India-bound ship among two vessels seized by IRGC, being taken to Iran

TEHRAN, April 22: Two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz have reportedly been seized by Iran’s IRGC for “manipulating navigation systems and endangering safety in the Strait of Hormuz”, and are being taken to Iran, according to state media.

"Two violating ships, "MSC-FRANCESCA" (linked to the Zionist regime) and "EPAMINODES," which endangered maritime security by operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems, were seized by the IRGC Navy and directed to the coast of Iran," the IRGC Navy said in a statement.

“Disruption of order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is our red line.”

The vessels are identified as MSC-FRANCESCA and EPAMINONDES. According to Marinetraffic website, EPAMINONDES – a container ship sailing under the flag of Liberia – was headed to Gujarat from Jebel Ali in Dubai.

Earlier today, at least three container ships were attacked by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Confirming the first attack, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboat fired on a container ship about 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman.

A second incident involved the Panama-flagged Euphoria, owned by a UAE-based firm, which was reportedly attacked around eight nautical miles west of Iran. UKMTO stated that the crew remained unharmed and the ship did not suffer any damage.

The Panama-flagged MSC Francesca was also targeted roughly six nautical miles off Iran’s coast while sailing south from the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. According to maritime intelligence firm Vanguard, the ship reported damage to its hull and accommodation areas.

Israel entrenches hold on south Lebanon; US to host talks on Thursday

BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, April 20: Israel on Monday told residents of south Lebanon to stay out of a belt of territory at the border and not to approach the area of the ‌Litani River, entrenching its grip over southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire in the war with Hezbollah.

The U.S.-mediated, 10-day ceasefire took effect on Thursday, largely halting the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah that spiralled out of the conflict between the United States and Iran.

But it remains fragile, with Israeli troops occupying territory deep in the south, aiming to create a buffer zone to shield northern Israel from Hezbollah attack, while the group says it maintains the "right to resist" Israeli occupation.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker ​Nabih Berri told the pan-Arab Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Washington was making an effort to extend the ceasefire agreed by the Israeli and Lebanese governments, after he met the U.S. ​ambassador to Lebanon.

Following the highest level contacts in decades between Israel and Lebanon last week, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington would host a ⁠second round of ambassador-level talks between Lebanon and Israel on Thursday. Hezbollah strongly opposes the contacts.

India warns Iran of consequences after 2 tankers attacked in Strait of Hormuz: Officials

NEW DELHI, April 19: There were no casualties on the two Indian crude oil ships that came under fire by the Iranian navy, officials confirmed on Sunday, even as they said that the glass of one of the cabins on the ships was shattered in the incident, and Indian authorities have made it clear to Tehran that there will be consequences to such an act.

It is understood that there’s a discrepancy between the stance of the Iranian diplomatic mission in India and that of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) regarding the incident. Sources said that the IRGC wants to levy a toll on all ships passing the Strait of Hormuz amid a conflict with the US and Israel, even as the Indian authorities are not willing to give in to any such demands.

The incident of the firing on the two Indian ships – Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald – comes even as the Iranian warship IRIS Lavan, which sought refuge from India, remains docked at the Kochi port. About 120 of the 183 crew members of the Iranian ship have already been repatriated, even as some essential crew members stay back to maintain the warship at the Kerala port. The Iranian ship sought refuge from India after another warship, IRIS Dena, was torpedoed and sunk by a US submarine near Sri Lanka on March 4.

While there have been reports that the IRGC is collecting toll from ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, an Indian official said there was no chance of India paying any such toll, adding that there will be consequences to the Iranian firing incident.

The two Indian vessels, both large crude oil tankers carrying millions of barrels of oil, were on Saturday fired upon by the Iranian Navy north of Oman, forced to turn back from the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has previously said that countries not involved in the conflict with the US and Israel will not be targeted.

The development has prompted a strong protest from India's foreign ministry, with New Delhi summoning the Iranian envoy over the matter and conveying its deep displeasure at the incident.

According to Marine Traffic, Jag Arnav, a bulk carrier sailing under the Indian flag, was travelling from Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and en route to India. Meanwhile, the second ship, Sanmar Herald, was en route to India and carrying crude oil from Iraq.

