US Iran Rift
Hegseth also addressed the cost of the conflict, which he said has been estimated at less than $25 billion so far.
Updated 30 Apr, 2026 08:00am
Trump warns Iran to "get smart soon", accept Nuclear-curbs; signals months-long extension of naval blockade.
Updated 30 Apr, 2026 07:34am
Crisis seen as biggest for aviation since Covid-19 pandemic; jet fuel supply robust, but summer rush could see shortages.
Published 29 Apr, 2026 05:45pm
The loss of a longstanding Opec member could weaken the group, which has usually sought to show a united front despite internal disagreements.
Published 29 Apr, 2026 01:02pm
No doubt, it’s a feel-good moment, but it should not divert our focus from critical national challenges.
Updated 29 Apr, 2026 09:41am
Iranian envoy lauds Pakistan for "persistent labour" to pave way for dialogue; Trump claims Tehran asked him to lift Hormuz blockade.
Published 29 Apr, 2026 07:08am
Intelligence agencies have assessed that if Trump declares victory and the US draws down its forces in the region, Iran would likely view it as a win, says a source.
Published 29 Apr, 2026 01:14am
Commodity prices forecast to rise 16pc in 2026, driven by soaring energy and fertiliser prices and record-high prices of several key metals, according to WB report.
Updated 29 Apr, 2026 01:21am
Several fibre-optic cables snake across the seabed of the strait, connecting countries from Southeast Asia to Europe via the Gulf states and Egypt.
Published 28 Apr, 2026 04:27pm
Iran, United States clash at UN's NPT review conference over Tehran's nuclear programme.
Published 28 Apr, 2026 11:12am
There’s some wariness about the excitement surrounding this moment of international glory.
Updated 28 Apr, 2026 09:27am
THE US is undoubtedly the world’s top military and economic power at this time. Yet as the Iran quagmire has ...
Updated 28 Apr, 2026 09:07am
Seven ships pass vital waterway in a day, compared to pre-war average of 140.
Updated 28 Apr, 2026 07:31am
Putin says Moscow will do everything to secure peace deal; White House stays mum as Trump meets security aides to discuss Tehran’s proposal.
Updated 28 Apr, 2026 07:19am
In letter to SBP, oil companies' association highlights "volatile" situation in the Middle East, says freight rates and war-risk premiums remain high.
Published 27 Apr, 2026 07:27pm
Manufacturers warn of rising costs for resin, copper, and other materials.
Published 27 Apr, 2026 12:03pm
For forty years Washington has known what Tehran is doing but it still didn’t find the right moves.
Published 27 Apr, 2026 11:30am
“We reviewed what has happened and talked about the path and conditions under which the negotiations can continue," he says.
Updated 27 Apr, 2026 07:38pm
NEGOTIATIONS to hammer out the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement took nearly two years before a breakthrough was achieved....
Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:01am
The diplomatic window remains open even as both sides seem to harden their positions.
Updated 27 Apr, 2026 09:17am
US president praises Pakistan for facilitating dialogue, says it will remain part of process.
Updated 27 Apr, 2026 07:19am
US president says Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon. Otherwise, there’s no reason to meet".
Updated 27 Apr, 2026 01:58am
Routes have been designated under Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026; media reports say thousands of containers destined for Iran are awaiting clearance at Pakistani ports.
Published 26 Apr, 2026 09:32pm
Iranian envoy thanks people of Pakistan "for their patience, hospitality and cooperative synergy".
Updated 27 Apr, 2026 01:49am
Pakistan is emerging as a net stability provider for the region.
Updated 26 Apr, 2026 05:18pm
The war has also tested the strengths of both major and middle powers.
Updated 26 Apr, 2026 09:21am
US president’s decision to cancel envoys’ trip does not formally end diplomatic track, but it significantly alters its momentum.
Updated 26 Apr, 2026 08:06am
Iran asks US to lift blockade, warns of response if "piracy" continues; Turkiye, Germany agree to de-mining missions.
Updated 26 Apr, 2026 07:37am
Police personnel stand guard on main thoroughfares, while roads to Red Zone barricaded as part of security measures.
Published 25 Apr, 2026 03:53pm
According to DPM Dar, PM Shehbaz "emphasised on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability in the region and beyond"; Trump claims "tremendous infighting and confusion" within Iranian leadership.
Updated 26 Apr, 2026 01:34am
