No Iran-US peace talks 2.0! How did Pakistan’s attempt to broker a breakthrough fail?

No Iran-US peace talks 2.0! How did Pakistan's attempt to broker a breakthrough fail?
Shehbaz Sharif with Abbas Araghchi (AP Image)

In a high-level diplomatic effort, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif Talked to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad on Saturday.Araghchi arrived in Islamabad carrying Tehran’s formal response to the US proposals, which discussed the ‘regional situation’ and ceasefire dynamics. The meeting saw the presence of Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership, including Army Chief Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

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Appreciating the visit and describing it as ‘fruitful’, Araghchi wrote in a post on X, “Very useful visit to Pakistan, whose good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace to our region we greatly value. Shared Iran’s position regarding a practical framework to permanently end the war on Iran.” “It remains to be seen whether the US is really serious about diplomacy.”

No US-Iran meeting despite mediation efforts

Despite Pakistan’s attempts to mediate talks, no direct or indirect talks took place between Iran and the United States. Tehran made it clear it would not meet the visiting US delegation, which included Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner.Instead, Iran stated its position through Pakistani mediators and reiterated that any talks would remain indirect. A key condition placed by Tehran was the removal of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.Officials and analysts have described the prospects of talks as ‘fading fast’ as Islamabad is unable to bring the two sides to the negotiating table despite hosting the event simultaneously, Dawn reported.Ahead of the anticipated talks, Islamabad was placed under an unprecedented security lockdown. Major roads were sealed and red zones cordoned off, severely disrupting daily life.However, the elaborate security arrangement failed to yield any diplomatic success. Expected high-level talks between Washington and Tehran failed to materialize, exposing Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

Iran fulfilled the demands, left Islamabad

After several meetings with the Pakistani leadership, Araghchi left Islamabad the same day, effectively ending hopes of a second round of talks in the city.According to reports, the Iranian delegation handed over ‘an official list of demands’ to Pakistan for communication to the US and its allies. These included conditions relating to cessation of hostilities and lifting of sanctions and blockades.Araghchi later said that Iran had conveyed its ‘principled position’ regarding a ceasefire and an end to what he described as an ‘imposed war’.He is now scheduled to visit Oman and Russia, signaling a shift in Tehran’s diplomatic focus away from Pakistan.

Trump canceled the visit of American delegation

In a major development, US President Donald Trump canceled plans to visit US envoys to Pakistan citing lack of meaningful engagement.“I told my people… you’re not flying 18 hours to get there… we’ve got all the cards. They can call us any time they want,” Trump said.The decision came after Iran refused to engage with the US delegation, making the trip diplomatically futile.In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I have canceled the trip of my representatives to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians. The trip wasted too much time, too much work! Furthermore, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their “leadership”. No one, including them, knows who is in charge. Furthermore, we hold all the cards, they hold none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”

Collapse of talks reflects earlier deadlock

The collapse of this round of diplomacy is reminiscent of the first round of talks held earlier in Islamabad, which lasted for over 20 hours but failed to achieve any breakthrough.Despite continued indirect exchanges through Pakistan, key disagreements, including sanctions relief and the naval blockade, remain unresolved.

Pakistan’s mediation efforts failed

While Pakistan attempted to present itself as a key mediator, the outcome exposed its limited influence over real stakeholders.Even though Sharif described his meeting with the Iranian foreign minister as a ‘warm and cordial exchange’, the inability to facilitate US-Iran ties highlighted Islamabad’s marginal role in the broader geopolitical standoff.With Iran shifting its diplomatic reach to Oman and Russia and the US withdrawing from immediate engagement, Pakistan’s ambitions of hosting a decisive breakthrough in the conflict appear to be waning.

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Controversy erupts after Democrat billionaire says ‘higher taxes are not the solution’ as California tackles inequality

Controversy erupts after Democrat billionaire says 'higher taxes are not the solution' as California tackles inequality