The officials said that India is taking the firing by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seriously and the country stands for open and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Two Indian men shot dead outside Italy gurdwara, around 10 shots fired

MILAN, April 19: Two Indian men were shot dead in northern Italy late Friday night, just minutes after they stepped out of a warehouse being used as a place of worship during a Vaisakhi gathering, according to local media reports.

The incident took place in the town of Covo, in Bergamo province, shortly before midnight.

The victims had been attending a religious gathering at the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, located in an industrial area, when they were targeted in the square outside the premises, La Sicilia newspaper reported.

The deceased have been identified as Raginder Singh, 48, a resident of Covo, and Gurmit Singh, 48, who lived in nearby Agnadello. For Gurmit Singh, the loss is particularly devastating as he is survived by his wife and two children.

According to initial reports, the attacker approached the two men, opened fire, and then fled in a car.

The scale of the shooting pointed to its intensity, with investigators recovering around ten shell casings from the scene. According to La Sicilia, the firing was of exceptional intensity—far beyond what would have been “necessary” to hit the two victims.

Authorities are probing the case and are currently working on the hypothesis that the killings may have been a “coldly planned execution."

Indian tankers shot at by Iran Navy, evokes strong reaction from New Delhi

NEW DELHI, April 18: Two Indian vessels, including a large crude oil tanker carrying about two million barrels of Iraqi oil, were on Saturday fired upon by the Iran Navy north of Oman, people aware of the matter said, shortly after reports emerged that the Indian ships were forced to turn back from the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessels — Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald— came under direct attack, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the region. “Both vessels were fired upon,” an official said. Iran has previously said that countries not involved in the conflict with the US and Israel will not be targeted.

The development has led to a strong protest from India's foreign ministry, with New Delhi summoning the Iranian envoy over the matter.

The Indian Navy is trying to ascertain details of the incident as there is no Indian Navy ship in the Straits of Hormuz, they added. India has two destroyers, one frigate and one tanker in the Gulf of Oman.

There were no injuries reported after the incident. A strong protest has been lodged by India, with the joint secretary asking the Iranian envoy to explain why the firing took place.

According to Marine Traffic, Jag Arnav, bulk carrier sailing under the flag of India, was travelling from Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia and was en route India.

Meanwhile, the second ship, Sanmar Herald, was enroute to India, carrying crude oil from Iraq.

The officials said that India is taking the firing by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seriously and the country stands for open and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most vital oil transit corridors, through which 20% share of global crude shipments passes.

India is among the countries with the highest number of vessels passing through the strait, reflecting its dependence on energy imports from the Gulf region.

Iran has, amid the war with the US, listed India among friendly nations whose ships it is allowing to cross through the vital strait while keeping others halted with threats of drone-missile attack.

The attacks come even as Iran announced temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after a US-brokered 10-day ceasefire agreement on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon.

Maritime trackers even showed a convoy of eight tankers transiting the strait in the first major movement of ships since the US-Israeli war on Iran began seven weeks ago.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said Iran had agreed to open the strait, while Iranian officials said they wanted the US to fully lift its blockade of Iranian tankers.

MEA summons Iranian envoy after Indian-flagged tankers shot at near Strait of Hormuz

NEW DELHI, April 18: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday summoned the Iranian ambassador to India to lodge a formal protest after two Indian-flagged tankers were fired at by Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz, say people familiar with the matter.

The Iranian envoy, Dr Mohammad Fathali, was summoned by the MEA for a meeting at 6:30 PM. He met the MEA joint secretary for the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran desk.

“The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi was called in by the Ministry of External Affairs for a meeting with Foreign Secretary this evening. During the meeting, Foreign Secretary conveyed India’s deep concern at the shooting incident earlier today involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted the importance that India attached to the safety of merchant shipping and mariners and recalled that Iran had earlier facilitated the safe passage of several ships bound for India. Reiterating his concern at this serious incident of firing on merchant ships, Foreign Secretary urged the Ambassador to convey India’s views to the authorities in Iran and resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait,” MEA said in a statement.

“The Ambassador of Iran undertook to convey these views to the Iranian authorities,” the ministry added.

Pakistan army chief Munir in Iran, President Sharif in Saudi Arabia in double push to hold up fragile Iran ceasefire

TEHRAN, April 15: Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached Saudi Arabia Wednesday as Islamabad looked to leverage its role as key mediator between the United States and Iran amid a fragile ceasefire.

Pakistan’s effort form part of its renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and push forward stalled negotiations between the two warring nations.

