Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed optimism that a draft agreement between Iran and the United States (US) could be finalized and signed within days, marking a potentially significant step toward easing tensions between the two countries. Speaking in an interview with Iranian state television, Araghchi said the agreement would initially be signed remotely […]
United States
Higher Education in Pakistan: Lessons from India, the United Kingdom and the United States
Pakistan spends far less on higher education than India, the UK, and the USA. Pakistan’s annual higher education funding is around 300 million US$ (0.3 billion $) through the Higher Education Commission, while India spends 6 billion US $ on universities and research. The United Kingdom allocates more than £20 billion annually to higher education […]
Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz shipping after renewed clashes with US
Iran has announced the closure of all shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following fresh US military strikes and escalating confrontations between Iranian and American forces in the region. According to Iran’s Joint Military Command, any vessel attempting to pass through the strategic waterway would be considered a target. The warning applies to both […]
US House approves $70bn immigration enforcement bill
The US House of Representatives has approved a $70 billion funding bill for immigration enforcement agencies, ending months of political deadlock over border security and immigration policy. The legislation, which passed in a narrow 214-212 vote, will provide funding for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol through the remainder of President […]
IRGC claims attacks on US-linked military bases in Gulf
Iranian state media reported on Wednesday that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched attacks targeting US-linked military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions following recent US strikes on Iranian territory. According to Iranian reports, the IRGC used drones to target Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, […]
Ibrahim Azizi warns US stance could derail peace talks
The chairman of Iran’s parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, Ibrahim Azizi, has said that ongoing distrust and the current US approach could make peace negotiations between the two countries impossible. Read More: Ebrahim Azizi calls for new maritime rules in Hormuz Speaking in an interview with a US media outlet, Azizi said Iran […]
US judge blocks Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee
A United States (US) federal judge has blocked a Trump administration policy that would have imposed a $100,000 fee on each new H-1B visa application, halting one of the most controversial immigration measures introduced under the plan. Read More: Four Indians charged in US over visa fraud The ruling was issued by Judge Leo Sorokin, who determined that the […]
US adds Alibaba, BYD and Baidu to military-linked list
The United States has added three of China’s most prominent companies — Alibaba, BYD and Baidu — to its list of entities identified as supporting China’s military, a move that could further strain relations between the world’s two largest economies. Read More: Alibaba launches AI export platform for SMEs at Sialkot summit The designation was announced […]
US and Iran exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz
Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Saturday after US forces struck Iranian coastal surveillance sites following the interception of drones launched toward the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Read More: Iran fires warning missiles at US warships According to the US military, four Iranian drones were shot down after being detected near the vital […]
Israel, Lebanon agreed to ceasefire aimed at ending months of hostilities
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire aimed at ending months of hostilities, a development that has raised hopes for a broader agreement involving Iran and the United States to ease tensions across the Middle East. Read More: Lebanon ceasefire extended by 45 days The ceasefire was announced by the Trump administration following negotiations […]