Iran says the US responded to its 14-point proposal via Pakistan and is reviewing the reply, while Tehran says no nuclear negotiations are underway. Trump weighs a “bad deal” versus renewed strikes.
Opec+ agreed to raise June oil output targets by 188,000 bpd for the third straight month, but the increase may stay mostly on paper as Hormuz remains closed amid the US-Israeli war on Iran.
WorldThe US midterm race has entered its final six months, with control of Congress at stake and both parties confronting a difficult electoral map. Democrats are looking to capitalise on economic discontent and Trump’s low approval ratings, while Republicans say the contest remains fluid.
NATIONALPakistan adopted a legal and diplomatic approach in response to challenges over the Indus Waters Treaty, according to a report. Water experts said Islamabad used treaty mechanisms and international forums instead of escalating tensions.
WorldLebanon’s health ministry said 13 people were killed in Israeli strikes in the south on Friday, including in Habboush after an evacuation warning. The ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes since March 2 has risen to more than 2,600.
NATO said it is working with the US to understand Washington’s plan to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany, as tensions deepen over the Middle East war and transatlantic ties.
The USAF awarded Northrop Grumman a $488m FMS contract for long-term engineering support of F-16 radar systems (APG-66/68), with Pakistan included among covered countries.
War with US will ‘likely’ resume: Iranian armed forces
WorldThe closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea tensions are reshaping global shipping, with more vessels rerouted around Africa. The disruption has lengthened delivery times, raised costs and shifted cargo flows to alternative ports and land corridors.
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei says a new chapter for the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz is underway, urging the US to leave and promising security and economic benefits for regional nations.
Iran’s IRGC Aerospace commander warns the US against potential new strikes, citing CENTCOM plans for “short and intense” attacks. Iran also signals legal and asset-recovery steps for war compensation.
WorldIsrael said it detained about 175 activists from more than 20 boats in a Gaza-bound flotilla, while organisers said Israeli forces surrounded the convoy in international waters. Separately, MSF accused Israeli authorities of systematically restricting access to water in Gaza.
