran. The resolution also praised other key figures, including former PM Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.
Pope Leo XIV delivered a forceful message in Cameroon, denouncing leaders who spend billions on war and exploit religion to justify conflict, in the backdrop of his public feud with US President Donald Trump. The pope also presided over an interfaith peace meeting in Bamenda, a region scarred by a decade-long separatist insurgency.
Iranian officials have issued new threats against US naval forces in the Persian Gulf while diplomatic talks in Islamabad remain deadlocked. The negotiations, held on April 11, failed to produce a long-term agreement, with both sides citing multiple disagreements. Meanwhile, Tehran continues to assert its military capabilities and maintains a hardline stance.
Bayern Munich defeated Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling second leg to advance 6-4 on aggregate, setting up a semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal held Sporting Lisbon to a goalless draw to progress 1-0 on aggregate and will face Atlético Madrid. The results came amid injury concerns for Noni Madueke and Carlos Alcaraz.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday after concluding his official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In Doha, he held bilateral talks with Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, focusing on de-escalation and regional stability.
The US military has begun enforcing a naval blockade on all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, aiming to halt the country's oil trade, which was valued at around $45 billion in 2025. The move follows the collapse of US-Iran peace talks. In response, Iran has proposed a new initiative through Pakistani mediators to reopen the strategic waterway, while analysts warn of potential retaliation via the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Kenya's energy regulator has increased fuel prices significantly, citing surging import costs and global market tensions. The rise has already impacted transport fares and raised concerns about broader economic effects, while a separate controversy over a disputed fuel shipment adds to public unease.
As the war in Sudan enters its fourth year, international diplomats convened in Berlin to address a humanitarian catastrophe affecting millions. With funding shortfalls and a stalled peace process, the conference aimed to secure fresh pledges and refocus global attention on a conflict that has killed around 150,000 people and displaced 12 million.
As Pakistan's army chief shuttles between Tehran and Washington's interests, efforts to revive US-Iran talks gain momentum while Iran warns of expanding its response to the US naval blockade. US Central Command claims the blockade is working, but Iran says a supertanker breached the line.
Pakistan is intensifying its shuttle diplomacy between the US and Iran, with the army chief visiting Tehran and the prime minister touring Gulf states, as Washington expresses optimism about a second round of talks in Islamabad.
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.
Amid disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Australia has secured 250,000 tonnes of urea from Indonesia and extra diesel from Brunei and South Korea. The moves aim to safeguard domestic fertiliser and fuel supplies, with the government emphasising the importance of regional partnerships.