More than 1.2 million Afghans return from Iran, Pakistan in 2026
More than 1.2 million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan so far in 2026, with more than 500,000 d...
U.S. and Iranian officials said on Sunday they have agreed on a deal to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, possibly leading to lower energy prices once oil shipments resume through the critical waterway.
If implemented, the agreement between the United States and Iran is expected to restore one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes and ease pressure on global oil markets after weeks of disruption.
Officials said the deal includes an immediate ceasefire and a framework for further negotiations on security and nuclear-related issues.
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the agreement marks a critical step toward a peaceful settlement of the conflict. The UN welcomed the deal, highlighting the ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and continued negotiations.
In a joint statement, Britain, France, Germany and Italy said Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. The four countries expressed readiness to work with the United States, Iran and the IAEA to support this goal and urged swift implementation of the agreement.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deal a significant step toward ending the conflict and restoring stability. He emphasised the need for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.
He stated: “Iran must never have a nuclear weapon… toll-free freedom of navigation must now be restored in the Strait of Hormuz.”
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the agreement as the result of a major diplomatic effort involving multiple partners.
"This agreement must allow for the urgent and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which the international mission established with the United Kingdom is ready to support," he said.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the agreement a diplomatic breakthrough that could strengthen global economic stability and security in the Middle East.
European Council President António Costa welcomed the deal and expressed hope for an end to the conflict. He also stressed the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the agreement, saying Australia has long supported de-escalation. He stressed the need for restraint and continued diplomatic engagement to secure a lasting peace.
Chancellor Christian Stocker urged all parties to fully implement the agreement, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He said the deal creates an opportunity for broader negotiations on regional stability, including Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed the agreement as a positive development for regional peace and stability. He urged restraint, warning against rhetoric or actions that could undermine the implementation process and calling for vigilance against possible sabotage.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important step toward lasting peace and calling for continued constructive negotiations.
Qatar welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, including provisions on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an important step toward lasting peace and economic growth.
The Foreign Ministry praised both sides for resolving disputes through dialogue and commended Pakistan and other regional and international partners for their role in de-escalation and facilitating the agreement.
Pakistan welcomed the announcement of the peace deal between the United States and Iran, reached after intensive talks, and the decision to end military operations on all fronts.
It also praised the mediation efforts of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, and noted that the agreement paves the way for further discussions ahead of the official signing in Switzerland on 19 June.
Japan "strongly hopes" that "free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured in practice, and that a final agreement on Iran's nuclear issue and other matters will be reached as soon as possible."
Foreign Minister Winston Peters called the agreement a constructive step toward reducing tensions and improving stability in a region vital to global economic security. He emphasised diplomacy as the key tool for resolving long-standing issues.
The co-pilot of Israel bound flydubai flight attempted to carry out a “terrorist attack” with an axe during the flight, the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said on Saturday.
Hammam al-Hammami, the Flydubai co-pilot accused of stabbing the captain of an Israel-bound flight on Wednesday in a suspected terrorist attack, was banned from flying by Oman over concerns about his radical views, U.S. media reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Two Iranian nationals have been charged in Britain with preparing a suspected terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in northern England, police said on Friday (2 October).
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), appointed as acting oil minister, according to Iranian state media.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
The leader of Yemen's Saudi-backed government announced the beginning of a major military operation against the Iran-backed Houthis on Sunday, aimed at seizing the territory under their control.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions agreed under a June memorandum, as President Donald Trump signals he may soon decide whether to resume military operations against Tehran.
Governments from the Persian Gulf to the Horn of Africa are hedging against a conflict they cannot control, with contingency plans beginning to reshape trade routes, alliances and the regional map.
A supertanker which was cruising through the Strait of Hormuz was targetted by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman, according to an Iranian news agency which said the vessel was “violating” navigation rules at the Strait of Hormuz on 1 October.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the U.S. and Israel of seeking to foment internal divisions in Iran after failing to defeat the country militarily, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.
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