Author: Amjad Qaimkhani

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…

Byb Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON The managing director of the International Monetary Fund has praised Pakistan’s economic reforms and improving stability.The remarks came during high-level meetings on the sidelines of global financial talks. Kristalina Georgieva, head of the International Monetary Fund, commended Pakistan’s progress during a meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in 2026. In a statement shared on social media, Georgieva said effective implementation of the reform programme had helped maintain macroeconomic stability and boost investor confidence. She added that the continuation of strong economic policies alongside deep structural…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran remained in place, adding that a blockade was being enforced and Iran would not be able to sell its oil or develop nuclear weapons. In a statement, he said Iran was currently in a very difficult situation and that he did not care whether Tehran returned to negotiations or not. The US president also said he was not a big admirer of Catholic leader Pope Leo. Earlier, Trump had predicted that Iran would return to talks and agree to US demands. He also praised Pakistan’s leadership, describing…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he does not care whether ongoing negotiations with Iran succeed or fail, commenting on diplomatic discussions taking place in Islamabad involving the United States and Iran. Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump said the United States had already “defeated Iran” and claimed Washington had effectively prevailed in the wider confrontation. He added that the outcome of the current talks remained uncertain and said it made no difference to him whether a final agreement was reached. His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue between United States and Iran, with discussions reportedly taking…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said an operation to clear naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz had begun, describing the move as an effort to secure global shipping routes and reduce regional tensions. In a statement, Trump claimed that 28 Iranian vessels involved in laying mines had been sent “to the seabed”, without providing further details or independent verification. He said the removal of mines from the waterway would help safeguard energy supply routes and support major economies, including China, Japan, South Korea, France and Germany, all of which rely heavily on oil shipments passing through the strait.…

By Amjad Qaim Khani WASHINGTON: Lebanon and Israel agreed to hold their first meeting as part of ceasefire negotiations, with talks scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. The meeting came amid renewed diplomatic efforts led by the United States to ease tensions in the region and explore a framework for de-escalation. Officials from both sides were expected to meet at the United States Department of State, where discussions would focus on the structure and timeline of a possible ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials said the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah would not be part of the negotiations, underlining the…

US president hails unexpected strides in peace negotiations, claiming the thorniest disputes are largely settled, signaling cautious optimism for regional stability By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, coming less than two hours before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, following discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. The decision marked a dramatic reversal from earlier in the day, when Trump had issued a stark warning that “a whole…