Posts in category: World

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced the end of the maritime blockade imposed on Iran’s ports and coastal areas, stating that US forces will no longer interfere with vessels entering or leaving the country.

In a statement, CENTCOM said that, in accordance with instructions issued by President Donald Trump, all restrictions on maritime traffic entering and departing Iran’s ports and coastal regions have been lifted.

According to the statement, US forces have halted all operations related to the enforcement of the maritime blockade against Iran. Commercial and other vessels travelling to or departing from Iranian ports will now be allowed to move without obstruction.

CENTCOM said the decision forms part of the implementation of measures agreed under the recent peace agreement, adding that the move has paved the way for the restoration of maritime trade and shipping activities in the region.

Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President’s direction. American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All U.S. military blockade…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 18, 2026

The statement further said that US Navy vessels will remain deployed in the region to oversee the implementation of all provisions of the agreement and to ensure that all parties fully adhere to their commitments.

According to CENTCOM, US forces will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the implementation of the agreement and the safe and free use of maritime routes across the region.

Also Read: PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal to Attend Iran–US MoU Signing Ceremony in Geneva

GENEVA: The venue for the formal signing ceremony of the agreement between the United States and Iran has been changed, according to the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said that the official signing ceremony will now be held at the Bürgenstock resort in central Switzerland instead of Geneva. Delegations from both sides are expected to meet on Friday for the signing of the agreement.

Swiss media reported that the venue was proposed by mediators Pakistan and Qatar during the negotiations.

Bürgenstock will host diplomatic negotiations for the second time, marking another significant international diplomatic event at the Swiss resort.

Also Read: “Agreement Does Not Mean Forgiving U.S. War Crimes or Forgetting Them,” Says Iran

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the death of nine-year-old Australian girl Hania Ahmed, who was killed in Pakistan’s Chakwal district after police allegedly opened fire on her family’s vehicle following a case of mistaken identity.

According to a British broadcaster, Albanese told journalists in Canberra that every aspect of the incident must be thoroughly examined to ensure that the affected family and all relevant parties are fully informed of the facts.

“Australia expects that this tragic incident will be investigated in an appropriate, impartial and transparent manner,” the Australian prime minister said.

Albanese added that the Australian government is providing consular assistance to the bereaved family and is closely monitoring developments in the case.

The incident involved a Pakistani-origin family from Kewdale, Perth, who had travelled to Chakwal to visit relatives. According to local authorities, the family was stopped by armed robbers riding a motorcycle on Wednesday night.

A police officer returning to a nearby police station reportedly witnessed the incident, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the officer and the two robbers. The suspects managed to flee on their motorcycle, but the situation took a tragic turn when additional police personnel arrived at the scene and allegedly opened fire on the family’s vehicle.

Police said the officers mistakenly believed the vehicle belonged to the fleeing robbers. A police official told local media that as officers saw the vehicle leaving the area, they assumed it was carrying the suspects and opened indiscriminate fire.

Hania Ahmed was critically wounded in the shooting and was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The girl’s father and brother were also injured in the firing and were later shifted to Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi, where both underwent surgery. Hania’s mother remained unharmed.

Also Read: Human Leg Discovered in Islamabad’s Karachi Company Area, Police Investigating

Images circulating after the incident showed a white vehicle bearing more than a dozen bullet marks.

In a significant development in the case, local authorities said a police officer has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.

The case registered on the complaint of Hania’s father initially included Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to causing death through negligence or carelessness. However, following the insistence of the complainants, Section 302, which pertains to murder, was later added to the case.

Separately, CCD Chief Sohail Zafar Chattha visited the family’s home, where he expressed sorrow over the incident, acknowledged that a mistake had occurred and assured the family that the institution’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be further strengthened to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

The tragedy has attracted significant attention in both Pakistan and Australia, with authorities, the affected family and the public awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

US President Donald Trump has announced that a significant agreement between the United States and Iran has been formally signed, while the strategically important Strait of Hormuz has also been reopened.

Speaking to the media, President Trump said, “The deal has been signed, and the Strait of Hormuz is now open. The full draft of the agreement will be released following the signing.” He added that Iran would not receive sanctions relief until it fulfills its commitments under the agreement.

Meanwhile, the French President stated that French armed forces are prepared to play a role in maintaining security and stability in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of global trade routes and energy supplies remains a shared international responsibility.

In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the US-Iran agreement as a major success for Pakistani diplomacy. He said Pakistan had played an important role in efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peace in the region.

The Prime Minister further stated that the Field Marshal worked tirelessly, day and night, to help extinguish the flames of conflict and support diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing war.

Also Read: Pakistan Army Mi-17 Helicopter Crashes Near Muzaffarabad, All Personnel Martyred

Analysts believe that the agreement between Washington and Tehran, along with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, could have a positive impact on global energy markets, oil prices, and regional security, while also creating new opportunities for stability and economic cooperation across the Middle East.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei has stated that the agreement with the United States does not mean forgiving or forgetting alleged U.S. war crimes.

According to international media reports, Baqaei said that the return of Iran’s frozen assets, as well as compensation for damages caused by U.S. and Israeli military operations, are included in the agreement.

