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

Islamabad locks down as Trump hints at high-stakes Iran deal

Pakistan’s capital region moved into an unusual state of alert after hotels were reportedly cleared, transport was suspended in Rawalpindi and security tightened across key routes, sharpening speculation that Islamabad could soon host another major diplomatic push tied to the US-Iran crisis.
International

Turkish parliamentarian calls for Pakistan to join Turkic States bloc

Ali Şahin, a prominent Turkish parliamentarian, has called for Pakistan to become a full member of the Organization of Turkic States, saying centuries of cultural links and growing geopolitical cooperation have created a bond deeper than ordinary diplomacy.
International

Pravin Sawhney links Pakistan to the rise of a new world order

Indian defence analyst Pravin Sawhney has argued that Pakistan could play a major role in the emerging world order, describing a multipolar system in which each region is shaped by a key state that acts as a centre of balance, wisdom and influence.
International

UK no longer advises against travel to Gilgit-Baltistan

Britain has removed Gilgit-Baltistan from the restricted section of its Pakistan travel advice, easing a notable warning on the country’s mountainous north in a move which could positively affect tourism, insurance and international perceptions of the region.
International

IRGC gun boats open fire on tanker off Oman, crew reported safe

Two Iranian IRGC gun boats opened fire without warning on a tanker 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The vessel and its crew were reported safe, while authorities investigate, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre.
International

Polymarket bets on whether Trump will visit Pakistan by May 31

Polymarket now gives Trump roughly a one-in-three chance of visiting Pakistan by May 31, reflecting how Islamabad’s growing role in U.S.-Iran diplomacy has moved from back-channel intrigue to public speculation.
International

Trump signals Pakistan visit as Islamabad emerges as hub for US-Iran deal

Trump signals visit Pakistan if a US–Iran deal is signed in Islamabad, praising Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while placing Pakistan firmly at the heart of the diplomatic drive.
International

Pakistan says an Iran nuclear breakthrough may be close

Pakistan is pushing to convert its ceasefire mediation into something larger: progress on the nuclear issue at the centre of the Iran crisis. But while optimism has grown, key disputes remain unresolved and officials say a second round of talks has not yet been formally dated.
International

وائٹ ہاؤس نے پاکستان کو امریکا ایران سفارتی عمل کا مرکزی کردار قرار دے دیا

وائٹ ہاؤس نے پاکستان کو امریکا ایران سفارتی عمل کا مرکزی کردار قرار دیتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ دنیا کے کئی ممالک نے مدد کی پیشکش کی تاہم مذاکراتی عمل میں ’’اسلام آباد ہی واحد ثالث ہے‘‘ جبکہ صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی ترجیح ہے کہ رابطہ پاکستان کے ذریعہ ہی جاری رکھا جائے۔
International

White House puts Pakistan at centre of Iran talks

The White House has publicly declared Pakistan the sole mediator in the current United States-Iran negotiations, a striking statement that formalises Islamabad’s role as the main diplomatic channel in a volatile and unfinished process.
International

Trump pushes for new round of Islamabad Talks within two days

Donald Trump has said fresh US-Iran talks in Islamabad could take place within days, reinforcing Pakistan’s growing role as a mediator. Why, he says? "Because the Field Marshal is doing a great job."
International

Japan’s leader backs Pakistan’s mediation push after US-Iran talks

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi backed Pakistan’s role in the US-Iran Islamabad Talks during a call with Shehbaz Sharif. She emphasised de-escalation and the urgent need to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
International