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US president says he would not yet strike Iranian power plants as previously threatened after a request from Tehran, adds talks with the Islamic Republic were "going very well"; Israeli military has warned that it will “collapse in on itself” due to growing demand and a shortfall of manpower as it fights multiple fronts.



Trump postpones Iran power plant strikes, says talks going 'very well'

NEW YORK: Oil prices jumped, and equities slid on Thursday as hopes for a peace deal between the United States and Iran wavered, with US President Donald Trump threatening to &quot;obliterate&quot; the country even as he claimed negotiations to end the conflict were ongoing. Markets had been buoyed at the start of this week by Trump saying that strikes targeting Iran&#39;s energy infrastructure would be postponed, adding that the two sides were in peace talks. But uncertainty over the talks, continued strikes by all sides in the conflict, and the virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz &mdash; through which around 20% of oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes &mdash; have cast a shadow over market sentiment. On Thursday, Trump said Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to sail through the waterway as a &quot;present,&quot; and pushed back a deadline for strikes on Iranian power plants to April 6. His comments on delaying strikes came after the US close, with oil paring the massive gains it had made through the day. Earlier, Brent crude closed up 5.7% at $108.01 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate ended up 4.6% at $94.48. Kim Forrest, chief investment officer at Bokeh Capital Partners, said the war makes &quot;for really nervous investors.&quot; &quot;Every day, there&#39;s only one or two stories that are really driving stocks, and all else falls from there. So, when they&#39;re in a sour mood, it&#39;s going to be a big, bad selling day.&quot; Wall Street&#39;s main stock indices were down, with the Nasdaq furthest in the red, losing 2.38%. European and Asian markets also ended with losses. &quot;When the oil price surges, the market playbook stays the same: stocks and bonds sell off,&quot; said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB. The yield on government bonds rose across the board. Conflicting messages from the US and Iran are &quot;raising questions about whether there is really an off-ramp to the conflict in the days ahead,&quot; said Deutsche Bank&#39;s Jim Reid. Rival plans Washington was said to have presented a 15-point plan to end the war. Tehran&#39;s state-run TV reported officials had put forward their own five conditions for hostilities to end. On Thursday, Trump said taking control of Iran&#39;s oil was an option, as Washington had done after ousting Venezuela&#39;s leader in a military operation. Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Thursday that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran were being held, using Islamabad as an intermediary. &quot;Pressure on energy prices, shipping flows and broader financial conditions remains one of the few meaningful sources of leverage (Iran) retains,&quot; said Saxo Markets&#39; Charu Chanana. &quot;There is therefore little incentive to relinquish that leverage prematurely, particularly if market stress strengthens its negotiating position,&quot; she added. The OECD on Thursday cut its eurozone growth outlook and forecast higher inflation for 2026 as energy prices have skyrocketed. The conflict has also weighed on German consumer sentiment heading into April, a survey showed Thursday, adding to the woes facing Europe&#39;s top economy. France, which holds the G7 Presidency, will on Monday host a meeting bringing together the group&#39;s finance ministers, energy ministers, and central bank governors. Key figures at around 20:15 GMT Brent North Sea Crude: UP 5.7% at $108.01 a barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 4.6% at $94.48 a barrel New York &mdash; Dow: DOWN 1.0% at 45,960.11 points (close) New York &mdash; S&amp;P 500: DOWN 1.7% at 6,477.16 (close) New York &mdash; Nasdaq: DOWN 2.4% at 21,408.08 (close) London &mdash; FTSE 100: DOWN 1.3% at 9,972.17 (close) Paris &mdash; CAC 40: DOWN 1.0% at 7,769.31 (close) Frankfurt &mdash; DAX: DOWN 1.5% at 22,612.97 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.3 percent at 53,603.65 (close) Hong Kong &mdash; Hang Seng Index: DOWN 1.9% at 24,856.43 (close) Shanghai &mdash; Composite: DOWN 1.1% at 3,889.08 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1523 from $1.1565 on Wednesday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3313 from $1.3365 Dollar/yen: UP at 159.83 yen from 159.47 yen Euro/pound: UP at 86.55 pence from 86.52 pence

Business

US President Trump says Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to sail through the waterway as a "present"; pushes back deadline for strikes on Iranian power plants to April 6.

