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U.S.-Iran Talks in Islamabad Collapse, Raising Concerns Over Ceasefire

U.S.-Iran Talks in Islamabad Collapse, Raising Concerns Over Ceasefire

High-level negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have failed to produce a breakthrough, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The talks, which were the first of their kind in 47 years, aimed to end the ongoing conflict. Araqchi stated that the parties were close to finalizing a memorandum of understanding, known as the 'Islamabad MoU,' but the discussions broke down due to 'maximalism' and shifting positions from the U.S. side. The failure of the talks raises questions about the fragile ceasefire currently in place.
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UN Agencies to Enhance Pakistan's Workforce Skills to Global Standards

UN Agencies to Enhance Pakistan's Workforce Skills to Global Standards

United Nations agencies have pledged to expand cooperation with Pakistan to develop a skilled workforce that meets global standards. This commitment was made during a high-level roundtable conference at the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) headquarters in Islamabad. The event, titled 'TVET: Strengthening International Cooperation for Skills Development in Pakistan,' included diplomats and representatives from 16 countries and various UN agencies such as the International Labour Organisation, Unicef, and the International Organisation for Migration. The conference emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships for sustainable development. The European Union and other international partners expressed their continued support for Pakistan's skills development initiatives.
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IMF cuts emerging economies' growth estimate as war darkens outlook

IMF cuts emerging economies' growth estimate as war darkens outlook

By Rodrigo Campos NEW YORK, April 14 (Reuters) - The IMF on Tuesday lowered its 2026 growth forecast for emerging market and developing economies to 3.9% from its view of 4.2% in January, with higher energy and food costs and uncertainty from the war in the Middle East expected to hurt more
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US shuts down Iran's maritime trade despite optimism for more talks

US shuts down Iran's maritime trade despite optimism for more talks

DUBAI/WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - The United States said on Wednesday its military had completely halted trade going in and out of Iran by sea, even though President Donald Trump said talks with Tehran on ending the war could resume this week.
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US envoy Waltz appears to torpedo Bachelet as next UN leader

US envoy Waltz appears to torpedo Bachelet as next UN leader

By David Brunnstrom and Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. envoy to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, appeared to torpedo the candidacy of former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to be the next leader of the world body on Wednesday by saying he shared a U.S. senator's
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President Trump Indicates Possible Resumption of US-Iran Peace Talks Amid Blockade

President Trump Indicates Possible Resumption of US-Iran Peace Talks Amid Blockade

President Trump has suggested that peace talks between the United States and Iran could resume in the coming days, facilitated by Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. This development follows a US-imposed naval blockade on Iranian ports, which has effectively halted maritime traffic and led to a significant increase in global oil prices. The blockade is part of a broader strategy to exert economic pressure on Iran, following a breakdown in previous negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. The talks, which are expected to take place in Islamabad, aim to address key issues such as Iran's uranium enrichment activities. The US has demanded a 20-year suspension of these activities, while Iran has offered a shorter moratorium. The situation remains tense, with both sides expressing differing views on the terms of any potential agreement.
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Explainer-Why is Sudan at war, and what is the impact?

Explainer-Why is Sudan at war, and what is the impact?

April 15 (Reuters) - The war in Sudan entered its fourth year on April 15 overshadowed by other regional and global turmoil, despite having created what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. WHO IS FIGHTING?
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UN Agencies and Diplomats Support Skills Training for Pakistan's Workforce

UN Agencies and Diplomats Support Skills Training for Pakistan's Workforce

Diplomats and representatives from United Nations agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation with Pakistan to develop a skilled workforce. This commitment was expressed during a roundtable conference held at the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) headquarters in Islamabad. The event, titled 'TVET: Strengthening International Cooperation for Skills Development in Pakistan,' brought together ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from 16 countries, along with senior officials from international organizations such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO), UNICEF, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The focus was on aligning Pakistan's workforce training with global requirements to meet evolving labor market demands. The conference highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and international collaboration in generating employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
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Canada, UK, Australia and Japan call for 'urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon'

Canada, UK, Australia and Japan call for 'urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon'

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan and six other countries condemned the killings of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on Tuesday while calling "for an urgent end to hostilities" in the country where Israeli attacks have killed over 2,000 people since March.
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Factbox-Emerging economies in focus at IMF World Bank meetings

Factbox-Emerging economies in focus at IMF World Bank meetings

LONDON, April 13 (Reuters) - Global financial policy makers gather in Washington for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Spring Meetings this week against the backdrop of yet another global economic shock - this time from the Iran war https://www.reuters.com/world/iran/.
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The Latest: US military says it will blockade Iranian ports after ceasefire talks end

The Latest: US military says it will blockade Iranian ports after ceasefire talks end

President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy will swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement
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Turkey's Strategic Moves in the Middle East Raise Concerns for Israel

Turkey's Strategic Moves in the Middle East Raise Concerns for Israel

Middle East expert Yoni Ben Menachem has raised concerns about Turkey's strategic ambitions under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to Ben Menachem, Turkey is positioning itself to establish a new Sunni bloc in the Middle East, potentially replacing Iran's influence in the region. This move is based on the assumption that the Iranian regime may weaken or collapse, creating a vacuum that Turkey, alongside Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan, aims to fill. Turkey's actions include strengthening its military presence in Syria and taking an active role in defending the Palestinian cause, which has strained its relations with Israel. Erdogan's recent accusations against Israel and threats of military action have further heightened tensions.