A viral moment from a California gubernatorial debate has put billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer under renewed scrutiny after he appeared to reject the idea that he should personally pay more taxes to tackle inequality.The exchange occurred Wednesday in San Francisco, where Steyer clashed with Republican Steve Hilton. Hilton claimed on stage that Steyer pays the lowest tax rate of “anyone at this level”.“My wife and I have said that we will give away the bulk of our money while we’re alive,” Steyer said at Wednesday night’s debate.He added, “But me paying more taxes is not the solution.”“If one person puts more money into government it’s not going to be solved, we need structural change,” Steyer said in the exchange.The comments went viral and were seized upon by opponents, prompting an attack ad from the California Is Not for Sale Committee. The group accused Steyer of hypocrisy, linked him to businesses linked to Donald Trump as well as past investments in companies linked to coal and private prisons, and suggested he had used offshore structures.Steyer spokesman Danny Wang rejected the claims, saying: “Despite these misguided efforts, Tom’s position has remained steadfast on taxing billionaires like himself, and he is the only candidate in the race calling for billionaires to pay more.”Steyer is estimated to be worth approximately $2.4 billion and is running on a progressive platform that includes higher taxes on corporations and a proposed 5% levy on the net worth of California billionaires. He has also called for the abolition of ICE.However, questions over continuity have haunted him before. Earlier this month, Steyer apologized after criticism surfaced over past investments by his hedge fund Farallon Capital Management in CoreCivic, a company that operates immigration detention centers in California. Farallon’s stake in the firm was once valued at $89.1 million.

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King Charles joins Mayor Zohran Mamdani at 9/11 memorial wreath-laying in New York

King Charles joins Mayor Zohran Mamdani at 9/11 memorial wreath-laying in New York

Britain’s King Charles is set to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 memorial in New York City as part of his official visit to the US next week, his office has confirmed.The event will honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks, which killed more than 2,600 people, including 67 Britons.New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also expected to attend the ceremony along with other officials, although there will be no private meeting between the two, Reuters reported, citing Joe Calvello, the mayor’s press secretary.

No private meeting planned between King and NYC mayor

While both leaders are expected to appear at the same public remembrance event, Mamdani’s office clarified that no private meeting with the monarch is scheduled. The participation is part of a wider official program that includes dignitaries from the US and UK.

State visit filled with diplomatic engagements

King Charles is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., New York and Virginia during his April 27-30 state visit. He will also address the US Congress and become the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.US President Donald Trump will host a private meeting and state banquet for the King and Queen Camilla during the visit.

US-UK relations in the spotlight

The visit comes at a time of tense relations between Washington and London. Trump has publicly suggested that King Charles could help improve diplomatic relations, while also criticizing aspects of Britain’s policy in recent comments.Despite political differences, the royal visit is being seen as a symbolic effort to strengthen the long-standing security and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries, with the 9/11 memorial event being seen as an important moment of shared remembrance.

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Ilhan Omar’s husband’s winery shuts down amid GOP investigation into her $30 million estate

इल्हान उमर की 30 मिलियन डॉलर की संपत्ति की जीओपी जांच के बीच उनके पति की वाइनरी बंद हो गईThe winery, eStCru LLC, ceased operations on April 4, 2026, according to California business records. The closure comes nearly two months after House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer sent a letter requesting financial documents related to MyNet’s business holdings.The congressional investigation focused on significant changes in the reported value of businesses linked to MyNet. In a 2024 financial disclosure, Omar said his household wealth was between $6 million and $30 million, linked to Mynet’s ownership stake in a California winery and a venture capital firm.MPs have said that business values ​​have changed a lot in a short period of time. In a letter, the House Oversight Committee said the reported value of the business rose from about $51,000 in 2023 to $30 million in 2024. Because of this change, the committee asked for the records. They want to see how the numbers were arrived at. He also asked whether the increase was due to new investors or other financial reasons.After criticism, Omar presented an updated financial report. This new filing reduced the reported value of her and her husband’s assets. The amended report states that his net worth was less than $100,000. It explained this by incorporating changes made to the way debts and earlier numbers were calculated. Omar’s office said the earlier higher figures came from accounting mistakes. He said that this was not done intentionally and its purpose was not to mislead anyone.The winery’s closure has sparked political debate in Washington. House Republicans argue that the rapid increase in reported business values ​​and the subsequent recovery raise questions that require more monitoring. Omar and her representatives have rejected allegations of wrongdoing and described the investigation as politically motivated.No criminal charges have been filed against Omar or Mynett. The House Oversight Committee continues to seek additional documents while a review of the couple’s financial disclosures continues. So far, public records confirm the closure of the winery and the ongoing congressional investigation, but independent verification of misconduct or unexplained wealth has not been established by court findings or federal charges.

