Global oil prices edged lower in early trading on Friday, capping a volatile week as optimism over potential de-escalation in the Iran conflict weighed on markets. Prices retreated after US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Tehran were progressing “very well” and announced a temporary pause in attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure. Read More: Oil […]
Iran conflict
Rubio says Ukraine “not America’s war” at G7 meeting on Iran, Russia
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in France for a high-stakes gathering of Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers, as tensions over global conflicts and energy security dominated the agenda. The meeting marked the first in-person session since President Donald Trump publicly urged allies to take a firmer stance on Iran. Read More: Putin […]
Trump vows U.S. will “never forget” NATO’s stance on Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized NATO on Wednesday for what he called its failure to support America regarding Iran. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said NATO “has done absolutely nothing” while Iran has been “militarily decimated,” emphasizing that the U.S. “needs nothing from NATO” but will “never forget” the alliance’s inaction. Trump’s remarks come amid […]
South Korea plans $17bn budget to counter oil price surge
SEOUL — South Korea has announced plans to introduce a $17 billion supplementary budget aimed at cushioning the economic impact of rising energy prices driven by the Middle East conflict. UPDATE: South Korea to set out $17bn ‘wartime’ supplementary budget 🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/j5zDjucvo7 pic.twitter.com/Oafq0M642E — Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) March 26, 2026 The […]
Stocks fall as Iran stance dampens market sentiment
Stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange declined on Thursday as renewed uncertainty over the Middle East peace process weighed on investor sentiment, following Iran firm stance that cast doubt on an early de-escalation. Read More: PSX witnesses strong bullish trend, gains 4,347 points The benchmark KSE-100 Index witnessed volatility throughout the session, trading between a high […]
Trump Xi summit rescheduled for May in Beijing
The White House announced on Wednesday that a long-awaited summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing on May 14–15, following a delay caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Read More: Trump, Xi set crucial Beijing summit amid escalating Iran war White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the new dates during a press […]
Oil prices dropped as markets react to peace signals
Global markets rallied on Wednesday as oil prices dropped sharply following signs of possible de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, with investors responding to reports of a US peace proposal to Iran. Read More: Oil eases as inflation fears rattle global markets Both major crude benchmarks fell more than six percent, with Brent crude slipping below […]
Symposium highlights Pakistan’s evolving diplomatic role
WASHINGTON — Speakers at a high-level symposium on Capitol Hill highlighted Pakistan’s growing diplomatic confidence, particularly its recent offer to mediate between the United States and Iran amid escalating tensions. Read More: Seminar marks 65 years of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Japan The event, titled “US and Pakistan: Past, Present, and Future,” was organised by the Congressional Pakistan […]
Foreign investors pull funds amid Gulf tensions
KARACHI — Rising tensions in the Gulf region have triggered a noticeable withdrawal of foreign investment from Pakistan, with millions of dollars exiting domestic bond markets in recent days, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. Read More: Russia, China urge diplomacy amid Gulf tensions The central bank’s figures show that approximately $20 […]
US weighs sending thousands of airborne troops to Middle East
WASHINGTON — The United States (US) is preparing to deploy thousands of troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to officials familiar with the matter, as tensions with Iran continue to escalate despite ongoing diplomatic signals. Read More: Drone war takes flight, raising stakes in Iran, US tensions The proposed deployment, which […]