Iran rejects ‘zero enrichment’ demand, seeks sanctions roadmap in new talks

Iran rejects ‘zero enrichment’ demand, seeks sanctions roadmap in new talks

World | Updated: Feb 22, 2026

  • Iran, US differ on sanctions relief in nuclear talks
  • New talks planned for early March amid rising military tensions
  • Iran might trade or dilute uranium for enrichment rights
Trump signals willingness to rethink Hormuz blockade after Munir push, but talks with Iran remain uncertain: Report

Trump signals willingness to rethink Hormuz blockade after Munir push, but talks with Iran remain uncertain: Report

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

US President Trump may reconsider the US naval blockade on Iran after Pakistan’s army chief urged its removal, a key obstacle in peace talks. Iran says the blockade undermines negotiations and warns it won’t discuss its missile program or accept US-imposed timelines.

India in touch with Iran over safe passage of ships through Hormuz amid rising tensions, says MEA

India in touch with Iran over safe passage of ships through Hormuz amid rising tensions, says MEA

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • India urges safe passage for vessels in Strait of Hormuz
  • Iran assures India concerns will be relayed to Tehran authorities
  • Port activities in India remain unaffected despite tensions
Iran war, China’s rise and the petrodollar: How a 50-year-old global financial order is facing its biggest test yest

Iran war, China’s rise and the petrodollar: How a 50-year-old global financial order is facing its biggest test yest

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

The UAE is considering settling oil and trade in currencies like the yuan if dollar access tightens, signaling doubts about the petrodollar system. While the dollar still dominates, rising alternatives and geopolitical tensions are prompting countries to hedge.

UK calls for 'toll-free' Strait of Hormuz

UK calls for 'toll-free' Strait of Hormuz

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • UK urges toll-free, open navigation in Strait of Hormuz
  • UK leads talks with 11 countries to oppose Iranian toll proposals
  • Japan joins UK in supporting free passage and energy security
'Trump’s praise is meaningless when...': How Iran war fallout is deepening divides in Pakistan and undermining its ‘neutral mediator’ image

'Trump’s praise is meaningless when...': How Iran war fallout is deepening divides in Pakistan and undermining its ‘neutral mediator’ image

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between the US and Iran are fueling domestic unrest, with rising sectarian tensions among its Shiite population after Iran’s leader’s killing. Public anger and protests highlight a growing disconnect between state policy and public sentiment.

India, South Korea target doubling trade by 2030

India, South Korea target doubling trade by 2030

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • India and South Korea aim to double trade to $50 billion by 2030
  • Talks covered shipbuilding, AI, finance, and defense ties
  • Both nations seek to upgrade their economic partnership agreement
Over 50 days without a burial: What is holding Iran back from laying Ali Khamenei to rest?

Over 50 days without a burial: What is holding Iran back from laying Ali Khamenei to rest?

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Over seven weeks after Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes, his burial remains delayed due to security risks, political uncertainty, and leadership questions, highlighting instability and ongoing tensions within Iran.

From tariff battles to trade breakthroughs: What’s on the table as India and US restart crucial deal talks in Washington

From tariff battles to trade breakthroughs: What’s on the table as India and US restart crucial deal talks in Washington

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

India has sent a high-level delegation to Washington for renewed trade talks with the US, aiming for a limited “phase one” deal and broader cooperation. Key issues include tariffs, agriculture access, and regulatory standards, with both sides seeking progress.

Peace talks in limbo as Iran pushes back: How Pakistan’s once-lucrative war playbook is failing under Asim Munir this time

Peace talks in limbo as Iran pushes back: How Pakistan’s once-lucrative war playbook is failing under Asim Munir this time

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Pakistan, once able to turn geopolitical crises into financial gains, now faces economic strain and diplomatic setbacks under Army Chief Asim Munir. Failed mediation efforts and reliance on Gulf energy have exposed vulnerabilities, reversing past strategic advantages.

Titanic survivor’s life jacket sells for over $900,000 at UK auction

Titanic survivor’s life jacket sells for over $900,000 at UK auction

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Titanic survivor life jacket fetches $900K+ at UK auction
  • Item linked to Laura Mabel Francatelli, a first-class survivor
  • Auction highlights strong demand for Titanic memorabilia
Humanoid robot ‘Lightning’ beats human half-marathon record in Beijing

Humanoid robot ‘Lightning’ beats human half-marathon record in Beijing

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Humanoid robot Shandian runs half-marathon in 50:26
  • Shandian beat the human world record by over 7 minutes
  • Over 100 robots raced, showing rapid advances in robotics
Mohenjo-daro may be older than previously thought, new evidence suggests

Mohenjo-daro may be older than previously thought, new evidence suggests

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Evidence hints Indus Valley civilisation is 8,000 years old
  • Mohenjo-Daro's origins now dated to 2700–2600 BCE
  • Findings renew interest in early human settlement in South Asia
Row that won’t end: Why UK PM Keir Starmer is facing fresh calls to resign

Row that won’t end: Why UK PM Keir Starmer is facing fresh calls to resign

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Starmer urged to quit over Mandelson ambassador role
  • Mandelson failed vetting due to Epstein links and info sharing
  • Starmer to address Parliament, denies knowing of vetting failure
Protest erupts in Nepal as authorities clamp down on Indian goods above Rs 100

Protest erupts in Nepal as authorities clamp down on Indian goods above Rs 100

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Protests erupt in Birgunj over strict customs duty enforcement
  • Locals face checks, taxes on goods over NRS 100 from India
  • Indian vehicles now need prior authorisation to enter Nepal
‘UAE no longer needs America’: Call to close US military bases grows after Iran strikes

