BREAKING NEWS
Few issues remain in US-Iran talks, Says Ishaq Dar at Antalya Forum • US–Iran talks continue on 3-page plan to end conflict • Pakistani film “Psycho” set for worldwide release on Eid-ul-Adha 2026 • Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ set for January 2027 release • Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, Trump thanks Tehran as oil prices fall • Ramsha Khan and Khushhal Khan announce marriage, share wedding photos • Trump praises Pakistan’s Leadership for mediation role after Strait of Hormuz reopening • PM Shehbaz approves Rs 32.12 per litre reduction in diesel price • Shahid Afridi offers support to ailing ex-Afghan cricketer Shapoor Zadran • Quetta Gladiators beat Lahore Qalandars by 6 wickets in PSL 11 clash • 8 dead as gas pipeline blast triggers fire in Haripur industrial area • Police launch investigation after allegations against Katy Perry • Mahira Khan highlights Pakistan’s cultural identity at Harvard Pakistan conference • Shah Rukh Khan’s ex-bodyguard shares insights into superstar’s life • Europe faces jet fuel crunch as Middle East disruption threatens flight operations
Advertise with us >

Abbas Araghchi

Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, Trump thanks Tehran as oil prices fall

by
Iran reopens

TEHRAN: Iran has announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels following a ceasefire in Lebanon, allowing maritime trade to resume through one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on social media platform X that the strait has been fully reopened for all commercial shipping and will remain operational during the remaining period of the ceasefire.

He added that vessels will pass through designated maritime corridors managed by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization to ensure coordinated and regulated navigation.

According to the Iranian foreign minister, the move is aimed at easing regional tensions and supporting the restoration of global trade flows.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital energy corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil shipments passes, making it highly sensitive for global markets.

Following the announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Iran, posting “Thank you Iran” on social media in response to the reopening of the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, global oil prices declined sharply after the development. U.S. crude oil fell by around 8 percent to 86 dollars per barrel, while Brent crude dropped by 6 percent to 93 dollars per barrel as concerns over supply disruptions eased.

Market analysts say the reopening has reduced geopolitical risk premiums, leading to a broad decline in energy prices worldwide.

Iran reaffirms missile program excluded from US talks, says FM

by
Iran

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that Iran’s missile program is a matter of national defense and will not be included in any negotiations, according to an interview with an Arab TV network.

Araghchi also confirmed that during indirect talks with the United States in Muscat, he met with the American delegation and exchanged handshakes.

He warned that if the U.S. attacks Iran, Iran will target U.S. bases in the region, but emphasized that attacks on U.S. territory are not anticipated.

He underscored that nuclear enrichment is an inalienable right for Iran and must continue, stating that even bombardment cannot eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “We are prepared to reach an agreement on assurances regarding enrichment,” Araghchi said.

Regarding the next round of talks with the United States, he noted that no date has been finalized yet, but both parties agree that discussions should take place soon.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s missile program will remain off-limits in negotiations, stressing its strategic importance to national defense.

Iran–US nuclear talks in Oman conclude latest round

by
Iran–US nuclear

MUSCAT: The latest round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, held in Oman, concluded on Friday, officials and state media confirmed.

The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side was represented by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, accompanied by his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

According to Iranian state media, the talks in Oman have formally ended and both delegations are set to return to their respective countries. A reporter from Iran’s state broadcaster, accompanying the Iranian delegation, said the indirect negotiations with the United States continued for several hours.

Iran’s official news agency also confirmed the conclusion of the talks, stating that assessments indicate an understanding has been reached to continue negotiations.

Following the talks, Iran’s foreign minister described the discussions as positive. Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson said that if diplomacy fails, President Trump retains other options.

The report said the meeting, which began on Friday morning, saw Iranian and US negotiating teams convey their positions, concerns and proposed frameworks to each other through Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who acted as mediator.

Iran ready for both war and negotiations, says Foreign Minister Araghchi

by
Iran ready for both

Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran is prepared for both conflict and dialogue amid ongoing unrest in the country.

In a statement, Araghchi noted that violence escalated over the weekend, with terrorists targeting both protesters and security forces, but added that the situation is now fully under control.

He said that peaceful demonstrations over the past few days had turned violent, with around 350 mosques set on fire within two weeks.

 Despite the unrest, Iranian security forces exercised restraint, recognizing that many of the protesters’ demands were legitimate and being heard by the government.

Araghchi also accused recent US comments of exacerbating the protests. “After President Trump spoke of intervention, the protests turned bloodier to create a pretext for outside interference,” he said.

He emphasized, “We are ready for both war and negotiations.”

The remarks follow recent statements from US President Donald Trump, who said that Iran has reached out for negotiations and that arrangements are underway.

Trump also warned that the US is considering military options in Iran, which he suggested might need to be acted upon even before talks begin.