IRAN US RELATIONSHIPS
GAIL says its LNG vessel Energy Fidelity flagged off from US; to bolster India's energy supply chain
GAIL's Energy Fidelity vessel with a carrying capacity of 174,000 cubic meter (cbm) was flagged off on April 20 and is now en route to India. The ceremony was presided over by India's Consul General in Houston, Texas, D C Manjunath, GAIL said in a statement.
US Stock Market: US considers a currency swap with UAE as conflict risks rise
Donald Trump signalled that the United States may extend financial support to the UAE, including a potential currency swap arrangement. Discussions reflect rising concerns over regional tensions and economic risks. Such cooperation could strengthen bilateral ties, enhance liquidity support, and help stabilise financial markets amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East.
Policy flip-flops blur US stance on China ahead of Trump-Xi meet
President Donald Trump's second term China policy faces challenges. Initial tariff hikes did not yield desired concessions from Beijing. Recent erratic decisions, including conflicting signals on technology sales and blacklists, create confusion. While some actions have put China on the back foot, critics argue the U.S. approach lacks a coherent strategy, potentially undermining its global standing.
'Helpful': MEA on Ajit Doval's Saudi Arabia visit amid West Asia conflict
During an inter-ministerial briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Doval held high-level discussions with the Saudi Energy Minister, Foreign Minister, and his security counterpart.
Pakistan's military chief Asim Munir takes lead on US-Iran talks in diplomatic blitz
Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is in Tehran carrying US proposals for a second round of US-Iran peace talks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his foreign minister are engaging regional allies. This coordinated effort aims to advance the peace process. The talks are expected to take place in Islamabad this week. Security is being heightened in the capital.
Pakistan is juggling blackouts and Iran diplomacy
Pakistan is emerging as a key mediator in efforts to ease tensions between the US and Iran, with talks likely to be hosted in Islamabad. However, this diplomatic role contrasts with a worsening domestic power crisis, as the country faces prolonged outages due to LNG shortages and poor coordination in water and energy management.

As Iran war strains ties with Trump's US, UK looks to Europe
Britain's government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK's so-called special relationship with the United States. "When the relationship with the United States is fracturing, it means there's reduced opposition to a closer relationship with the EU among the public," said Aspinall. pdh/jkb/rmb/jhb

Pakistan's Asim Munir may be a 'red flag' & 'liability' for Trump & co, US intel warns: Report
US intelligence flags Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir as a "red flag" for the Trump administration due to his alleged deep ties with Iran's military leadership while mediating US-Iran talks. Concerns persist over Pakistan's reliability as an intermediary, despite Trump's public praise and reliance on Munir for regional de-escalation efforts.

A deal is only done when it's done: Pak official sources on Iran-US talks
As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir wrapped up their respective visits to West Asia, reports began to circulate about the second round of talks in Islamabad.

China steps up Iran diplomacy while seeking smooth summit with Trump
China is actively working to end the Iran war, balancing its diplomatic efforts with an upcoming summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Beijing is seeking to safeguard its energy supplies while leveraging its back-channel influence with Tehran, a role Trump has acknowledged. The focus remains on preserving strategic stability and advancing China's trade and Taiwan objectives at the summit.

Trump says Iran to drop nukes, hand over uranium, hints Pakistan visit
President Trump revealed Iran has pledged to forgo nuclear weapons for over two decades, stating the nation has agreed to nearly all terms. He also hinted at a potential visit to Islamabad, Pakistan, if a nuclear deal is finalized and signed there. This significant development suggests a potential breakthrough in international nuclear negotiations.

‘America’s petro-imperialism in Iran has already hiked US fuel cost by $20 billion’
Jeff D. Colgan highlights the economic toll of the Iran war on American households. He explains how US military actions against oil-producing nations are linked to global oil markets. The discussion covers 'petro-imperialism' versus 'petro-consumerism'. Profits from higher oil prices benefit some producers, while major oil companies face complex challenges. The shift in US oil export status influences foreign policy.

MEA briefs parliamentary panel on situation in Iran
Describing the interaction as wide-ranging, Shashi Tharoor said the members of the panel used the opportunity to press the government on critical issues.

No dates set for second round of Iran-US talks: Pakistan
Pakistan stated no dates are set for a second round of US-Iran talks, amidst reports of ongoing diplomatic exchanges. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized the confidential nature of the negotiations, which involved discussions on the nuclear issue and peace in Lebanon. These efforts align with Pakistan's commitment to advancing peace through dialogue and cooperation.

Australia boosts military spending as Iran war makes global impact
Australia is boosting its defense budget. Defense Minister Richard Marles announced an additional 53 billion Australian dollars over the next decade. This move aims to enhance national security amid a complex global environment. The strategy emphasizes self-reliance while maintaining key alliances, particularly with the United States. A major investment includes a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

"US, 'Zionist regime' have no regard for security of region": Iran slams role of regional states, demands halt to support
Iran war: Earlier on Wednesday (local time), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir in Tehran, expressing appreciation for Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue and underscoring the shared commitment to regional peace and stability amid West Asia tensions.

UK PM Starmer hits back after Trump's trade deal threat over Iran conflict
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stands firm against US President Donald Trump's threats regarding a trade deal. Starmer reiterates the UK's stance on not joining US strikes on Iran. Meanwhile, King Charles III's upcoming State Visit to the US is set to proceed, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and commemorate historical milestones.

Xi calls China-Russia ties 'precious' in current international context
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing. Xi highlighted the value of China-Russia ties amid global instability. He stressed the importance of strategic communication and diplomatic coordination between the two nations. The meeting occurred as uncertainty surrounds the duration of the war in Iran.

President vs Pope: How feud with Leo could hurt Trump
US President Donald Trump has feuded with Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war -- setting off an unholy row that could have serious political implications for the Republican leader at home. "On Orthodox Easter, President Trump attacked the Pope because the Pope is rightly against Trump's war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus," one time ally and former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Greene said.
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