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‘Get out of my country’: Elderly Sikh man abused, threatened and physically assaulted in racist attack in Canada

'मेरे देश से बाहर निकल जाओ': कनाडा में नस्लवादी हमले में बुजुर्ग सिख व्यक्ति के साथ दुर्व्यवहार किया गया, धमकी दी गई और शारीरिक हमला किया गया

Screenshot of racist attack on Sikh man in Woodstock, Canada

A young man has been charged in Canada over a disturbing video that showed him verbally abusing, threatening and assaulting an elderly Sikh man in a hate-motivated incident in Woodstock, Ontario.Woodstock Police say the incident happened around 11:35 a.m. Wednesday on Knights Lane near Turtle Island School. The elderly man was walking on the sidewalk when a young man came near him.A police release said, “Investigation revealed that a youth made an unprovoked attack on an elderly man walking on the footpath. The youth targeted the victim on the basis of his ethnicity while using racial slurs and obscenities.”Video circulating online, which police confirm is part of the investigation, shows the young man repeatedly shouting racist abuse, including, “What are you doing in my country?” He can also be heard repeatedly using the N-word, pushing the man and saying, “You don’t belong here, get that guy out of my country,” “I’ll beat that guy to death,” and “I’ll kill you (N-word).” The young man is also seen making fun of the man’s pronunciation.The victim was identified as Shingara Singh and told OMNI News that he was on his way to the Gurudwara when the incident occurred. Despite the ordeal, he said his message is one of peace and patience.He said, “It is our responsibility to follow the rules of the country we live in. We have been told here that we cannot raise our hands to fight, unless there is a serious situation, we have to be patient.”Police say the victim is not injured. He said that after the attack, the youth jumped a fence onto school property before leaving the area. He was later arrested and charged with making threats to kill or cause bodily harm and criminal harassment, threatening conduct.Woodstock Police Constable Preetpal Thind said the incident has deeply affected the community. “It’s a very difficult moment for the victim as well as the community to witness something like this,” he told OMNI News.The World Sikh Organization of Canada also condemned the attack.“We are deeply concerned by a video circulating online showing an elderly Sikh man being harassed in Woodstock, Ontario. It is unacceptable,” the organization said.Their recent national report found that more than 80 percent of Sikh respondents believe that discrimination and hatred against Sikhs has increased over the past five years, with verbal harassment being the most common form of abuse. A separate report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue also noted an increase in anti-South Asian hate speech in Canada, raising concerns about the safety of visible minority communities and international students.

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British Airways warns of rising airfares as UK government eyes rising oil prices amid Iran war

ब्रिटिश एयरवेज ने हवाई किराए में बढ़ोतरी की चेतावनी दी है क्योंकि ब्रिटेन सरकार ईरान युद्ध के बीच तेल की कीमतों में बढ़ोतरी पर नजर रख रही हैThe hike has had a direct impact on the cost of jet fuel, raising fears of rising airfares across the world.

British Airways owner expressed pressure for fare increase

International Airlines Group (IAG), which owns British Airways, has warned that ticket prices are likely to rise as airlines pass on the burden of increased fuel costs. The company said the situation in the Middle East is pushing up operating expenses, even as it continues to use fuel hedging to manage price volatility.However, IAG stressed it is “not immune” to broader market shocks and confirmed that while supply remains stable, financial pressures are rising, Sky News reports.

Government monitoring fuel supply, airlines bracing for impact

The UK government said it was closely monitoring jet fuel stocks amid concerns of potential shortages if shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz continue. Airlines have also been warned to prepare for volatility in fuel availability and pricing.In response, aviation regulators have relaxed rules for landing and take-off slots at airports. Airlines affected by fuel shortages will now be able to retain their slots without facing penalties under the normal “use it or lose it” system.

Airlines segmentation: normal operations vs fare increase

While budget carrier Jet2 said its services and holiday packages would continue “as normal”, other airlines are adjusting fares to manage rising costs. Reports suggest that carriers like Virgin Atlantic have already increased ticket prices across all cabin classes.Meanwhile, industry players including easyJet are expected to continue operations without immediate disruption, although cost pressures remain.EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen warned that travelers could face flight cancellations or significantly increased ticket prices if the crisis worsens.

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Iran war could push more than 32 million people into poverty; United Nations warns of ‘triple shock’ to developing countries

Iran war could push more than 32 million people into poverty; United Nations warns of 'triple shock' to developing countries

According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the economic impact of the Iran war could push more than 32 million people into poverty worldwide, with developing countries expected to be hardest hit.The report, released amid uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire, said the world economy faces a “triple shock” from rising energy prices, food insecurity and slowing economic growth. It warned that the conflict is reversing development gains, with uneven impacts across regions.