Mediators are now working to bridge key disagreements, including Iran’s nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation linked to the conflict, that derailed earlier talks.

The Pakistani military said the delegation includes Munir, along with senior security officials, describing the visit as part of ongoing mediation efforts in the region.

The move comes days after Pakistan offered to host a second round of US-Iran talks, possibly this week. The first round of direct talks in Islamabad ended without agreement, raising doubts over the future of a fragile ceasefire set to expire on April 22.

Tensions have remained high since the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. President Donald Trump said Iran “would like to make a deal very badly”, while Vice President JD Vance described Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz as “economic terrorism”.

Iran has responded with warnings of retaliation, including threats targeting ports across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, further escalating concerns over regional trade and energy supplies.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Islamabad “has held discussions with the Americans and has also heard our stances”, adding that the visit would allow both sides’ views to be discussed in detail.

The war, now in its seventh week, has disrupted global shipping routes and pushed up energy prices, adding pressure on all sides to reach a deal.

Meanwhile, fighting has continued in Lebanon, with Israeli strikes reported in the south even as diplomatic channels remain open, underlining the fragile gap between negotiations and the situation on the ground.

North Korea boosting ability to manufacture nuclear arms, IAEA chief warns

SEOUL, April 15: North Korea is showing a “very serious increase” in its ability to produce atomic weapons, according to Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The diplomatically isolated country is believed to operate multiple facilities for enriching uranium, a key step in making nuclear warheads, South Korea’s spy agency has said. These include one at the Yongbyon nuclear site, which Pyongyang purportedly decommissioned after talks but later reactivated in 2021.

“In our periodic assessments, we have been able to confirm that there’s a rapid increase in the operations” of the Yongbyon reactor, Grossi told reporters in Seoul on Wednesday.

The agency also observed a rise in operations at Yongbyon’s reprocessing unit and light-water reactor, as well as the activation of other facilities, Grossi said.

“All that points to a very serious increase in the capabilities of [the] DPRK in the area of nuclear weapons production, which is estimated at a few dozen warheads,” he said, using North Korea’s official name.

North Korea, which conducted its first nuclear test in 2006, is under a slew of United Nations sanctions for its banned weapons programmes.

It has declared that it will never surrender its nuclear weapons, and cut off access to IAEA inspectors in 2009.

The agency has noted the construction of a “new facility similar to the enrichment facility in Yongbyon”, Grossi said.

It was “not easy to calculate” any production increases without visiting the site.

However, “we consider, looking at external features of the facility, that there will be a significant increase in the enrichment capacity of the DPRK”, he said.

‘Iran ready for another round of negotiations, and all options including war’

NEW DELHI, April 13: Iran is ready for another round of negotiations with the US provided there are no “unlawful demands”, though Tehran is fully prepared for “all options” if Washington goes ahead with its blockade of Iranian ports, Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali said on Monday.

The first face-to-face talks between Iran and the US in 47 years, held in Islamabad over the weekend, ended without any breakthrough. US President Donald Trump has imposed a naval blockade of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports as part of efforts to pressure Tehran amid a two-week ceasefire.

“If you want progress in any diplomatic process, [both] sides [should be] ready for negotiations. And they should avoid unlawful demands,” Fathali told a media briefing at the Iranian embassy. “Our high-ranking officials said we are ready for peace, we are ready for negotiations. But you should know that Iran is also ready for war.”

The Iranian side had unveiled some “key points” during the negotiations held in Islamabad, including the nuclear issue, war reparations and relief from sanctions, Fathali said. “But I think that they [the US] have some unlawful demands,” he said.

When Fathali was asked about the US blockade of Iranian ports, he said the American side is “very well aware of our capacity and capabilities”. He added, “Our high-ranking officials have said they are ready for all options. You can see how in our response and reaction.”

While emphasising Iran’s belief in international law and freedom of navigation, Fathali contended that the Strait of Hormuz – which has been effectively closed since the conflict began on February 28 – is part “Iran’s territorial waters”. Iran, he said, will soon announce a mechanism for using the waterway but declined to say whether Indian ships will have to pay a toll for passage through the strait.

“Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz is [part of] the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and we said that in the near future, we will announce the mechanism for the passage through this strait,” Fathali said.

Meanwhile, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a separate media briefing that India is closely following developments in West Asia, including those related to the Strait of Hormuz.

