TT Staff Reporter

Breaking stories from The Thursday Times' in-house reporter.

Iran thanks Pakistan by name as US-Iran understandings reached on “most issues”

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman thanked Pakistan by name, citing PM Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Munir's role, as Tehran said understandings had been reached on most issues with the US. A formal agreement has not yet been signed. The Thursday Times reports.

IMF board called Pakistan’s economic performance “exceptional,” officials say

The IMF board called Pakistan's performance "exceptional" in closed-door discussions and India's attempt to block the third review did not prevail. Pakistan receives $1.32 billion. Total disbursements reach $4.8 billion. Officials cited by the Express Tribune. The Thursday Times reports.

Quetta railway blast: BLA’s Majeed Brigade claims responsibility

An explosion near a railway track in Quetta on Sunday injured at least 52 people. The BLA's Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility. The group is designated a terrorist organisation by Pakistan, the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia. The Thursday Times reports.

Donald Trump: US-Iran deal “largely negotiated.” Pakistan named.

President Trump says a US-Iran peace agreement is "largely negotiated" and will be announced "shortly." The Strait of Hormuz will be opened. Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir was named personally by Trump alongside heads of state. Pakistan brokered the original ceasefire. Pakistan's army chief flew to Tehran and negotiated through the night. Less than twenty-four hours later, Trump announced the deal is largely done. The Thursday Times reports.

Trump to call Arab and Muslim leaders as US-Iran deal reaches a decisive moment

Trump is to hold a conference call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan to discuss a draft Iran agreement. The FT reports a 60-day ceasefire deal is close. Iran says nuclear issues are excluded from the initial framework. Rubio says Iran could accept today. Trump says it is deal or strikes. The Thursday Times reports.

ACROSS TT

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.

Pakistan manufacturing returns to growth as export orders hit 15-month high

Per a new purchasing managers’ survey released by HBL and S&P, Pakistan’s manufacturing PMI rose to 50.9 in May, returning to expansion as new orders recovered and export orders posted their strongest rise since February 2025.

Pakistan’s ports see sharp container surge as Gulf disruption shifts cargo routes

Pakistan’s major ports are seeing a sharp rise in container and transshipment activity as Gulf disruption redirects cargo towards Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar.

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.

Trump reportedly rebukes Netanyahu as Israel’s Lebanon escalation threatens US-Iran diplomacy

Trump reportedly warned Netanyahu against further escalation in Lebanon as US-Iran diplomacy faced renewed pressure, with Pakistan and Qatar involved in efforts to preserve a fragile regional framework.

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