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Iranian delegation welcomed on Pak red carpet; Araghchi’s meeting with Asim Munir; Next talks with America?

Energy prices have risen over the past few weeks since US-Israeli air strikes on Tehran, a situation worsened by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil and gas supplies. Its impact has also extended to fertilizer supply and shipping, raising concerns about growing food crises in developing countries.UNDP outlined three scenarios for the economic impact of the war. In a worst-case scenario – major disruption to oil and gas production for several weeks followed by higher costs for several months – 32.5 million people could fall into poverty. This estimate is based on the World Bank’s upper-middle-income poverty line of $8.30 per person per day.Nearly half of the increase in poverty will be concentrated in 37 energy importing countries in the Gulf, Africa, Asia, and small island developing states.“This kind of conflict is counterproductive to development. Even if the war stops and a ceasefire is obviously very welcome. But the impact is already there,” Alexandre De Croo, UNDP Administrator and former Prime Minister of Belgium, was quoted by The Guardian as saying.“You will see a lasting impact, especially in poor countries, where you push people back into poverty. That’s the most heartbreaking element. The people who are being pushed back into poverty are often people who were in poverty before, came out of it and are now being pushed back.”The head of the International Monetary Fund has warned that the “chilling impact” of the conflict has already caused lasting damage to the global economy, even if peace prevails.UNDP called for a global response to support the most affected countries. It recommended targeted and temporary cash transfers to protect vulnerable households, estimating that about $6 billion would be needed to offset the impact for those below the poverty line.De Croo said international agencies and development banks could support such measures. “There is a positive economic benefit to giving short-term cash transfers to keep people from falling back into poverty,” he said. He said temporary subsidies or vouchers for electricity or cooking gas could also help, although the report warned against blanket subsidies as these would favor wealthier households and be difficult to sustain.While richer countries are better placed to manage the impact, UNDP said developing countries face greater challenges due to limited financial resources and ongoing economic pressures. It also noted cuts in aid spending by Western governments, including the US, Germany, France and Britain, as they deal with rising debt and rising defense spending.

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Decline in Christianity? Study shows one in three Britons who grew up Christian no longer practice the religion. world News

Decline in Christianity? Study shows one in three Britons who grew up in Christianity no longer practice the religion
Study shows one in three Britons who grew up in Christianity no longer practice the religion

Nearly a third of people raised as Christians in Britain no longer identify with the religion in adulthood, according to a major international study, highlighting a steady decline in adherence to the traditional faith across the country. analysis by Pew Research CenterIt was found that about 30 percent of the British population grew up in Protestant or Catholic homes but later abandoned their religious identity. The findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,017 people across the UK. The data shows a sharp difference between childhood affiliation and adult belief. While 51 percent of respondents said they were raised Protestant, only 31 percent still belong to the denomination. About 23 percent said they were raised Protestant but later left, while only 3 percent converted and joined. A similar tendency is visible in Catholic religion also. Although 16 percent of those surveyed said they had become Catholic, only 11 percent remained in the faith. Seven percent reported leaving Catholicism, while only 1 percent said they joined it without growing up in it. The study also sheds light on what happens after people leave organized religion. Of former Protestants in Britain, 87 percent now identify as non-believers, while 4 percent have become Catholic and 8 percent have joined another religion. Of those who became Catholic and later left, 71 percent became non-believers, 14 percent switched to Protestantism and another 14 percent switched to a different religion. The report says that the number of people changing religion is relatively small. Researchers have described the broader trend as “religious change”, a term used to reflect the range of ways people move away from belief systems or move between them. The Pew Research Center said, “We use this term rather than ‘conversion’ because conversion can take place in many directions, ranging from growing up in a religion to becoming unaffiliated, and may not involve a formal initiation process.” This pattern is not limited to Britain. Of the 24 countries analyzed in the study, more people left Catholicism than joined in 21 countries. Hungary was the only country where the trend was reversed. “Former Protestants form a large part of the population in many countries around the world. In nine of the 24 countries we analysed, this group makes up 10 per cent or more of the population,” The Times (UK) reported. While Protestantism has gained popularity in some parts of the world, particularly Latin America, the opposite trend has been observed in Britain. “Most of the countries where Protestantism has made net gains are in Latin America,” Pew said. “Most Brazilians who have converted to Protestantism are former Catholics. Sweden, the UK and Germany are among the countries with the largest net losses.”Public statistics reflect this change in confidence. Actor James McAvoy, who said he was raised by his grandparents who were “very good church-going Catholics” and attended church regularly, told The Times (UK) that he stopped going at the age of 16, saying: “The moment I was allowed to make my own choice, I stopped going to church.” The findings also cast doubt on claims of a widespread religious revival among young people. The Times (UK) noted that the Bible Society retracted a report suggesting an increase in church attendance among Gen Z after the underlying YouGov data was found to be flawed.