“As we have continuously advocated earlier, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the conflict. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail in the Strait of Hormuz,” Jaiswal said.

Pakistan deploys 13,000 troops and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD, April 12: A Pakistani military contingent comprising around 13,000 soldiers and 10 to 18 jets has reached Saudi Arabia as part of a joint strategic defence agreement signed last year, the Gulf Kingdom announced on Saturday.

The military contingent’s deployment to King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector includes fighter jets and support aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force, according to a statement from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence.

The deployment aimed to enhance joint military coordination, improve operational readiness between the armed forces of the two countries, and support security and stability at regional and international levels, it added.

A Pakistan government official also confirmed sending troops and jets to Saudi Arabia as part of the two countries’ strategic defence agreement, under which any attack on one country would be considered an attack on the other.

First phase of US-Iran talks ends, next talks likely tonight or tomorrow

ISLAMABAD, April 11: High-stakes talks between the US, Iran and Pakistan are underway in Islamabad, with Vice President JD Vance holding meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as diplomatic efforts intensify.

Iran has entered the negotiations with “complete distrust” and laid down key red lines, including a ceasefire in Lebanon, release of blocked assets and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian delegation named as "Minab 168", and headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Pakistan early this morning while US Vice President JD Vance landed around 11 am (IST).

Meanwhile, US intelligence has flagged possible Chinese plans to supply air defence systems to Iran, adding another layer to the crisis. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator, with officials indicating talks could move from a bilateral to trilateral format.

Russia and Ukraine agree to 32-hour Orthodox Easter ceasefire

MOSCOW, April 10: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has announced a 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming that Ukraine will honour it.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that the pause in fighting will begin at 4pm Moscow time (13:00GMT) on Saturday and run until midnight on Sunday, covering Easter celebrations observed in both countries.

“We proceed on the basis that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

It added that Defence Minister Andrei Belousov had instructed Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov to halt military operations during the period. Russian forces, however, would remain ready to respond to any violations.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had already proposed a similar pause and would act in kind.

“Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for reciprocal steps. We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holiday this year and will act accordingly,” he wrote on Telegram.

“People need an Easter without threats and a real move towards peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to attacks even after Easter.”

Israel criticises Pak Defence Minister remarks, calls them outrageous

TEL AVIV, April 10: Israel has strongly criticised remarks made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, calling them “outrageous” and questioning Pakistan’s credibility as a neutral mediator in ongoing Middle East tensions.

In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said calls for Israel’s annihilation are unacceptable from any government, particularly one positioning itself as a facilitator of peace. The response came after Asif made controversial comments on social media, referring to Israel in highly critical terms and making remarks widely condemned as inflammatory.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also denounced the statements, terming them “blatantly antisemitic” and asserting that Israel will continue to defend itself against threats to its security. Pakistan has recently been credited with mediating a temporary two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran and is expected to host further peace talks in the coming days. However, the latest remarks have cast a shadow over its role in the diplomatic process.

In his statement, Asif also referred to ongoing conflicts in the region, alleging continued violence involving Israel in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon. The development comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, even as diplomatic efforts continue to stabilise the situation and sustain the fragile ceasefire in the region.

'Burn in hell': Pak minister Khawaja Asif deletes post on Jews after Israel hits back

ISLAMABAD, April 10: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who triggered a controversy with his criticism of Israel appears to have backtracked by deleting his post on X. Amid a shaky truce between Iran and the US and possible negotiations likely in Islamabad on Saturday, Asif raked up a storm after he called Israel "evil and a curse for humanity".

"I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews burn in hell," a part of his X post reportedly read. T

The Pakistan minister lashed out at Israel for continuing attacks in Lebanon despite Iran and the US declaring a ceasefire. "Israel is evil and a curse for humanity, while peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon. Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated," he said.

Israel-Lebanon talks likely next week in US, Hezbollah rejects proposal

TEL AVIV: Hezbollah MP on Thursday said the group rejects any direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, after reports said that the talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected to take place next week in Washington.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he has ordered his cabinet to open direct talks with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and establish "peace relations" between the two countries.

"In light of Lebanon's repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible," his office wrote in a statement.

He also added that the negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace relations between Israel and Lebanon.

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed support for people in Lebanon, stating that Iran has “fingers on the trigger” as Israel continues to attack Lebanon.

