News for 'Islamabad'

Pak gets 2nd tranche of $1bn loan from Saudi Arabia

Pak gets 2nd tranche of $1bn loan from Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Pakistan has received the second and final tranche of USD 1 billion from Saudi Arabia, completing a USD 3 billion aid package aimed at boosting its foreign reserves, the state bank said.

Pakistan Intercepts Afghan Taliban Drones, Several Injured by Debris

Pakistan Intercepts Afghan Taliban Drones, Several Injured by Debris

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Pakistan's army intercepted and destroyed Afghan Taliban drones near Islamabad, resulting in injuries from debris. The incident has heightened tensions between the two countries, with Pakistan reiterating its commitment to combating terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.

Nuclear programme non-negotiable: Iran hardens stand ahead of talks

Nuclear programme non-negotiable: Iran hardens stand ahead of talks

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The statement comes even as Tehran links the issue to ongoing efforts to bring a complete end to hostilities in West Asia involving the United States and Israel.

'Could take out Iran in one day': Trump issues stern warning to Tehran

'Could take out Iran in one day': Trump issues stern warning to Tehran

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed confidence that Tehran would eventually concede to American demands, while simultaneously issuing a stern warning regarding the potential for total military devastation.

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The logic of war plus the gathering storms in US politics as the midterms loom large leave him with no real alternative but to negotiate, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Diplomacy never ends': Iran keeps channels open amid stalled talks

'Diplomacy never ends': Iran keeps channels open amid stalled talks

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year.

Trump dials Modi on Hormuz security; Gor hints at 'big-ticket' India-US deals

Trump dials Modi on Hormuz security; Gor hints at 'big-ticket' India-US deals

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the West Asia crisis and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. They also reviewed progress in bilateral ties and anticipated upcoming deals in the energy sector.

Pakistan to take action against Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani over IPL deal with KKR

Pakistan to take action against Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani over IPL deal with KKR

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is preparing to take legal action against Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for breaching his Pakistan Super League contract with Islamabad United to sign with KKR in the IPL.

Hormuz Hopes Drive Market Surge

Hormuz Hopes Drive Market Surge

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Is the current rally telegraphing a durable peace plan in West Asia, boosted by United States (US) President Donald Trump's incoherent and contradictory posts on social media?

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that the country has held no "direct" talks with the United States as of now and added that it has received messages through some mediators regarding the US' desire for negotiations.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, And Egypt Aim To Boost Cooperation

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, And Egypt Aim To Boost Cooperation

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Foreign Ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt convened in Antalya to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to regional peace and stability.

Can Pakistan's outreach to Egypt, Turkiye, Saudi calm West Asia?

Can Pakistan's outreach to Egypt, Turkiye, Saudi calm West Asia?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with his counterparts from Egypt and Turkiye in Islamabad ahead of a quadrilateral summit, including Saudi Arabia, to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace.

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Karex, the Malaysian company that makes roughly one in five of the world's condoms -- about five billion a year, supplying Durex and Trojan among others -- announced this week that it is raising prices by up to 30 percent. The reason is the Strait of Hormuz.

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'As result, Netanyahu 'convinced' Trump to go to war with the help of overoptimistic Israeli intelligence assessments, essentially explaining to him that they only need to bomb Iran for 3-4 days, and the regime would then collapse.' 'Rather unsurprisingly, Netanyahu is ever since blaming his own intel service for the entire operation failing.'

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Former US President Donald Trump has criticised Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a form of 'extortion' amid ongoing negotiations for a peace deal. The remarks come as Iran considers imposing transit fees on vessels crossing the strategic waterway.

India Missed Diplomatic Edge Against Pakistan

India Missed Diplomatic Edge Against Pakistan

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Iran was the chance to arrange a concert of nations, to actually be a Vishwaguru. Instead, we are watching from the sidelines as Pakistan, the same country that is apparently still at war with Afghanistan, hosts talks between US-Israel and Iran. The irony is hard to miss, points out Amberish K Diwanji.

US releases video of Marines boarding Iranian vessel

US releases video of Marines boarding Iranian vessel

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

US Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage of a maritime operation where Marines boarded an Iranian-flagged vessel, the Touska, in the Gulf of Oman, leading to heightened tensions and threats of retaliation from Iran.

