Political

UAE air defence systems responded to incoming aerial threats after authorities issued emergency alerts across the country. — FILE/NCEMA UAE

US sends Iranian ship Touska crew to Pakistan as trust signal

The U.S. has transferred crew from a seized Iranian vessel to Pakistan, signalling trust in Islamabad as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz. The move highlights Pakistan’s growing role as a key intermediary as Project Freedom reshapes Gulf maritime dynamics.

U.S. forces patrol near the Iranian-flagged M/V Touska as its cargo is searched following the ship’s seizure and the later transfer of its crew to Pakistan for repatriation. — FILE/U.S. Central Command
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced Project Freedom, a new initiative aimed at guiding trapped ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, while saying talks with Iran are progressing positively. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

US awards new F-16 radar support deal including Pakistan

Washington has awarded a $488 million F-16 radar support contract that includes Pakistan among several operators. The move follows an earlier package focused on Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and continues existing defence sustainment cooperation.

United States has issued a fresh F-16 support contract covering Pakistan, extending technical assistance for radar systems used by the fleet. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Trump praises Pakistan as Iran talks remain in focus

Donald Trump offered unusually warm praise for Pakistan, Islamabad, the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal during a media exchange, saying Pakistan’s leadership remains engaged with the United States as Iran negotiations continue.

Donald Trump claimed he personally prevented a catastrophic war between Pakistan and India after seven planes were shot down and tensions escalated to nuclear levels. — FILE / THE WHITE HOUSE
Restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment under Taliban rule have raised fears of a shrinking female workforce in Afghanistan’s schools and health sector. — MICHAEL MCCALL FOR THE THURSDAY TIMES
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has returned to Islamabad within around 24 hours after Muscat talks, keeping Pakistan central to urgent US-Iran diplomacy. — FILE/IRNA

Trump cancels envoys’ Islamabad trip for Iran talks

Trump has cancelled his representatives’ planned trip to Islamabad for talks with Iran, saying too much time was being spent on travel and that Tehran can contact Washington directly if it wants negotiations.

A file photo is shown of former U.S. president Donald Trump. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Iran says Pakistan holds a special place in its foreign policy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, describing Pakistan as holding a significant place in Tehran’s foreign policy outlook while briefing Pakistan’s leadership on ceasefire developments, regional stability and bilateral cooperation.

Iran says Pakistan holds a special place in its foreign policy as Araqchi meets Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. — MONTAGE/THE THURSDAY TIMES
Senior U.S. adviser Massad Boulos praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar after a meeting at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, calling Pakistan an effective facilitator of negotiations and a contributor to regional stability. — X/@US_SrAdvisorAF