Political

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trump said he gave Iran a chance because Pakistan asked him to, praising Field Marshal Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif as "great." His most personal acknowledgement yet of Pakistan's role in the US-Iran negotiations. The Thursday Times reports

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Eid al-Adha prayers in the Bronx wearing an Arsenal thobe. The city's first Muslim mayor said he is determined to lead through solidarity. The Thursday Times reports.

China has formally acknowledged Pakistan's role in the US-Iran ceasefire for the first time in a joint statement issued in Beijing. The statement also reaffirms Kashmir UN resolutions, names TTP and announces a Pakistani astronaut for China's Space Station. The Thursday Times reports.