Web Desk/AFP

First responders search the rubble for victims at the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern town of Nabatieh on May 9, 2026. (AFP)

Middle East

Americas

President Trump rejects Iran's response to a US proposal for ending the Middle East war, deeming it "totally unacceptable"; Netanyahu says Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium must be "taken out" before the US-Israeli war against Iran can be considered over.





Lebanon reports over 1,700 Israeli violations in just three weeks

Says the US will help guide neutral commercial ships out of the Strait of Hormuz under “Project Freedom,” while citing “very positive discussions” with Iran that could lead to broader progress.

Day 65: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

US President Donald Trump says he will soon review the latest peace proposal from Iran, but casts doubt on its prospects.

Day 64: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand on Monday, discussing the ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.&nbsp;According to the statement from the foreign office, both sides discussed the latest developments in the region, with Dar reiterating Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.&nbsp;The two leaders vowed to further strengthen Pakistan-Canada ties while reviewing bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade, agriculture, and other sectors.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2048757494743507226&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=6a23f6f845ed2bd6a930d955a4d0b3fa186b4c89&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 746px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2048757494743507226">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> In a separate call, Dar also spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss the latest developments in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;The UK Foreign Secretary appreciated Pakistan&rsquo;s facilitation and continued efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy,&rdquo; the Foreign Office said.&nbsp;Both sides underscored the importance of sustained engagement for peace and stability in the region and beyond.&nbsp;Both dignitaries further agreed to remain in contact.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2048775824136982974&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=6a23f6f845ed2bd6a930d955a4d0b3fa186b4c89&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 794px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2048775824136982974"></iframe></div></div>

Foreign Affairs

Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar speaks with his counterparts from around the world, discussing the latest developments in the region as leaders appreciate Pakistan's efforts towards dialogue and diplomacy.

Pakistan discusses regional developments, promotes dialogue and diplomacy

Reuters

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (C-R) and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir (2nd L) walk alongside Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (C) upon his arrival at Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, near Islamaba

IRNA reports that part of his delegation has returned to Tehran to consult and obtain the necessary instructions on issues related to ending the war, and is scheduled to rejoin Araghchi in Islamabad on Sunday night.


Day 57: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar&nbsp;met officials on&nbsp;Saturday to review regional developments and the country&rsquo;s role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a post on X (Twitter), the Foreign Office stated that the FM held a meeting to assess the latest situation in the region. He said Pakistan is facilitating Iran-US talks to achieve peace and stability in the region and beyond. The foreign minister said that Pakistan will continue its efforts in this regard. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2047991205129298059&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=ca271f00bdb9897e91671784e67a4993cc8afafd&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Pakistan&rsquo;s official policy statements on the Iran-US facilitation process are only those issued by official sources, Dar stated. He said unnamed Pakistani officials or sources quoted in print or on social media do not reflect the country&rsquo;s official position. He advised print and electronic media to avoid speculative reporting and to rely only on official statements. Pakistan, Turkish FMs discuss regional diplomacy Meanwhile, the foreign minister spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on Saturday. In a post on X, the FO reported that Dar shared developments on Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing diplomatic efforts during the call.&nbsp; <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 746px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2048002822827065638&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=ca271f00bdb9897e91671784e67a4993cc8afafd&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> The Pakistani FM said sustained engagement through dialogue and diplomacy remains the only viable means for promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond. Pakistan-Egypt diplomatic call FM&nbsp;Dar spoke late on Friday with Egypt&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The Foreign Office said on Saturday that the two leaders discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts being facilitated by Pakistan. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 746px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2047939147139076226&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=ca271f00bdb9897e91671784e67a4993cc8afafd&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> They discussed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.&nbsp; The two leaders also spoke about sustained engagement to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is holding talks with regional counterparts on diplomatic efforts, including Iran-US talks facilitated by Pakistan to advance dialogue and regional peace.

Pakistan discusses regional developments, Iran-US diplomacy role

Web Desk/Reuters

Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad for meetings with Pakistani leadership. From Washington, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected as diplomatic engagement continues.

Day 56: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

US President has said that he was looking forward to meeting Israeli PM Netanyahu, Lebanese President Aoun, adds there is no pressure, but the "clock is ticking" for Iran.
.'

Day 55: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s prime minister and ambassador of China in Islamabad discussed regional situation in the Middle East and Islamabad&rsquo;s peace efforts. Jiang Zaidong, ambassador of the People&rsquo;s Republic of China, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, said a press release issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office. The prime minister was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch. The prime minister conveyed his warm regards and greetings for President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. While expressing his satisfaction at the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China bilateral relations, the prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan took great pride in its All-Weather Cooperative Strategic Partnership with China. He also spoke of his resolve to continue working closely with the Chinese leadership, to ensure that the relationship grows from strength to strength. The regional situation in the Middle East and Pakistan&rsquo;s peace efforts also came under discussion during the meeting. The Chinese ambassador thanked the prime minister for receiving him and expressed China&rsquo;s appreciation of Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts for lasting peace in the region. He reaffirmed China&rsquo;s commitment to strengthening its iron-clad ties with Pakistan and to take them to new heights, as envisioned by President Xi Jinping.