‘UAE no longer needs America’: Call to close US military bases grows after Iran strikes

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • US bases in UAE debated after suspected Iran-linked strikes
  • Emirati commentator urges reassessment, calls bases a burden
  • UAE claims it intercepted Iranian missiles, eyes advanced arms
Trump kept at arm’s length during Iran rescue mission over ‘erratic behaviour’: Report

Trump kept at arm’s length during Iran rescue mission over ‘erratic behaviour’: Report

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • US limited Trump’s real-time access in Iran rescue mission
  • Two downed US airmen were recovered after a 24-hour operation
  • Trump warns Iran, urges reopening of Strait of Hormuz
US Powerball Jackpot Hits $87 Million for April 20 Draw After No Winner on Saturday

US Powerball Jackpot Hits $87 Million for April 20 Draw After No Winner on Saturday

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Powerball jackpot rises to $87 million for April 20 drawing
  • No ticket matched all six numbers in April 18 drawing
  • Next Powerball drawing is Monday, April 20, at 10:59 p.m. ET
Viral photo of Israeli soldier smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon sparks global outrage

Viral photo of Israeli soldier smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon sparks global outrage

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Israeli soldier hitting Jesus statue in Lebanon sparks fury
  • Military confirms photo's authenticity, investigation underway
  • Incidents of attacks on Christian sites in region have increased
UAE blames Trump for Iran war fallout, warns it may turn to yuan if dollars run short: Report

UAE blames Trump for Iran war fallout, warns it may turn to yuan if dollars run short: Report

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • UAE in talks with US for possible dollar swap amid Iran conflict
  • No formal swap request made; talks are precautionary
  • Oil disruptions and capital outflows pressure UAE economy
South Korea’s Lee heads into Modi talks with $50 billion trade goal, shipbuilding in focus

South Korea’s Lee heads into Modi talks with $50 billion trade goal, shipbuilding in focus

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • South Korea to double India trade to $50B by 2030
  • Talks focus on shipbuilding, naphtha, AI, and defense cooperation
  • Lee makes first South Korean presidential state visit in 8 years
Iranian woman arrested in US over alleged $70 million drone deal tied to Sudan war

Iranian woman arrested in US over alleged $70 million drone deal tied to Sudan war

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Iranian woman arrested in US for brokering arms deals to Sudan
  • Mafi accused of $70M drone deal, bomb fuses for Sudan's military
  • She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted
Iran launches drone strikes at US vessels after Touska seizure, calls action ‘maritime piracy’

Iran launches drone strikes at US vessels after Touska seizure, calls action ‘maritime piracy’

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Iran launched drone strikes after US seized Iranian cargo ship.
  • US says vessel intercepted for violating naval blockade.
  • Incident heightens tensions and strains US-Iran ceasefire.
Iran says Hormuz security is ‘not free’ after US seizes ship Touska, warns of oil market costs

Iran says Hormuz security is ‘not free’ after US seizes ship Touska, warns of oil market costs

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Iran warns Hormuz security not guaranteed amid oil export curbs
  • Iran warns of higher global energy prices over oil curbs
  • US seizes Iranian vessel, escalating tensions in the Gulf region
Iran confirms US seized ship Touska, warns retaliation before ceasefire deadline

Iran confirms US seized ship Touska, warns retaliation before ceasefire deadline

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • US seizes Iranian cargo ship Touska after sea standoff
  • Iran warns of retaliation, calls US actions maritime piracy
  • Incident heightens tensions before ceasefire deadline
US seizes Iranian ship after chase in Gulf of Oman, says Donald Trump

US seizes Iranian ship after chase in Gulf of Oman, says Donald Trump

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • US destroyer seized Iranian cargo ship Touska in Gulf of Oman
  • USS Spruance fired on Touska after it ignored warnings to stop
  • Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid US-Iran tensions
Iran to skip second round of US talks, cites ‘excessive demands’ and ceasefire breach: Report

Iran to skip second round of US talks, cites ‘excessive demands’ and ceasefire breach: Report

World | Updated: Apr 20, 2026

  • Iran rejects second round of US talks over "excessive demands"
  • Tehran cites US naval blockade as breach of ceasefire
  • US VP JD Vance to lead delegation for talks in Pakistan
Cruise ships seized brief Hormuz reopening to flee Persian Gulf

Cruise ships seized brief Hormuz reopening to flee Persian Gulf

World | Updated: Apr 19, 2026

  • Five cruise ships left Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tensions
  • Ships departed during a brief reopening before reclosing
  • Vessels are now in international waters, heading to Europe
Cash-strapped Pakistan races to repay $1.5 billion UAE loan by April 23

Cash-strapped Pakistan races to repay $1.5 billion UAE loan by April 23

World | Updated: Apr 19, 2026

  • Pakistan to repay remaining USD 1.5 bn UAE loan by April 23
  • USD 2 bn repaid after Saudi Arabia deposited USD 2 bn with SBP
  • Pakistan awaits USD 1.2 bn IMF disbursement after recent talks
Israeli military publishes map of south Lebanon territory under its control

Israeli military publishes map of south Lebanon territory under its control

World | Updated: Apr 19, 2026

  • Israel publishes map of new deployment line inside Lebanon
  • Dozens of Lebanese villages now under Israeli control
  • Ceasefire aims to enable broader US-Iran negotiations