“Israel's renewed incursion into Lebanon is a blatant violation of the initial ceasefire agreement. The continuation of these actions will render negotiations meaningless. Our fingers remain on the trigger. Iran will never abandon its Lebanese sisters and brothers,” he said in a post on X.

Israel said on Thursday it had killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, the nephew and personal secretary of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, in an overnight strike on Beirut.

After Ceasefire Deal, Pak PM Invites US, Iran For Talks On Friday

ISLAMABAD, April 8: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the United States, Iran, and all their allies have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon. Pakistan has been a key negotiator in attempting to reach a diplomatic solution between the two warring parties.

In his statement announcing the truce, the Pakistani PM invited delegations from Tehran and Washington to Islamabad on "Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes."

"With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY," he wrote.

He said he welcomes the "sagacious gesture" and extended "deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries."

India welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, calls for free navigation through Hormuz

NEW DELHI, April 8: India on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that the temporary truce would pave the way for lasting peace in West Asia.

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it has consistently advocated for de-escalation, stressing that “dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict.”

The government underscored the broader humanitarian and economic impact of the conflict, noting that it has caused “immense suffering” and disrupted global energy supplies and trade networks.

India reiterated its long-standing position that peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels remains the only viable path forward in the region.

Highlighting the strategic importance of maritime routes, the MEA said it expects “unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce” through the Strait of Hormuz.

The narrow waterway is a critical artery for global oil shipments, and its disruption in recent weeks has triggered volatility in energy markets worldwide.

The statement comes after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire aimed at halting escalating hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan may end up on US-Israel side vs Iran due to Saudi defence pact

ISLAMABAD, April 7: Iran's attacks on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia — its long-term nemesis which houses US military bases — on Tuesday put Pakistan's top civil and military leadership in a bind, at a time when it was trying to play peacemaker in a conflict that has created global ripples and is now in its second month.

At the heart of the bind is a defence pact that nuclear-armed Pakistan has with its oil-rich patron Saudi Arabia.

For six weeks so far, Pakistan walked a precarious tightrope — condemning American and Israeli strikes on Iran, then also condemned Iran's retaliatory strikes on Gulf states as "blatant violations of sovereignty", while simultaneously reaffirming its defence obligations to Saudi Arabia; and all this while serving as a communication channel between Washington and Tehran. It even got Saudi along as a fellow mediator.

On Tuesday, that tightrope all but snapped.

"The Government of Pakistan expresses its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the missile and drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran last night against energy facilities in the Eastern Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the Pakistan Foreign Office said on Tuesday.

This came as US President Donald Trump heightened threats just hours ahead of his 8pm ET (5:30 IST, Wednesday) deadline for Iran to reopen the global oil route Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the strait be opened or “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again”.

Iran, facing attacks on its energy facilities, hit back with its own threat: of putting the entire Gulf region into “darkness”, and years of oil and gas shortage for the world.

Pakistan called Iran's attacks on Saudi infrastructure a "dangerous escalation" while there was no clarity if the peace process was still on. The US has put a 15-point proposal on the table, which Iran has rejected and countered with its own 10 points.

Amid this, the Pakistan Army, which de factor runs the otherwise democratic country, issued a statement after a commanders' conference at its headquarters in Rawalpindi, chaired by Field Marshal Asim Munir.

"The Forum noted with concern and vehemently condemned the latest attacks on Saudi's petrochemical and industrial complex as an unnecessary escalation which spoils sincere efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means," it said.

"The restraint and calibration so far exhibited by Saudi Arabia, despite grave provocations, enabled mediation and diplomatic resolution; however, such unwarranted aggressions have serious repercussions, to spoil the ongoing peaceful options and conducive environment," it warned.

A Pakistani security source said that if the Saudi kingdom were to retaliate, "the talks would be over", and Pakistan could be drawn directly into conflict against Iran.

Given its long land border with Iran, Pakistan has for long been a logistically possible launchpad for ground invasion by US troops. So far, it's been a war of airstrikes, while Pakistan has been fighting its neighbour Afghanistan in a stop-start war of its own.

A bitter irony is that at the very moment Iran struck Saudi facilities, Pakistan was engaged in an intensive phase of its mediation effort.

