REVEALED: 15 | Vintage Vibes

Trump ‘gives European allies ultimatum’ to secure Strait of Hormuz as his Iran ceasefire hangs by a thread

Israel could begin talks with Lebanon after ‘grave violation’ of fraught truce

The Independent UK · Apr 9

Bitcoin at the bottleneck: Iran’s Hormuz hafta rattles markets

TOI correspondent from Washington: Iran has moved to reassert control over the Strait of Hormuz within hours of Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon, putting a squeeze on shipping movement just 48 hours before talks are scheduled to commence in Islamabad.

The Times of India · Apr 9

Mind the Gulf: Truce tested before Vance's Islamabad mission

TOI correspondent from Washington: US vice-president JD Vance is leading a high-powered delegation for talks with Iran in Islamabad this weekend amid a yawning gulf between Washington and Tehran that is wider than the Strait of Hormuz, which is itself under contention.

The Times of India · Apr 9

Peace talks in doubt? Iran envoy says going to Pakistan for peace talk, later deletes post

The fragile ceasefire diplomacy in the Middle East appeared on shaky grounds after Iran’s envoy to Pakistan briefly announced the arrival of a negotiating team in Islamabad, only to delete the post minutes later, fuelling questions over timing and coordination ahead of crucial talks with the United States.

The Times of India · Apr 9

No ‘Dalali’, no voice: Jaishankar’s snark can’t steal Islamabad’s ceasefire limelight

Israel has bombed Lebanon despite a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran, putting a fragile Pakistan-brokered truce in West Asia at risk. After the no-holds-barred Israeli bombing that killed over 100 people, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz once more. 

Newslaundry · Apr 9

Vice president J D Vance will lead US team for truce talks with Iran in Pakistan: White House

Vice President JD Vance will lead a US delegation to Pakistan this weekend for mediated talks with Iran, aiming to secure a permanent ceasefire. The discussions in Islamabad follow a two-week truce, with the White House emphasizing the need for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open. Lebanon is not…

The Times of India · Apr 8

How Pakistan secured ‘biggest diplomatic win in years’ with Iran ceasefire

Analysts say Pakistani officials’ efforts led to breakthrough that has helped avert catastrophe, at least for now

The Guardian - UK · Apr 8

US desperate for ceasefire? Trump forced Pakistan to broker temporary truce with Iran

For weeks, the Trump administration relied on Pakistan to act as an intermediary, urging it to persuade Iran to agree to a pause in hostilities that would allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Islamabad’s role as a Muslim-majority neighbour was seen as key to making the proposal acceptable…

The Times of India · Apr 8

The Iran crisis is far from over – instead we are entering a new and uncertain phase

The ceasefire is welcome but fragile. Friday’s talks in Islamabad must address Iran’s nuclear programme and avoid sidelining the rest of the region, says Sanam Vakil of Chatham House

The Guardian - UK · Apr 8

Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia emerge as a new regional power bloc amid Iran war

Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, announced that a two-week ceasefire had been agreed between the US and Iran in the early hours of April 8. Delegates from both sides are expected to attend further talks in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad on Friday.

The Conversation · Apr 8