Pakistan has drawn renewed international attention following the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at resolving their ongoing conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed that Pakistan played a mediating role in the agreement, known as the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’. According to him, both presidents signed the deal electronically, agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US naval blockade. Sharif also thanked the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt for their support in the process.

Analysts described this as one of Pakistan’s most significant diplomatic achievements in recent history. The Iran-centered tensions had previously affected global energy markets, but oil prices fell and stock markets improved after the announcement. Observers noted that this success has created discomfort for India, which has long sought to isolate Pakistan internationally.

Experts attributed Pakistan’s rising global importance to its large Muslim population, military strength, nuclear capability, and strategic geography linking South and Central Asia. However, internal challenges such as insurgency, political instability, and economic dependence on IMF support remain major concerns.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a one-day state visit. The visit’s main agenda includes discussions on implementing the recent Iran–United States understanding and addressing regional and international issues of mutual interest. During the trip, Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to Pakistan’s state television, Pezeshkian was received at Nur Khan Airbase by President Zardari, Prime Minister Sharif, and senior government officials. The visit follows an invitation from Prime Minister Sharif. Both sides are expected to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity. Pezeshkian will also meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Senate Chairman, and the National Assembly Speaker.

The visit comes shortly after Iran and the United States agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, adding diplomatic significance to Pezeshkian’s engagements in Islamabad.

The United States has agreed to partially lift oil sanctions on Iran and release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The decision followed an 18-hour negotiation in Switzerland, led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The U.S. Treasury Department announced that Iran will be allowed to sell oil and petrochemical products until August 1.

According to negotiators, the move came after Iran showed serious commitments on nuclear issues and agreed to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Donald Trump stated that the released funds would be used to purchase U.S.-made goods, a claim rejected by Iran’s central bank, which insisted Tehran has no obligation to buy American agricultural products.

Ghalibaf defended the talks amid domestic criticism, saying the delegation went to Switzerland to help stop bloodshed in Lebanon. Vice President Vance noted that Iran had made significant concessions, including allowing nuclear inspectors into the country for the first time in years.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a one-day state visit, accompanied by senior ministers and officials. The trip follows recent US-Iran peace discussions mediated by Pakistan and is viewed as a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties. Islamabad has imposed traffic restrictions and work-from-home directives in the Red Zone during the visit. Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The visit comes after the February joint US-Israel attack on Iran, which triggered weeks of conflict. Pakistan played a key mediating role that led to the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” earlier this month, paving the way for high-level US-Iran talks in Switzerland. Both sides are expected to discuss trade, energy cooperation, border security, and regional connectivity.

According to official statements, the visit provides an opportunity to review all aspects of bilateral relations and advance cooperation in economic and security fields. It also reinforces Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in regional stability and conflict resolution.

Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has described the recent talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland as a success, saying the discussions produced significant achievements. He said the dialogue covered key topics including the Hormuz Strait, the situation in Lebanon, suspension of oil sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian funds. Ghalibaf confirmed that two installments totaling six billion dollars of previously blocked funds have already been released.

He noted that while no final agreement has yet been reached, sanctions on Iran’s oil sector remain in place. However, he said Iran has now secured temporary relief allowing oil sales and banking operations, with related agreements signed. On Lebanon, Ghalibaf said both sides agreed to establish a coordination center to manage disputes and prevent renewed conflict, ensure normal life for citizens, and uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Regarding the Hormuz Strait, Ghalibaf stated that its management will not return to pre-war conditions and that a coordination mechanism, including a hotline and a center, has been agreed to handle any future misunderstandings or disputes.

Iran has agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country, according to US Vice President JD Vance. Speaking in Switzerland, Vance said the first round of talks between the United States and Iran made significant progress toward a final peace agreement. A 14-point memorandum signed last week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian includes commitments to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.

A joint statement from mediators Qatar and Pakistan confirmed that both sides agreed on a 60-day roadmap to reach a final deal. Vance described the talks as a strong foundation and called the nuclear progress a major milestone for the American people and a first step toward permanently halting Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to resume inspections this week.

The memorandum also involves IAEA oversight of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the establishment of a permanent communication line to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. A special cell has been formed to coordinate efforts to halt military operations in Lebanon.

After being stranded for more than three and a half months, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC)-owned vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra has successfully crossed the Hormuz Strait. The passage occurred around 3 a.m. on Monday night, confirmed BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek. The ship, carrying 31 Bangladeshi sailors and crew, crossed the strait safely, as also confirmed by Additional Chief Officer Pronoy Saha through a message.

The vessel had been stuck in the Persian Gulf since February 28 due to the Iran-Israel conflict. Earlier, while unloading cargo at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates, an Iranian missile struck nearby, narrowly missing the crew. The ship, built in 2018 with a capacity of 38,894 deadweight tons, was preparing to sail to South Africa with about 37,000 tons of fertilizer but repeatedly failed to depart due to lack of clearance to cross the strait.

Following multiple diplomatic and operational efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Shipping, and BSC, the vessel succeeded on its fourth attempt and is now heading toward Fujairah Port in the UAE for bunkering and clearance procedures.

The United States has announced a temporary relaxation of sanctions on Iran’s oil sales following progress in recent diplomatic discussions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision came after positive outcomes from talks held in Switzerland, where both sides reached an understanding on several issues. Under the new arrangement, the US Treasury issued a 60-day general license allowing Iran to produce, supply, and sell oil without sanctions until 12:01 a.m. on August 21.

