Pakistan
Qatar says Iran needs to show good intentions for mediation efforts to succeed
Qatar urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt threats against Gulf states, saying Tehran must demonstrate goodwill for mediation efforts to succeed.
Iran security chief meets Supreme Leader Khamenei after talks with Mecca pact countries
Mecca defense pact faces test as Saudi delegation arrives for high-stakes Iran talks - analysis
Tehran hosts Saudi defense pact states as Iran-backed Houthis launch more attacks
Between the straits: The world cannot afford to yield to Iran - opinion
The US and its allies have no alternative but to prove to Iran-backed terror groups that closing straits to influence the global economy and political and operational decisions will not succeed.
Middle East economy to shrink 2.1% in 2026, Gulf economies by 4.3%, World Bank forecasts
Despite grim forecasts, the World Bank projects regional economies could rebound by 7.8% in 2027 if the conflict ends this year, though the Hormuz blockade and inflation remain major threats.
Houthis ramp up missile attacks on Riyadh as Saudi-backed war in Yemen widens
The conflict, now an overspill of the US-Iran war, has added new chaos to a region already aflame, and threatens to draw other states into grueling mountain fighting.
Trump says he deserves Nobel Peace Prize but has doubts he will get it
"I don't know what their decision is going to be," Trump said of the 2026 award, which will be announced on Friday. "They have a reputation for maybe not giving it to people like me."
Mecca defense pact puts Turkey’s commitment to Saudi under domestic scrutiny - analysis
The Mecca pact is moving from declaration to implementation, exposing unresolved questions in Turkey over troop deployments, parliamentary authority, and the risk of direct involvement in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey defense pact faces first test in Houthi offensive - analysis
The new alliance has taken shape over recent months, with September’s Houthi offensive and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia presenting its first major test.
Can Pakistan-Israel ties exist? Yes, if the perpetual Palestinian conflict ends – opinion
Islamabad could come to terms with Israel’s existence when Palestinians are safe in a state of their own.
Mecca defense signees converging to discuss Houthi threat after Baghaei warns of escalation
The meeting comes a day after Iranian FM Esmail Baghaei said he hoped a “rumor” that Pakistan had deployed troops to Saudi Arabia was untrue, warning that intervention would complicate the situation.
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, UAE back railway linking Central Asia to Pakistan’s seaports
The proposed Central Asia-South Asia railway would pass through Uzbekistan and Afghanistan before reaching Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia turns to Pakistan, Turkey as US refuses to intervene against Houthi threat - analysis
The kingdom is searching for friends beyond Washington, for allies ready to put rockets where the rhetoric is and assist in a fight Saudi Arabia considers existential.