The Chinese ambassador thanked the prime minister for receiving him and expressed China’s appreciation of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for lasting peace in the region.

Pakistan premier, Chinese envoy discuss Mideast peace efforts 

DOHA: A US naval blockade of Iranian ports is likely to squeeze Iran&#39;s oil output in the coming weeks but claims it will throw the Islamic republic into economic free fall remain premature, analysts say. After weeks of bombing and counter-strikes, focus has shifted to the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, which ordinarily carries around a fifth of the world&#39;s oil and liquefied natural gas. In response to Iran&#39;s blockade of the strait since the start of the war, the US imposed a counter-blockade of the Islamic republic&#39;s ports, a push to force its leaders into a compromise in peace talks. That bid, however, looks set to fail, at least in the short term. &quot;If the blockade lasts for more than two or three months, it can cause more damage&quot; to Iran, economic analyst and professor at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran Saeed Laylaz told AFP. &quot;If Iran suffers any damage, the damage to the countries in the southern Persian Gulf will definitely be greater,&quot; he added. There&#39;s a limit on how long Iran can bide its time, however. Arne Lohmann Rasmussen, chief analyst at Global Risk Management said Iran &quot;was expected to run out of storage capacity within approximately one month, but it may already be forced to shut in part of its oil production within a couple of weeks&quot;.&nbsp;&#39;Collapsing financially&#39;?&nbsp;Trump said Tuesday that Iran was &quot;collapsing financially&quot; under the blockade imposed by the US Navy on April 12, claiming that the country was &quot;starving for cash&quot;. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the blockade meant storage at Iran&#39;s Kharg Island, the main export terminal through which most of the country&#39;s crude is shipped, &quot;will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in&quot;. Jamie Ingram, managing editor of Middle East Economic Survey (MEES), told AFP it was likely the timeline for Iran to hit its oil storage limits would be measured in &quot;weeks rather than days&quot;. He added it was likely that &quot;Iran will slightly reduce production before getting to the stage where storage constraints start to bite&quot;. According to analysis by oil expert Homayoun Falakshahi shared by energy intelligence firm Kpler, Iran&#39;s crude production has already slowed since the start of the war. Output fell by around 200,000 barrels per day in March to 3.68 million bpd and is expected to drop a further 420,000 bpd in April to about 3.43 million bpd, reflecting &quot;the broader impact of export disruptions and refining constraints linked to the ongoing conflict,&quot; Falakshahi said. But Laylaz in Tehran said beyond the psychological effect of the blockade, the &quot;real material effect has been small so far&quot;. Ingram said Kharg Island &quot;shouldn&#39;t be a particular bottleneck,&quot; for Iran. &quot;This is the final storage facility used before oil is exported and Iran can divert crude oil to other facilities rather than straight to Kharg,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&#39;Mutually assured disruption&#39;&nbsp;The MEES expert also said Iran&#39;s dependency on oil exports via Hormuz had &quot;deepened due to the damage caused by US and Israeli strikes to other sections of the Iranian economy&quot;. &quot;But Iran has also proven its ability to withstand huge oil-revenue declines during previous rounds of sanctions. I would not underestimate the regime&#39;s resilience in this regard,&quot; he added. As the initial two-week truce between Iran and the US was set to expire Trump had said Tuesday, he would maintain the ceasefire to allow more time for peace talks. Iran said it welcomed the efforts by mediator Pakistan but made no other comment on Trump&#39;s announcement, while vowing not to reopen Hormuz so long as the US blockade remains in place. &quot;It will take a long time before such economic pain forces Iran to compromise,&quot; Ingram said, explaining it is &quot;more likely economic disruption... pushes China into exerting more pressure on Iran to negotiate&quot;. Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, said &quot;Iran&#39;s economy was battered before the war, is contending with added strains caused during it, and now faces the combination of sanctions, seizures and potential strikes&quot;. &quot;Iran&#39;s leadership has previously shown a high threshold for pain even if the pressure on ordinary Iranians increases. It also likely calculates that its own efforts to subdue traffic through Hormuz act as a sort of mutually assured disruption,&quot; he added.

A US naval blockade of Iranian ports is likely to squeeze Iran's oil output in the coming weeks but claims it will throw the Islamic republic into economic free fall remain premature, analysts say.

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