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.

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

U.S. vows full review of Kabul’s fall and Afghanistan withdrawal

Pete Hegseth has promised a historic review of the Afghanistan withdrawal, saying the department will examine the decisions that led to Abbey Gate, the Kabul evacuation and what he described as a wider loss of American deterrence after 2021.
International

Trump rules out nuclear strike on Iran, says peace must last

Donald Trump said the U.S. will not use nuclear weapons in the war with Iran, insisting Tehran has already been badly weakened by conventional military force. He also signalled he is not interested in a rushed settlement, saying any agreement with Iran must be durable and lasting.
International

U.S. adviser commends Shehbaz, Dar for Pakistan’s peace efforts

A senior adviser to President Trump used a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to publicly praise Pakistan’s role in mediation, regional stability and ongoing peace efforts.
International

Pakistan opens 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students

The second phase of the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor is set to launch soon, with Islamabad offering 500 scholarships at leading universities in a move that highlights growing educational and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
International

Trump says U.S.-Iran Islamabad Talks can take place by Friday

As a fragile cease-fire holds, President Trump has signalled that a new round of U.S.-Iran talks could take place within days. In Islamabad, where security has tightened and diplomats are working back channels, Pakistan is trying to turn a brief pause in fighting into a second chance for negotiations.
International

Trump extends Iran ceasefire on Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir’s request

Donald Trump says he extended the ceasefire with Iran after requests from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, thrusting Islamabad into the centre of a rapidly narrowing diplomatic window between Washington and Tehran.
International

Pakistan condemns settler raid at Al-Aqsa after Israeli flags raised

Pakistan has condemned the entry of Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the raising of Israeli flags inside its courtyard, calling the act a violation of international law and warning that such provocations could further inflame regional tensions.
International

In a city of rumours, Caitlin Doornbos finds something more human

Speaking to The Thursday Times in Islamabad, Caitlin Doornbos described her visit to Pakistan as warm and memorable, praising the curiosity and openness of local people while cautioning that no reporter covering a high-intensity conflict can confidently predict where the talks will lead.
International

Iran says Pakistan is their sole official mediator with the US

Iranian's foreign ministry has said that Pakistan is now their only official intermediary with the United States, placing Islamabad at the centre of one of the the world's most sensitive diplomatic channels.
International

IDF confirms soldier destroyed Jesus Christ statue in Lebanon

The Israeli military has said it confirmed the veracity of a viral photograph which appeared to show one of its soldiers smashing a statue of Jesus Christ to pieces with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon.
International

Shehbaz Sharif’s suits put Pakistan in menswear style spotlight

A post by menswear commentator Derek Guy praising Shehbaz Sharif’s tailoring has ignited an unexpected debate about diplomacy, symbolism and why some non-Western leaders may now wear classic suits better than the West itself.
International

Trump sends Witkoff and Kushner to Islamabad for US-Iran peace talks

Trump says his representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are travelling to Pakistan for peace negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, after issuing a sharp warning to Tehran, placing Pakistan at the centre of a fast-moving diplomatic showdown.
International