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‘Sovereignty lies with Britain’: Starmer government rejects report of possible US ‘review’ on Falklands

Trump sparks anger in Falklands as US 'review' of Britain's sovereignty support comes out. Watch

The UK government has firmly stated that sovereignty over the Falkland Islands “remains with the UK”, countering reports that the United States may reconsider its stance on the disputed territory.According to Reuters, a spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain’s position was “long-term and unchanged”, stressing that the islanders’ right to self-determination remains central.

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Trump sparks anger in Falklands as US ‘review’ of Britain’s sovereignty support comes out. Watch

“We cannot say clearly… sovereignty lies with Britain,” the spokesperson said. He said that the US administration has been continuously informed about this stance.

Pentagon email raises concerns over US review

The response comes after reports of an internal Pentagon email suggested Washington could review its diplomatic approach to long-held European territories, including the Falklands, as part of broader options to pressure NATO allies over their stance on a potential Iran conflict.While the US has historically recognized Britain’s administration of the islands, it has avoided taking a formal stance on sovereignty, instead encouraging dialogue between Britain and Argentina.

Self-determination at the core of Britain’s stance

Downing Street reiterated that any decision about the future of the islands rested with their residents, who had previously voted overwhelmingly to remain an overseas territory of Britain.While officials stressed that external pressure would not change Britain’s position, Starmer said decisions would continue to be guided by the national interest and the principle of self-determination.

Argentina renews its claim on the ‘Malvinas’

Argentina, which calls the islands “Malvinas”, reiterated its claim after the report. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno described the situation as a “colonial issue” and called for renewed negotiations for a “peaceful and definitive solution”.Buenos Aires has long argued that the islands rightfully belong to Argentina, a claim Britain has rejected, citing the wishes of the islanders.

long running dispute

The Falklands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic, has been at the center of a sovereignty dispute for decades.The issue escalated into the Falklands War in 1982, when Argentina invaded the islands before being defeated by British forces. More than 900 personnel were killed in the brief battle.Britain maintains that, apart from short-term Argentine occupation, the islands have been under its administration continuously since 1833.

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Sergei Lavrov: ‘Principle of dominance’: Russia accuses US of energy grab, says Iran, Venezuela actions ‘about oil’

'They invaded and attacked to steal oil': Russia blasts US over Iran, Venezuela

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the United States of openly prioritizing oil and energy dominance in its foreign policy, alleging that Washington’s military actions in countries such as Iran and Venezuela are motivated by resource interests.In an interview with Russian state television, Lavrov said the US “cares only about its own well-being” and is ready to defend it by “any means – coups, kidnappings or assassinations of leaders of countries with natural resources”.

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‘They invaded and attacked to steal oil’: Russia blasts US over Iran, Venezuela

‘Principle of Energy Dominance’

Lavrov claimed that Washington no longer hides its intentions, adding: “Venezuela, Iran – our American allies do not hide that it is about oil. They have a principle of dominance in global energy markets”.He further argued that such an approach indicates a breakdown of international law. “It’s taking us back to a world where nothing existed in terms of legal norms”, he said, adding that global decisions are being decided by power rather than rules, according to Reuters report.

Criticism of American diplomacy

The Russian diplomat also criticized Washington’s diplomatic approach and urged greater engagement rather than confrontation. “I would advise the United States … to start with dialogue,” Lavrov said.Accusing the US of withdrawing from agreements, he said that strained relations often arise due to changes in US policy.

Tension increases amid Iran talks

Lavrov’s comments come amid renewed diplomatic activity around Iran, with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner scheduled to travel to Pakistan for a fresh round of talks with Iranian representatives.White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said the initiative for the meeting came from Tehran, adding that the US was ready to talk but was under no pressure to sign a deal.Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has embarked on a regional tour to coordinate with partners, although no formal confirmation of direct talks with US officials has been announced.Lavrov’s comments also touched on broader geopolitical tensions, including the Ukraine conflict and the energy dispute with Europe.He accused the US of pressuring Europe to reduce its dependence on Russian gas and described Western policies as an attempt to return to the “colonial era”.

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