He said that a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States will be signed in Geneva on Friday. Prior to this, Iranian delegations will visit various regional and neighboring countries.

Addressing a press conference, Esmail Baqaei said that during the 110-day war, the Iranian people fully supported their government and armed forces and demonstrated exceptional resilience. He paid tribute to the Iranian people and said that Iran will never forget the sacrifices of its leadership, military commanders, and civilians.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Israel of continuing aggression in Lebanon and Palestine, saying that international organizations have failed to stop Israeli actions and to condemn U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran.

Also Read: Pakistan Says Electronic Signing Ceremony of Iran-US Agreement to Be Held on Sunday

He said that Iran always prefers dialogue and diplomacy, but reaching an agreement does not mean it will forget its losses or alleged crimes committed during the war.

According to Baqaei, the restoration and return of Iran’s frozen assets abroad and compensation for war damages are key parts of the negotiations, and Iran has the full right to raise these demands.

He added that the memorandum of understanding with the United States also includes provisions related to Lebanon, and that Lebanon’s sovereignty and security will be ensured.

He alleged that despite a ceasefire, Israel continues attacks in Lebanon, and the implementation of the agreement will be closely monitored.

The Iranian spokesperson further said that steps will be taken with the assistance of Oman to secure maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz, along with consultations with other relevant parties.

He clarified that Iran has always maintained that no toll will be charged from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Also Read: Pakistan Says Electronic Signing Ceremony of Iran-US Agreement to Be Held on Sunday

Esmail Baqaei said the procedural details for signing the memorandum will be finalized today or tomorrow, after which an official announcement will be made.

He added that the United States still has a long way to go to regain the trust of the Iranian people, but Iran will fully abide by the agreement.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced that the electronic signing ceremony of an agreement between the United States and Iran will take place tomorrow, Sunday.

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, during which they discussed the regional situation, the US-Iran negotiations, and upcoming diplomatic engagements in the region.

The statement said that both sides welcomed the progress of the US-Iran talks, noting that the negotiations have entered their final phase. They also expressed hope that the expected electronic signing ceremony would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.

Also Read: Pakistan Records 3.7% Economic Growth Despite Global Uncertainties, Says Finance Minister

During the conversation, the Saudi foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s continued and effective efforts in promoting mediation, reconciliation, and dialogue throughout the negotiation process.

However, the Foreign Office clarified that no further details regarding the timing or venue of the electronic signing ceremony have been released so far.

The statement further added that the two foreign ministers also discussed preparations for the upcoming four-nation regional foreign ministers’ meeting (R-4) scheduled to be held in Egypt later this month, along with other matters of mutual interest.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination in order to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has reposted a statement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the Islamabad Memorandum, which has been under discussion during negotiations between Iran and the United States.

According to an international news agency, President Trump shared Araghchi’s post on his social media platform, Truth Social, in what is being viewed as a significant development in the ongoing negotiations.

In his social media post, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that, amid ongoing tensions involving the United States and Israel, the completion of the Islamabad Memorandum has never been closer than it is now.

However, he urged the media to refrain from speculating about the contents of the memorandum until it is finalized. He said that all details would be shared with the public at the appropriate time.

Also Read: Pakistan Records 3.7% Economic Growth Despite Global Uncertainties, Says Finance Minister

Araghchi further indicated that work on the Islamabad Memorandum is continuing, describing the process as part of Iran’s responsible diplomacy and transparent approach.

By reposting the Iranian foreign minister’s statement on his social media account, President Trump has effectively endorsed the message, bringing the matter into the global spotlight and making it a subject of wider international discussion.

The Islamabad Memorandum referenced by the Iranian foreign minister relates to a phase of negotiations during which American and Iranian delegations met in Islamabad under Pakistani mediation.

However, the details of the Islamabad Memorandum remain unclear, and all parties involved have so far issued cautious statements regarding the matter.

Washington: US President Donald Trump announced that he has canceled scheduled strikes and bombings against the Islamic Republic of Iran, citing the advancement of discussions to the highest level of Iranian leadership.

“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” President Trump said in a statement.

He added that the discussions and final points have been approved, “in both concept and great detail,” by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others.

Despite the cancellation of military action, President Trump emphasized that the naval blockade will remain in full force until the transaction is finalized. He said that the time and place of the signing will be announced shortly.

Also Read: Trump Announces End to Strait of Hormuz Blockade, Says Several Points Agreed With Iran

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Defense’s headquarters, the Pentagon, has partially evacuated several sections of its building following reports of a suspicious hazardous material.

Security forces swiftly responded by locking down multiple floors and corridors while relocating personnel and visitors to safe areas within the building. Police and security officials have surrounded the Pentagon, sealing off all entry and exit points.

According to U.S. media reports, emergency HAZMAT teams specializing in handling dangerous substances have arrived on site and are currently conducting investigations. The building remains on high alert to ensure the safety of staff and occupants.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact nature of the material. Pentagon officials, along with relevant security agencies, are carrying out detailed inquiries to determine the characteristics and potential risks associated with the substance.

Also Read: Trump Claims Iran Shot Down US Apache Helicopter Over Strait of Hormuz, Says Washington Will Respond