Field Marshal Munir had spent the night in direct contact with US Vice President JD Vance, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian foreign minister Araghchi, working to finalise what sources had tentatively dubbed the "Islamabad Accord". It was to be a two-phase framework involving an immediate ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and in-person talks in Pakistan's capital, news agencies reported.

Iran had even formally submitted its 10-point counter-proposal to Washington via Pakistani intermediaries. Trump called it "significant" but “not good enough”. Negotiations were, by multiple accounts, at their most active.

Then came the strikes on Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement last year, pledging that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both.

In September 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman signed the agreement in Riyadh. Its central clause is modelled on NATO's Article 5, which says any aggression against either nation shall be considered aggression against both.

Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar had even asserted to Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi the pact's existence. Iran had until Tuesday largely spared Saudi Arabia from its most strikes.

Now that that restraint ends, Pakistan is struggling to claim total neutrality.

Iran Guards intelligence chief killed in strikes

TEL AVIV, April 6: Israeli strikes killed the intelligence chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, as the Islamic republic on Monday defied threats from US President Donald Trump to devastate civilian infrastructure if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The warring sides kept up their barrage of strikes, with Iranian missiles and drones targeting Israel, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, and Israeli strikes hitting Iran and swathes of Lebanon where it is battling Tehran-backed Hezbollah.

Iran said that "much more devastating" attacks would come if Trump followed through on his vow to hit civilian targets.

Modi speaks to Netherlands PM, discusses bilateral ties and West Asia situation

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten on Monday, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the evolving situation in West Asia. During the call, the two leaders reviewed the growing partnership between India and the Netherlands and explored ways to expand cooperation in key sectors such as semiconductors, green hydrogen, water management, and skilled workforce mobility....more

Oman, Iran discuss smooth transit in Strait of Hormuz, Muscat says

MUSCAT, April 5: Oman and ⁠⁠Iran ⁠⁠have held deputy foreign ⁠⁠minister-level talks, discussing ⁠⁠options to ensure the smooth transit of vessels through the Strait ‌‌of Hormuz, according to the Omani Foreign Ministry.

The meeting was held on Saturday “at the level of undersecretaries in the foreign ministries of the two countries”, the ministry said on Sunday in a post on X, adding that it was “attended by specialists from both sides”.

“Possible options were discussed regarding ensuring the smooth passage through the Strait of Hormuz during these circumstances witnessed in the region,” it added. “During the meeting, experts from both sides presented a number of visions and proposals that will be studied.”

On Sunday, three Omani ships appeared to be transiting the Strait of Hormuz, outside Iran’s “approved corridor” near Larak Island, according to tracking data monitored by shipping journal Lloyd’s List.

The convoy consists of two large oil supertankers and one liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier that are sailing “unusually close to the Omani coast”, according to the United Kingdom-based outlet.

The developments come after an Iranian ⁠⁠official said on ⁠⁠Thursday that Iran was drafting a protocol with ⁠⁠Oman to monitor ⁠⁠traffic in the ⁠⁠strait, through which about a fifth of global ‌‌oil supplies travel, and which Iran has severely restricted in retaliation for the ongoing US-Israeli war on the country.

Since the war began on February 28, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has allowed some vessels to transit, including Pakistani, French, and Turkish-linked vessels. But about 3,000 others are stranded.

Egypt’s ⁠⁠Foreign ⁠⁠Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate calls ⁠⁠to discuss proposals for regional de-escalation ⁠⁠with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and regional counterparts, including Iranian ‌‌Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Egyptian ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

‘Never refused to go to Islamabad’: Iran expresses openness to Pak-mediated talks with US

TEHRAN, April 4: Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said his country never refused mediation talks in Islamabad, after reports emerged that the initiative to facilitate talks by Pakistan had run into an obstacle.

In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi said that Iran's position is being misrepresented in US media. He expressed gratitude towards Pakistan for its efforts, adding, “We have never refused to go to Islamabad.”

“What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” the post read.

Earlier, claims surfaced suggesting that while some progress has been made, the momentum has slowed down due to the absence of a response from the Iranian side. The claims were published in reports from the US-based The Wall Street Journal and Pakistan-based Dawn.

Following this, Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi came forward and refuted such claims, calling the reports “baseless” and a “figment of imagination,” according to reports.

Andrabi said the controversy stemmed from a misreading of a background briefing held on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The comment by Iran and Pakistan comes amid growing speculations of a closed-door briefing by one of Islamabad's senior foreign ministry officials.