Pakistan Drone Strike Eliminates Three Terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan Drone Strike Eliminates Three Terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Security forces in Pakistan killed three terrorists in a drone strike targeting a hideout in the Orakzai district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Gulf War: 'If America Wants An Exit, It Can'

Gulf War: 'If America Wants An Exit, It Can'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'US and Iran have not annulled the ceasefire, and the possibility of continuing negotiations remains open.'

US seizes Iranian ship trying to breach naval blockade near Strait of Hormuz

US seizes Iranian ship trying to breach naval blockade near Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The US Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions as ceasefire talks face uncertainty. The incident raises concerns about the fragile ceasefire and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran will face problems 'like never seen before' if...: Trump

Iran will face problems 'like never seen before' if...: Trump

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Tehran will engage in diplomatic talks, warning that the country will 'see problems' should it refuse to cooperate.

Pak minister calls Israel 'cancerous state', Netanyahu responds

Pak minister calls Israel 'cancerous state', Netanyahu responds

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Israel has strongly condemned Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's "outrageous" remarks calling for Israel's annihilation and labelling it "evil" and a "curse for humanity", raising doubts about Pakistan's role as a "neutral arbiter" for peace.

Pak pushes for talks even as Iran, Israel reject peace moves

Pak pushes for talks even as Iran, Israel reject peace moves

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with regional leaders to promote peace and stability.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

'Trump faces impeachment risks if Iran conflict continues'

'Trump faces impeachment risks if Iran conflict continues'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The popularity of US President Donald Trump is waning with approval ratings at its lowest, according to former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev, who notes that with two-thirds of Americans not approving of a continuation of the war on Iran, Trump faces the risk of being impeached.

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

For India, much is at stake: Crucial energy supplies traversing the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of its 10 million citizens living and working in West Asia -- who send generous remittances home -- and its major trade links with the region.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge on US-Iran Talk Hopes

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge on US-Iran Talk Hopes

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged significantly in early trade, mirroring a global market rally and a drop in crude oil prices below USD 100 per barrel, driven by renewed hopes of diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran.

New Zealand coaches Ronchi, Oram granted leave for Pakistan Super League

New Zealand coaches Ronchi, Oram granted leave for Pakistan Super League

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

New Zealand assistant coaches Jacob Oram and Luke Ronchi will join Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, missing the Black Caps' series against South Africa and Bangladesh.

'Keep Hormuz open': Xi Jinping steps in as Iran asserts control

'Keep Hormuz open': Xi Jinping steps in as Iran asserts control

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open for normal passage of ships, describing it as an 'international waterway' amid rising tensions between the US and Iran.

Rupee falls 32 paise to 92.83 against US dollar, global tensions weigh

Rupee falls 32 paise to 92.83 against US dollar, global tensions weigh

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee depreciated by 32 paise to close at 92.83 against the US dollar, influenced by escalating global tensions, particularly the US-Iran conflict, and the deadline for the RBI's instructions to banks to curb overnight positions.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China are meeting in Urumqi to discuss regional security concerns and potential confidence-building measures.

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the implementation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforcing strict measures on vessels entering or departing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations.

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has briefed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation in West Asia. This follows Pakistan's offer to host talks between the US and Iran to resolve the ongoing conflict.

'That is not the agreement we have': Trump warns Iran

'That is not the agreement we have': Trump warns Iran

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran regarding alleged fees imposed on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions amid fragile ceasefire agreements and ongoing disputes with Israel over Lebanon.

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The US has threatened to prosecute those buying or selling sanctioned Iranian oil and has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks failed.

Pakistan to Host Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye Foreign Ministers for West Asia Peace Talks

Pakistan to Host Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye Foreign Ministers for West Asia Peace Talks

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan is set to host a quadrilateral summit of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace negotiations.

Pakistan mediating between US and Iran? White House says...

Pakistan mediating between US and Iran? White House says...

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The White House has responded cautiously to reports of Pakistan offering to mediate between the US and Iran, amid ongoing tensions and potential talks.

US doesn't want negotiation, they want to...: Iran

US doesn't want negotiation, they want to...: Iran

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, expressed doubts about the United States' intentions regarding negotiations, citing conflicting actions and a desire to force Iran into accepting US demands.

'Worried' US pushed Pak to convince Iran for ceasefire: Report

'Worried' US pushed Pak to convince Iran for ceasefire: Report

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A Financial Times report reveals Pakistan's crucial role in brokering a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran, driven by White House concerns over rising oil prices and Iran's resilience.

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Mottaqi, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, emphasising the need for political and diplomatic solutions.