Author: News Desk

News Desk HORMUZ STRAIT: A Pakistani-flagged oil tanker carrying diesel reportedly turned back after briefly entering the Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping sources, as maritime tensions and navigational disruptions continue to affect one of the world’s most critical energy routes. The vessel, identified as “Khayrpur,” was reportedly en route from Kuwait to Karachi with a large diesel shipment when it altered course shortly after entering the busy shipping corridor. Sources in the shipping industry said the decision appeared to be linked to heightened instability in the region and temporary restrictions on safe passage. However, there has been no official…

News Desk MOSCOW/NEW DELHI: Russia and India have finalised a five-year defence agreement allowing the deployment of military personnel in each other’s territories, marking a significant step in their longstanding strategic partnership. Under the agreement, both countries will be permitted to station up to 3,000 troops on each other’s soil. The deal also extends to military assets, enabling the deployment and use of warships and aircraft within the host nation’s territory and airspace. Media reports said the arrangement would allow up to five military vessels and ten fighter aircraft to be positioned in the host country, reflecting an expansion of…

News Desk VATICAN CITY: The spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo, said his recent remarks about “tyrants destroying the world” were not directed at Donald Trump, seeking to defuse speculation of a rift between the Vatican and Washington. The clarification followed comments the Pope made during a visit to Cameroon, where he warned that a small number of authoritarian leaders were contributing to global instability. The remarks were widely interpreted by some commentators as a veiled criticism of the US president. Addressing the controversy, the Pope said his speech had been prepared in advance and was not…

News Desk TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned on Saturday that Tehran’s navy was ready to defeat US and Israeli forces, as tensions escalated again over the Strait of Hormuz. In a series of posts on X, Khamenei said: “In the same way that the drones of Iran’s Army strike the US and the Zionist murderers like lightning, its valiant navy is also ready to inflict new bitter defeats on its enemies.” His remarks came as Iran said it was tightening control over the strait, warning mariners that the key energy lifeline had again been closed, while shipping sources…

News Desk WASHINGTON: The White House has said it is involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other relevant agencies to investigate a series of deaths and disappearances involving high-profile US officials with access to space and nuclear-related programs. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the government has vowed to leave “no stone unturned” in its efforts to establish the facts behind the cases involving missing scientists. The issue was raised during a White House briefing when a journalist asked whether an investigation was under way. Leavitt said at the time she had not yet consulted the relevant agencies…

By our correspondent PUNE, INDIA: A fighter jet of the Indian Air Force was grounded after developing a technical fault during landing at Pune airport, causing a temporary suspension of flight operations and the closure of the runway for several hours, according to Indian media reports. The aircraft, identified as a Sukhoi Su-30MKI, is reported to have encountered a landing gear malfunction while touching down late on Friday night into the early hours of Saturday. The issue left the jet stranded on the runway, prompting an immediate operational response from airport authorities. Following the incident, runway operations were halted as…

News Desk TEHRAN: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said a new order would be enforced in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring all vessels to obtain permission from the Iranian navy.The statement signalled tighter control over one of the world’s most critical shipping routes amid rising regional tensions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said ships would be required to travel along routes designated by Iran, while strict restrictions would apply to the passage of naval vessels. Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said the measures reflected Iran’s authority in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that recent US actions had effectively impacted its own allies rather…

News Desk TEHRAN: Iran’s parliamentary speaker said US President Donald Trump made seven claims within an hour, all of which he described as false. The remarks came amid heightened tensions and ongoing diplomatic uncertainty in the region. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is also serving as a chief negotiator, said such statements could neither establish the United States as a victor nor contribute to progress in negotiations. He added that if restrictions continued on key transit routes, the Strait of Hormuz would not remain open, warning that ship movements would be subject to specific routes and require Iran’s approval. Ghalibaf said…

News Desk TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has welcomed Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran, appreciating Islamabad’s role in facilitating regional dialogue.He said Pakistan’s efforts reflected strong bilateral ties and a shared commitment to peace and stability in the region. In a statement shared on social media, the Iranian foreign minister expressed pleasure over Asim Munir’s visit, thanking Pakistan for its “excellent hosting” of recent negotiations. He added that such engagements highlighted the depth of relations between the two countries. Araghchi emphasised that both nations remained firmly committed to promoting peace and stability across the region through continued…

News Desk TEHRAN: Iran has confirmed that messages are being exchanged with the United States through Pakistan, signalling continued diplomatic engagement between the two sides.The development comes as efforts intensify to move towards a comprehensive ceasefire and broader negotiations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that any future talks would focus on achieving a complete ceasefire. He confirmed that multiple messages had already been exchanged following the initial phase of the ceasefire process. He added that Pakistan was facilitating the communication channel between Tehran and Washington, playing a key intermediary role in ongoing diplomatic efforts. Baghaei also said there…