Amid War With Iran, UAE Asks Pakistan To Repay $2 Billion Loan: Report

DUBAI, April 4: Pakistan has decided to repay a loan of USD 2 billion to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on its demand, a media report said on Friday.

The UAE had provided the fund to support the balance of payment, and it was being rolled out until recently.

The UAE recently asked for the immediate return of the funds in the wake of the recent situation in the Middle East following the US-Israel war on Iran, sources said.

Citing sources, Geo News reported that the amount was kept with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as a safe deposit.

Pakistan will return USD 2 billion to Abu Dhabi by the end of this month, it added.

The insiders said Pakistan has been paying around 6 per cent interest on the amount. In the past, the UAE used to roll over the deposit on a yearly basis. However, in December 2025, the amount was extended first for one month and then for two months until April 17.

For the current fiscal year, Pakistan needed a rollover of approximately USD 12 billion in external deposits, including USD 5 billion from Saudi Arabia, USD 4 billion from China and USD 3 billion placed by the UAE.

Pakistan has more than USD 21 billion in reserves and will pay back to the UAE, but it may need external financing in the coming months.

Foreign Secretary Misri represents India at U.K.-hosted meet on Strait of Hormuz

NEW DELHI, April 2: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India on Thursday at a U.K.-hosted summit of nearly 30 nations that focused on ensuring safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran's partial blockade of the strategic waterway which has severely disrupted global oil and gas supplies.

Misri, joining the deliberations through virtual mode, articulated India's stance on safety of international shipping lanes in the region.

"As far as India is concerned, you very well know that we stand for free and open commercial shipping, and for maritime security in keeping with international law," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

"We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority," he said.

Global oil and gas prices have surged after Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, that handles roughly 20% of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). West Asia has been a major source of India's energy procurement.

Jaiswal said the U.K. invited several countries, including India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz and Misri attended it.

"We are in touch with Iran and other countries to see how best we can get unimpeded and safe transit for our ships which are carrying products including LPG and LNG," he said.

"Through these conversations over last few days, six Indian-flagged vessels have been able to safely cross the Strait of Hormuz. We continue to be in touch with relevant parties on this matter," Mr. Jaiswal said.

The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said India is closely following all developments relating to the West Asia conflict.

There have been growing global concerns over disruptions in commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz with many leading powers pressing for fully reopening the waterway.

Iran has allowed ships belonging to its friendly countries to transit through the water way.

Iran’s ex-foreign minister Kharazi ‘gravely wounded’ in attack on his home

TEHRAN, April 2: Former Iranian foreign minister Kamal Kharazi has been seriously wounded in an apparent assassination attempt that killed his wife, as United States-Israeli strikes continue to pound Iran for a fifth week.

Iranian media on Thursday reported that Kharazi’s home in Tehran was targeted the previous day in an air strike. The official was hospitalised with serious injuries, according to newspapers Shargh, Etemad and Ham Mihan.

“We have seen what looks like an assassination attempt against the former foreign minister, Kamal Kharazi … We don’t know why he’s been targeted. He has been gravely wounded, and his wife was killed,” it was reported.

Air strikes were reported on Thursday across Iran, including in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. Four people were reported killed in Larestan, in southern Iran.

Iran’s Health Ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said an attack targeted the Pasteur Institute of Iran, a medical research centre founded in 1920, severely damaging it.

In a post on X, Kermanpour called the attack on the “century-old pillar of global health” in Tehran a “direct assault on international health security”.

Meanwhile, the ⁠spokesperson of the armed forces’ unified command said Tehran will ⁠press ⁠on with the Middle East war until the US ⁠and Israel face “permanent regret and surrender”, the semiofficial Tasnim ‌news agency reported.

UK PM To Bring Together 35 Nations, Take Steps To Reopen Hormuz Strait

LONDON, April 1: The UK will host an international diplomatic conference this week on ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. He further stated that 35 countries have signed a statement committing to work together on restoring maritime security to the key oil transport route.

The meeting will "assess all viable diplomatic and political measures that we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and resume the movement of vital commodities", Starmer said.

"Following that meeting, we will also convene our military planners to look at how we can marshal our capabilities and make the strait accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped," he added.

Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands are among those to have signed it.

The British PM said the impact of the war would "define us for a generation" and could be similar to ​the increase in energy prices in the 1970s.