World news from The Thursday Times' foreign desk.
The call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed underscored the Gulf’s growing concern over Iranian escalation and placed Saudi Arabia firmly beside the UAE at a moment of regional strain.
Iran’s attack on the UAE has drawn sharp condemnation from Donald Trump, Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, Gulf rulers and the United Nations, with world leaders warning that the crisis could threaten regional stability and global energy flows.
US President Donald Trump said American forces had destroyed multiple Iranian “fast boats” targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington moves to secure maritime routes amid rising Gulf tensions.
UAE air defences intercepted Iranian-origin drones over territorial waters after emergency alerts were issued across major cities. Authorities confirmed no direct impacts and urged public caution.
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. President Donald Trump unveils Project Freedom to move trapped ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, combining naval pressure, humanitarian messaging and fresh diplomatic signals toward Iran.
Jemima Goldsmith is reportedly engaged to Irish financier Cameron O’Reilly after a relationship that began through film and documentary circles, marking a quieter new chapter after years of public attention around her marriage to Imran Khan and relationship with Hugh Grant.
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.
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.
UNICEF warns Afghanistan could lose 25,000+ female teachers and health workers by 2030, as restrictions on girls’ education and women’s work continue under Taliban rule.
