International

The Thursday Times brings the globe into focus, delivering clear, comprehensive reporting on pivotal events shaping nations and communities. With The Thursday Times‘ on-the-ground insights and expert analysis, we connect readers to the stories that matter across borders, helping make sense of our fast-changing world.

Andy Burnham becomes UK Prime Minister as Starmer resigns

Andy Burnham has become the United Kingdom's 59th Prime Minister, succeeding Keir Starmer after being invited by King Charles III to form a government. The former Manchester mayor, Britain's seventh PM in a decade, promised "a circuit breaker for Britain."
International

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain have won the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, ending a tightly contested final with a decisive breakthrough.
Football

Pakistan announces US-Iran peace deal after weeks of high-stakes mediation

Shehbaz Sharif says the US and Iran have reached a peace deal, with a signing ceremony planned in Switzerland and mediators preparing talks this week.
International

Trump says Iran deal could come this weekend

Trump says US-Iran negotiations are going very well and a deal could come this weekend, while cautioning it might not happen. Talks back on track.
International

Iran prepares three-day farewell ceremonies and 24-hour funeral procession for Ali Khamenei

Iranian officials are preparing three days of farewell ceremonies and a 24-hour funeral procession for Ali Khamenei, with events expected in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad.
International

EU formally commends Pakistan’s Iran mediation as Kallas visits Islamabad

The EU formally commended Pakistan's Iran mediation, supported Pakistan's Kashmir position, called for action against Afghan terrorist groups and backed a two-state solution for Palestine in joint communiqué. Kallas met PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir.
International

UN documents Taliban rape and sexual abuse of Afghan women

ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — The United Nations Secretary-General's annual report on conflict-related sexual violence, document S/2026/321 submitted to the UN Security Council, documents...
International

Iran’s president reportedly submitted a resignation letter. Here is what we know!

Iran International reports President Pezeshkian submitted a resignation letter citing IRGC takeover. Iran's presidency denies it. Khamenei is reportedly in seclusion. The US-Iran deal has not been signed. The Thursday Times reports what is known and what remains contested.
International

EU’s Kaja Kallas to visit Islamabad for talks with Pakistan’s top leadership

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visits Islamabad on 1 June 2026 for the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, meeting Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership including Field Marshal Munir.
International

PSG win the Champions League, defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties

PSG are back-to-back Champions League champions after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties in Budapest. Havertz gave Arsenal an early lead before Dembele equalised. Neither side could find a winner in 120 minutes. PSG held their nerve in the shootout. The Thursday Times reports.
Football

Hegseth calls Pakistan’s mediation “an unexpected development” and “a true friendship”

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said a true friendship is growing between Washington and Pakistan, calling its mediation role an unexpected development and praising Field Marshal Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif directly.
International

Trump posts US-Iran deal terms from Situation Room as Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar meets Rubio in Washington

Trump posted US-Iran deal terms from the Situation Room on 29 May. Strait of Hormuz to open. Blockade lifted. Nuclear material to be destroyed. Final determination pending. Pakistan's Ishaq Dar was in Washington meeting Rubio at the same moment. The Thursday Times reports.
International

Iran’s news agency signals US-Iran deal may be close, credits Pakistan

Iran's Tasnim News Agency signalled a US-Iran deal may be close, crediting Pakistan's effective efforts. President Pezeshkian also praised Pakistan in an Eid call with PM Shehbaz Sharif.
International

EU Parliament votes to sanction Taliban leaders

The EU Parliament adopted a resolution calling for expanded sanctions against Taliban leaders, condemning gender apartheid and slavery under the Taliban's Criminal Procedure Code, and regretting the EU's decision to invite the Taliban to Brussels. 480 votes in favour, 5 against.
International