Author: Amjad Qaimkhani

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said a second round of negotiations with Iran could take place as early as Friday, expressing optimism that a breakthrough may be within reach. Speaking to a US media, Trump said there was a possibility of talks within the next 36 to 72 hours and that “good news” was expected from the next round. He said progress in negotiations with Tehran remained achievable. Earlier, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said diplomacy remained a tool to safeguard national interests and security. He said Iran would take steps when it determined that engagement served its…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The White House has said that President Donald Trump has not set any formal deadline for a ceasefire with Iran, leaving the timing to be determined by the commander-in-chief. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that Iran would be required to hand over enriched uranium as part of any agreement, while adding that Trump is allowing a few days for Tehran to present a unified response. She noted that a temporary ceasefire could remain in place during this period of negotiations. Leavitt also said the US president was satisfied with the ongoing blockade in the Strait…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Donald Trump has claimed that Pakistan’s leadership asked the United States not to carry out any military strike against Iran, amid ongoing regional tensions. In a post on social media platform X, Trump said the ceasefire would be extended until negotiations between all parties are completed. He stated that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir had requested restraint until mutually agreed proposals from Iranian leadership were received. Trump added that he had instructed US forces to maintain a blockade and remain fully prepared for any developments. The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Donald Trump has claimed that Iran wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open so it can generate around $500 million per day in revenue. In a statement, Trump said Iran was losing significant income due to disruptions in the key shipping route, while adding that the United States had imposed restrictions affecting maritime movement in the area. He further said Iran did not actually want the strait closed but was making public statements to avoid embarrassment. He also claimed that contacts had been made suggesting Tehran was interested in reopening the route. Trump warned that…

Trump says intercepted vessel carries unspecified cargo he brands as a “gift” from Beijing amid rising tensions with China and scrutiny over maritime trade By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The US president, Donald Trump, expressed surprise over a vessel seized the previous day that he claimed carried items “not very good”, in what appeared to be a thinly veiled reference to illicit cargo linked to China, Metro Morning reported. In a statement delivered from the White House, Trump described the intercepted ship as bearing unspecified goods that he labelled a “gift” from Beijing. He offered no specifics on the cargo’s contents,…

By Amjad Qaimkhani NEW YORK: Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the peace process in Colombia, urging all stakeholders to sustain efforts towards the full implementation of the landmark 2016 peace accord, which it described as central to securing long-term stability after decades of conflict. Speaking at a briefing of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said the agreement remained a “Colombian-led and Colombian-owned” framework capable of delivering lasting peace and prosperity if implemented in full. He underscored Islamabad’s continued solidarity with the Colombian people, while acknowledging the steady role…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The United States military has reportedly begun preparing to seize oil tankers linked to Iran in international waters, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, signalling a potential escalation in already strained relations between the two countries. The report, which cited unnamed US officials, has not been independently verified, leaving uncertainty over the scope and timing of any such operation. Analysts said any move to intercept vessels on the high seas would mark a significant intensification of maritime tensions in the region. Despite a reported ceasefire framework, Washington has continued to exert pressure in…

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said this week that a deal with Tehran is nearing completion and that Iran has shown readiness to make key concessions, though details remain unconfirmed By Amjad Qaimkhani WAHSINGTON: Fresh signs of strain have emerged in the negotiations aimed at securing a nuclear deal between the United States and Iran, despite repeated assertions from Washington that an agreement remains within reach, according to reports cited by CNN. US President Donald Trump has said on several occasions this week that a deal with Tehran is close and that Iran has indicated willingness to make concessions.…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump said late on Friday that he planned to maintain a US blockade of Iranian ports if a peace deal with Tehran is not reached, adding that he may not extend the ceasefire once it expires. Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday following a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon, although Tehran warned it could close the vital waterway again if the US blockade continues. A ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is due to expire on Wednesday. “Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The United States has claimed that China will not be able to access Iranian oil due to the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.The development comes as tensions in the region continue to escalate. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would prevent China from obtaining Iranian oil, adding that Washington would stop Chinese vessels attempting to transport it. According to US officials, the blockade has entered its second day. The US Central Command, CENTCOM, said no vessels had reached Iranian ports since the restrictions were imposed. CENTCOM added…