Oil climbs, stocks slide as Iran war uncertainty reigns

WASHINGTON: US paper currency will soon bear Donald Trump&#39;s signature, the Treasury Department announced on Thursday, in a move that would be a first for a sitting American president and coincide with the country&#39;s 250th anniversary. Historically, the signatures on dollar bills belong to those of the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury. But the upcoming new bills will feature those of Trump and current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. &quot;Under President Trump&#39;s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability,&quot; Bessent said in a statement announcing the decision. &quot;There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,&quot; he added. The move would be the latest effort by Trump to circumvent longstanding practice and put his mark on American currency. Last week, an advisory commission hand-picked by Trump approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring his image &mdash; also intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the July 4, 1776, founding of the United States. One side of it shows a glaring Trump standing with his fists bunched on a desk, and the other features an eagle perched with wings spread on what appears to be a bell. The coin does not have a monetary value, and its sale price has not been disclosed, but similar commemorative coins sold by the US Mint can cost more than $1,000. The move to put Trump&#39;s countenance on a coin &mdash; which runs counter to federal law that says no living president may appear on US currency &mdash; has been criticized by his Democratic opponents. But Trump has pressed ahead with other deeply controversial designs as well, including one bearing Trump&#39;s face on a $1 coin that would be temporarily added to circulating currency, and which would also celebrate the nation&#39;s 250th birthday.

Historically, the signatures on dollar bills belong to those of the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury. But the upcoming new bills will feature those of Trump and current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.



US currency to bear Trump's signature, Treasury says

Ayesha Mir

As tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue, Pakistan is emerging as a potential diplomatic bridge. What makes Islamabad uniquely positioned to play this role, and could it actually influence the outcome?

Shorts

What makes Islamabad uniquely positioned to play this role, and could it actually influence the outcome?

Why world turned to Pakistan for ending hostilities in Middle East

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said its cross-border military campaign has resumed after a temporary Eid pause, stressing that operations will continue until Afghanistan addresses support for terrorist networks operating from its territory. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Operation Ghazab lil Haq remains a targeted effort against terrorist infrastructure and leadership inside Afghanistan. &ldquo;Operation Ghazab lil Haq is ongoing. It is a precise, targeted military campaign directed against terrorist leadership and their support, command infrastructure, logistics networks and facilitators,&rdquo; Andrabi said during a media briefing. He confirmed that a temporary pause observed during Eid-ul-Fitr, announced following requests from friendly countries, has now ended. &ldquo;The pause has concluded&hellip; operations under Operation Ghazab lil Haq continue now until the objectives are achieved,&rdquo; he said. Andrabi said Pakistan had pursued diplomatic engagement with the Afghan Taliban for several years before launching military action. &ldquo;You cannot fault us for not exploring all avenues of peace. We did explore all avenues but violence and attacks from Afghanistan did not stop,&rdquo; he said. He noted that high-level engagements, including visits to Kabul by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, focused on connectivity, economic cooperation and humanitarian support, but failed to produce results on counterterrorism. &ldquo;Yet the Taliban regime&rsquo;s connections with the TTP were not severed,&rdquo; Andrabi said. The spokesperson said international reporting has documented links between the Afghan Taliban and terrorist groups targeting Pakistan. &ldquo;UN reports have very categorically linked the TTP and other terrorist elements&hellip; with the Taliban regime. These connections have been well documented,&rdquo; he said. Andrabi added that Pakistan&rsquo;s recent strikes targeted infrastructure used by such groups. &ldquo;We do not need any further proof for that,&rdquo; he said. Pakistan also said its military response has reduced the frequency of attacks inside the country. &ldquo;Terrorist attacks against Pakistan&hellip; have diminished sharply since we responded militarily,&rdquo; Andrabi said, pointing to a downward trend in casualties. &ldquo;We have reasons to believe that our actions and strikes have decreased the ability of the TTP to&hellip; perpetrate attacks against Pakistan,&rdquo; he added. Andrabi said Pakistan remains open to peace but requires firm commitments from Afghan authorities. &ldquo;We hope that this window will enable the Afghan side to come with an unwavering commitment&hellip; that their territory would not be used to target Pakistan,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;This assurance&hellip; is their obligation under international law&hellip; and under the Doha Agreement,&rdquo; he added. He emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s objective is stability rather than escalation. &ldquo;We have nothing against the people of Afghanistan. We do not want military action or strikes. We want peace and progress,&rdquo; Andrabi said. The remarks come after weeks of cross-border tensions, including drone incidents, artillery exchanges and Pakistani strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan says the campaign is aimed at dismantling networks responsible for attacks inside the country, while maintaining that operations are conducted with precision and based on verified intelligence.