According to Washington, Iran agreed to ensure free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors access to its facilities. Analysts believe the move could provide significant relief to Iran’s economy, which has been strained by years of strict sanctions. The decision also aims to stabilize operations in the Strait of Hormuz and reduce potential disruptions in global energy supply.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transport routes, and any disturbance there could have major effects on international oil markets and energy distribution.

American political scientist and international relations analyst John Mearsheimer has claimed that Israel’s declared military objectives in Gaza were not achieved and that the underlying aim was to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from the territory. He made the remarks on May 15 at an event organized by the Centre for Independent Studies in Australia, where he said Western media rarely discuss the true purpose of the Gaza war.

According to Mearsheimer, Israel faces two options to maintain its current state structure: an apartheid-based system, which he believes already exists, or ethnic cleansing, which he said was attempted in Gaza but failed. He argued that removing Palestinians from Gaza would require killing large numbers of civilians and making the area uninhabitable so that people would be forced to leave.

Mearsheimer noted that he was initially reluctant to describe Israel’s actions as genocide at the start of the Gaza war but said his position changed after December 2023. He now believes Israel’s conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that discussions between Iran and the United States in Switzerland have concluded successfully. In a social media post, he described the talks as positive and constructive, noting that both sides achieved encouraging progress.

According to Sharif, the two countries agreed on a 60-day roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement, formed a high-level committee to oversee the political process, and decided to begin detailed technical discussions in the next phase. He emphasized Pakistan’s continued commitment to supporting dialogue and diplomacy for a peaceful and lasting resolution.

The meeting in Switzerland is being viewed as a significant diplomatic success in easing long-standing tensions between Iran and the United States.

Lebanese Civil Defense teams have recovered 13 bodies from the rubble in the Nabatieh and Marjayoun regions of southern Lebanon. According to a statement released on Monday, rescue teams are continuing operations in Nabatieh, Dibbine, and Blat to clear main and secondary roads. The effort aims to remove debris and restore normal traffic movement in the affected areas.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that since Israeli attacks began on March 2, at least 4,106 people have been killed and 12,153 injured across the country. Emergency assistance operations are still underway in the damaged regions as rescue teams continue their search and recovery efforts.

Authorities have not yet provided further details on the identities of the victims or the extent of structural damage in the affected zones.

On June 14, the United States and Iran reached an agreement outlining steps to end their ongoing war. The framework includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, halting bombings in Lebanon, and stopping targeted killings. The conflict, lasting over 100 days, has caused thousands of deaths, including senior Iranian leaders, and severely impacted the global economy. However, analysts argue that lasting peace in West Asia requires abandoning the 'Greater Israel' ideology.

The 'Greater Israel' concept, supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, envisions Israeli control from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. It has fueled wars in Iraq, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. Extremist factions, both secular and religious, advocate territorial expansion regardless of Palestinian rights. Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have rejected any withdrawal from occupied territories.

The report concludes that ending the 'Greater Israel' policy, ceasing hostilities in Gaza and Iran, and establishing an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders are essential for regional peace. It also calls for Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon and Syria.

At least 54 people were injured and 18 others went missing following a powerful explosion at a factory in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, according to the country’s Ministry of Interior. The ministry released the information on Monday through a post on social media platform X, confirming the scale of the incident.

Authorities have initiated search and rescue operations to locate the missing individuals. The ministry did not provide further details about the cause of the explosion or the condition of the injured. The report was carried by news agency AFP and published by local outlet Amar Desh Online.

Efforts to find the missing workers are ongoing, with officials focusing on recovery and safety measures in the affected industrial area.

Human Rights Watch’s May 2026 report detailed the killing of at least 170 Rohingya Muslims by the Arakan Army near Hwar Siri village in northern Myanmar’s Buthidaung area on 2 May 2024. The report suggested the actual death toll could be higher and found evidence of Myanmar military involvement. Witnesses, satellite images, and videos indicated that the army made no effort to protect civilians. The Arakan Army denied the allegations, claiming compliance with international law, but Human Rights Watch found no truth in those claims.

The article traced the historical roots of the Rohingya crisis, noting their centuries-long presence in Myanmar and the loss of citizenship under the 1982 law. It reviewed repeated waves of persecution since 1978 that forced hundreds of thousands into Bangladesh, where over 1.2 million refugees now reside. The piece argued that the new BNP government faces a severe challenge amid economic strain and must pursue multi-front diplomacy involving China, India, the United States, and the OIC.

The author recommended direct engagement with Myanmar and the Arakan Army, leveraging Chinese and Indian influence, and forming a regional asylum framework to address the protracted humanitarian crisis.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated that Iranian officials and footballers are working together to protect the nation’s honor and dignity. He shared a social media post juxtaposing images of schoolgirls killed in a US-Israeli attack with a photo from the Football World Cup, emphasizing that every action by Iranians—from the football field to diplomatic talks and the battlefield—is part of a broader struggle to defend national pride.

Aragchi’s post came as mediators welcomed progress in US-Iran talks in Switzerland and as Iran drew its World Cup match against Belgium. The statement linked the country’s diplomatic and sporting efforts to a unified national cause.

Earlier, on February 28, a missile strike hit the Shajareh Tayyebah Girls School in Minab on the first day of the Iran-US war, killing about 160 people, mostly schoolgirls and teachers, according to the report.