peace negotiations

Senator Lindsey Graham has questioned Pakistan's credibility as a mediator in US-Iran negotiations, citing reports of Iranian military aircraft using Pakistani bases. Pakistan denies these claims, stating aircraft were for diplomatic arrangements. Broader scrutiny of Pakistan's mediation role has emerged within the Trump administration due to stalled talks and Iran's response to peace proposals.

Iran is reviewing a US proposal, with a response expected soon, potentially via Pakistani mediators. Tehran prioritizes a full war cessation and sanctions relief over nuclear talks, seeking UN Security Council guarantees.

Taiwan asserted that U.S. arms sales are protected by American law, aiming to reassure its citizens after the Trump-Xi summit. Taipei emphasized its commitment to deepening strategic ties with the United States, stressing that military assistance is not a negotiable concession with China.

A ceasefire between the US and Iran is reportedly still in place despite an Iranian attack on US destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting US retaliatory strikes. Both sides accuse the other of initiating the exchange, threatening a fragile truce that ended weeks of conflict. Tensions remain high as negotiations continue.

US President Donald Trump branded Iran's terms for ending the Middle East war "totally unacceptable", raising the possibility of fresh conflict and sending oil prices sharply higher in early Asia trade on Monday. The impasse unnerved global energy markets, with international benchmark Brent crude prices rising 4.65 percent to $99.95 a barrel during Monday morning trade in Asia.

Gold and silver prices are expected to trade within a narrow band this week, with investors closely watching US-Iran peace talks and key global economic data. Analysts noted that while gold's momentum appears steady, silver shows positive movement. Geopolitical tensions and central bank buying are also influencing precious metal markets.

This week, US President Donald Trump will embark on a pivotal journey to China, where his host expects 'more stability' in terms of trade disputes and the turbulence in the Middle East. A day before his visit, key economic advisers and trade negotiators will meet in Seoul to finalise critically important negotiations.

Iran's chief negotiator insists Washington must accept Tehran's peace plan, warning of continued failure otherwise. President Trump, however, deemed Iran's response 'unacceptable,' escalating tensions. The ongoing conflict has triggered an energy shock, spiking oil prices and threatening global supply chains. Fighting also persists in Lebanon, with Hezbollah vowing to make the battlefield 'hell' for Israel.

Iran and the US remain deadlocked over ending their war, with escalating regional tensions and a shaky ceasefire. President Trump plans to press China to pressure Iran for concessions. Tehran demands sanctions relief before nuclear talks, while Washington and Israel insist on uranium removal, raising fears of renewed conflict and prolonged energy crisis.

During his recent trip to Beijing, President Trump showcased a willingness to engage in conversations about US arms sales to Taiwan, confident that his personal bond with Xi Jinping would act as a buffer against any potential Chinese aggression. The visit, primarily focused on enhancing trade relations, also included key American business leaders.

Pakistan reportedly sheltered Iranian military aircraft at its airbases, raising questions about its neutrality as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict. US officials cited in a CBS News report claim Iran moved planes, including a reconnaissance jet, to Pakistan's Nur Khan Air Base. A Pakistani official denied these allegations, calling them implausible.

Meryl Streep, reflecting on marriage and family, shared that successful relationships require goodwill, flexibility, and occasional silence. She emphasized that raising a family involves constant negotiation, as there's no single roadmap. Despite her separation from Don Gummer, her insights on family dynamics remain relevant, especially given their large family.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps stated the US faces a choice between an "impossible" military operation or a "bad deal," as diplomatic efforts have stalled. Tehran reportedly submitted a 14-point proposal to Pakistan, outlining a 30-day framework to resolve issues, including US troop withdrawal and sanctions relief.

Iran said it had demanded the release of its frozen assets and the end of a US blockade of its ports, after US President Donald Trump angrily rejected Tehran's terms for ending the Middle East war. The US leader did not say what had offended him in Iran's response, but Tehran's foreign ministry said it had called for an end to the US naval blockade and to the war "across the region" -- implying a halt to Israel's strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.

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After winning the BJP a brute majority in the 2026 Assam assembly polls, the question now is whether Himanta Biswa Sarma stands at par with chief ministers like Yogi Adityanath and Devendra Fadnavis, who are widely regarded as disciplined Sangh loyalists and potential next generation leaders of the BJP in the post Modi-Shah era.

As US President Trump returns from China, pressure mounts over Iran. Top aides are reportedly preparing options for renewed military action against Tehran if diplomacy falters, including intensified bombing and potential Special Operations deployments. Iran, meanwhile, signals readiness for conflict, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern for global oil prices.

While the US and Israel engaged in conflict with Iran, China quietly leveraged the situation to expand its influence. By positioning itself as a diplomatic alternative and stabilizing energy supplies, Beijing benefited from a weakened American strategic position and growing uncertainty about US reliability among allies.

The US is proceeding with a $488 million radar upgrade for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets, a move expected to heighten Indian security concerns. This program, contracted to Northrop Grumman, will enhance Pakistan's air capabilities amidst regional tensions. India's own fighter squadron numbers are reportedly below the required strength for a two-front conflict, making this development particularly noteworthy.

A CBS report says it did. Pakistan acknowledged the presence of Iranian aircraft but claimed these were civilian assets. Looks like the US is now faced with its second Osama bin Laden moment

France's flagship aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, is heading to the southern Red Sea, signaling readiness for a potential mission to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This preparatory move allows for an assessment of the operational environment, aiming to reduce response time for a multinational coalition focused on freedom of navigation.

Presidents Putin and Trump held a 1.5-hour call discussing the Middle East war and Ukraine. Putin backed Trump's Iran ceasefire extension, viewing it as a stabilizing move. He also proposed a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Victory Day, aiming to advance peace negotiations.