Foreign Affairs

FO says Operation Ghazab lil Haq remains a targeted effort against terrorist infrastructure and leadership inside Afghanistan; notes high-level engagements, including visits to Kabul by deputy prime minister, focused on connectivity, economic cooperation, and humanitarian support, but failed to produce results on counterterrorism.





Pakistan says Afghan policy shift needed as operation resumes

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary in efforts to end the ongoing war involving Iran, positioning itself at the center of high-stakes diplomacy as regional and global powers reassess their roles, according to a news analysis by The New York Times. The report said Pakistan conveyed a 15-point US proposal to Tehran and offered to host peace talks, reflecting what officials described as an expanding diplomatic role amid the widening conflict. &ldquo;Iran&#39;s response to the 15 points proposed by the US was officially sent&hellip; through intermediaries,&rdquo; the analysis noted, adding that Pakistan has been relaying messages between Washington and Tehran as indirect talks continue. The development comes as tensions escalate following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that triggered retaliatory attacks across the Gulf, disrupting energy routes and raising global economic concerns. For India, the report said, Pakistan&rsquo;s growing diplomatic engagement marks a &ldquo;troubling trend,&rdquo; as New Delhi navigates strained ties with Washington while Islamabad strengthens its positioning. &ldquo;Normally&hellip; the intermediary role would be played by the United Nations or a country like Qatar,&rdquo; said Happymon Jacob, a diplomacy professor cited in the report. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics have created space for alternative mediators. Pakistan&rsquo;s role is underpinned by its unique geopolitical position, maintaining relations with both the United States and Iran, while also holding strategic ties with Gulf states. Islamabad has also consistently called for restraint. &ldquo;Pakistan has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace and stability in the region,&rdquo; Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said in earlier remarks. The analysis noted that Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic outreach, including high-level contacts with Iranian leadership and regional partners, has coincided with warming ties with Washington. At the same time, India&rsquo;s position has been complicated by its close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly as the conflict intensifies. Still, some Indian officials urged caution against viewing the situation competitively. &ldquo;Clearly, putting an end to this conflict is hugely advantageous&hellip; for everyone,&rdquo; said former diplomat T.C.A. Raghavan, emphasizing that de-escalation would benefit the entire region. Analysts say Pakistan&rsquo;s involvement reflects both necessity and opportunity, with the country seeking to prevent spillover from a conflict unfolding near its borders, while also reinforcing its diplomatic relevance on the global stage. As the war enters a critical phase, Pakistan&rsquo;s role as a conduit for dialogue highlights the shifting balance of influence in a crisis that continues to reshape regional geopolitics and global economic stability.

Asia

Report says Pakistan conveyed 15-point US proposal to Tehran, offered to host peace talks, reflecting what officials described as an expanding diplomatic role amid the widening conflict.

India appears sidelined as Pakistan takes peacemaker role: NYT

ISLAMABAD: Meta-owned WhatsApp has unveiled a suite of new features designed to make chats more manageable, expressive, and seamless across devices, as the platform evolves into a more intelligent and utility-driven messaging service. According to a statement via Media Matter, the PR agency representing Meta in Pakistan on Thursday, the update introduces tools focused on storage control, multi-device flexibility, and AI-powered enhancements. &ldquo;Over time, WhatsApp chats become a record of the moments that matter,&rdquo; the statement said, highlighting how conversations, media, and shared experiences accumulate into users&rsquo; digital histories. &ldquo;To help them make the most of all of it, WhatsApp is rolling out new ways to make it even easier to use.&rdquo; A key addition is improved storage management. Users can now identify and delete large files directly within individual chats without clearing entire conversations.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/6418d688-351e-4ee9-941b-c12dd73b5b34-Chat-AI-Feature.jpeg" alt="WhatsApp-New-Feature" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">Photo: Handout/Media Matter</figcaption></figure>&ldquo;Users can choose to clear just media files&hellip; keeping the chat history intact,&rdquo; the statement noted, addressing a long-standing pain point for heavy users. The platform has also expanded its cross-platform capabilities, enabling chat transfers from iOS to Android. &ldquo;Changing phones shouldn&rsquo;t be complicated,&rdquo; the statement said, adding that conversations, photos, and videos can now be moved &ldquo;with just a couple taps.&rdquo; In a move aimed at professionals and multi-device users, WhatsApp now supports two accounts on a single iPhone, bringing iOS in line with Android. Users can switch between accounts easily, with profile indicators ensuring clarity between personal and work identities. On the creative front, WhatsApp is enhancing user expression through smarter sticker suggestions. As users type emojis, relevant stickers will be recommended, allowing for quicker and more dynamic responses. Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role. Meta has introduced photo editing tools powered by Meta AI, enabling users to refine images directly within chats. Additionally, an upgraded Writing Help feature can draft suggested replies based on conversation context, while maintaining privacy. These updates, now rolling out globally, signal WhatsApp&rsquo;s shift toward becoming not just a messaging app, but a more intelligent communication platform blending convenience, personalization, and AI-driven assistance.

Artificial Intelligence

WhatsApp has rolled out new features including AI-powered writing and photo tools, dual accounts on iOS, cross-platform chat transfer, and improved storage management, aiming to make messaging more seamless, personalized, and efficient for users worldwide.

Could WhatsApp’s latest update change how we use chats?

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Thursday expressed grief over the death of a Pakistani national killed by falling debris, as Islamabad continues diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.&nbsp;&ldquo;We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Pakistani national in an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan Street, Abu Dhabi, today,&rdquo; the embassy said in a statement.&nbsp;The mission extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured support during the difficult time.&nbsp;&ldquo;In this difficult time, we stand with the bereaved family, offering our heartfelt condolences and prayers,&rdquo; it added.&nbsp;The embassy said it was coordinating closely with local authorities to assist the family and expedite repatriation.&nbsp;The incident comes as the widening Middle East conflict increasingly impacts civilians across the Gulf.&nbsp;Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic engagement, with officials confirming that indirect talks between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, with Islamabad relaying messages between the two sides as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.&nbsp;&ldquo;The Embassy is in close coordination with local authorities to extend all possible support and to facilitate the earliest repatriation of the deceased,&rdquo; the statement said.

Pakistan mourned a citizen killed by falling debris in UAE, offering condolences and support to the family. Meanwhile, Islamabad continues mediating between the United States and Iran, relaying messages to help reduce tensions.

Pakistan mourns citizen killed in UAE as it mediates ongoing Iran war

BRUSSELS: Ukraine is still getting essential defense equipment despite the war in the Middle East, which is depleting stockpiles in Europe and the United States, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Thursday.&nbsp;&quot;The good news is that essential equipment into Ukraine continues to flow,&quot; he told reporters. That included American-made Patriot missile interceptors, which Ukraine desperately needs, he added.&nbsp;The PURL program, launched last year, allows Ukraine to receive US equipment financed by European countries.&nbsp;Some 75 percent of the missiles used by Patriot batteries in Ukraine have been supplied through the program, and 90 percent of the munitions used by other air-defense systems, Rutte added.&nbsp;Questioned about the state of the stockpiles and the pressure they are under due to the need for missile interceptors in Israel and the Gulf states, Rutte declined to comment. But he did call on European countries to increase their own production capacity.&nbsp;&quot;They need to produce more extra production lines, extra shifts, opening new factories. The money is there,&quot; he said.

Europe

NATO chief Mark Rutte said Ukraine is still receiving key weapons, including Patriot interceptors, despite Middle East war pressures on Western stockpiles, and urged European countries to expand arms production capacity.

Ukraine still receiving arms despite Mideast war: NATO

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia Thursday for an unannounced visit, as the war in Iran spurs interest among Gulf countries in Ukrainian arms technology. &ldquo;Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled,&rdquo; Zelensky wrote on social media. &ldquo;We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security.&rdquo; Kyiv has sought to leverage its expertise in downing Russian drones to help Gulf nations, which are being attacked with the same Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia fires on Ukraine. Zelensky has said that more than 200 Ukrainian anti-drone experts have been deployed to several countries in the Middle East &mdash; including Saudi Arabia &mdash; since US and Israel launched strikes on Iran that spurred retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Tehran.Kyiv uses a mix of cheap drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools and anti-aircraft guns to down Russian drones. Ukraine has proposed swapping its interceptors for vastly more expensive air-defense missiles that Gulf countries are currently using to down Iranian drones. Ukraine says it needs more of them to fend off Russian missile attacks.

Ukrainian president says he has arrived in Kingdom for important meetings, expressing gratitude for support and backing those willing to work together to ensure security, amid war in the Middle East.

Trump postpones Iran power plant strikes, says talks going 'very well'

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Why world turned to Pakistan for ending hostilities in Middle East

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