(archive entries)
Daily Archives: 16. April 2026
Pakistan urges caution over US-iran talks speculation
Speaking at a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andarabi said diplomatic engagements between the two sides remain sensitive and require confidentiality. He stressed that premature reporting on dates or delegations could undermine trust between parties involved in the mediation process.
Pakistani army chief meets Iranian parliament speaker in Tehran
Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran on Thursday morning.
Field Marshal Munir, who arrived in the Iranian capital on Wednesday, is heading a high-level political-security delegation that includes representatives from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, security institutions, and technical experts.
The primary purpose of the delegation’s visit is to relay the US message and to plan the framework for a possible second round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Qatar rolls out Red Carpet, Guard of Honor for Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Doha on an official visit that drew a grand welcome from Qatari authorities. The premier was warmly received by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, along with senior officials and dignitaries.
Shehbaz–MBS meeting focuses on Regional Stability, Pakistan’s Diplomatic engagements to end US-Iran war
The premier highlighted the historic round of negotiations held in Islamabad between Washington and Tehran, signaling a potentially transformative shift in regional geopolitics. Saudi Crown Prince praised the efforts, specifically acknowledging the “constructive role” played by Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Syed Asim Munir, in pushing forward the peace process.
I just had excellent conversations with the Highly Respected President Joseph Aoun, of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel. These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST.
On Tuesday, the two Countries met for the first time in 34 years here in Washington, D.C., with our Great Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. I have directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Razin‘ Caine, to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a Lasting PEACE. It has been my Honor to solve 9 Wars across the World, and this will be my 10th, so let‘s, GET IT DONE! President DONALD J. TRUMP
Gaza death toll rises to 72,345 amid ongoing conflict, pressuring Netanyahu
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 72,345 Palestinian deaths amid ongoing conflict, while Polymarket’s Netanyahu exit by June 30 contract sits at 5.5% YES, down from 8% a week ago.
The death toll figure adds pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as the fragile ceasefire continues to face violations. The June 30 market is at 5.5% YES. The April 30 market is at 0.8% YES, showing deep skepticism about immediate political fallout.
President Aoun thanks Trump for US efforts to secure ceasefire and lasting stability: Sources to LBCI
A phone call took place Thursday afternoon between U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, during which Aoun reiterated his gratitude for Trump’s efforts to reach a ceasefire in Lebanon, sources told LBCI.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring long-term peace and stability as a step toward a broader peace process in the region.
Lebanon‘s Aoun rejects call with Netanyahu as Israel severs last bridge to the south
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun will not speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the near future, a senior Lebanese official told Middle East Eye, after reports of a planned phone call between the two leaders.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Beirut had informed Washington of Aoun’s position ahead of a call between the president and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday.
The development comes two days after the US hosted the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon in Washington, in the first such talks between the two countries since 1993.
US military: ‚locked and loaded‘ to strike Iran‘s power plants, energy industry if ordered
„We are reloading with more power than ever before, and better intelligence,“ Hegseth said at a Pentagon news briefing. „We are locked and loaded on your critical dual-use infrastructure, on your remaining power generation, and on your energy industry. We‘d rather not have to do it.“
MEETING FOR PEACE WITH THE COMMUNITY OF BAMENDA
In this regard, I would like to express gratitude to all those, particularly the lay and religious women, who care for individuals traumatized by violence. It is an enormous task that goes unseen day by day, and as Sister Carine reminded us, it is also dangerous. The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet a lifetime is often not enough to rebuild. They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found. Those who rob your land of its resources generally invest much of the profit in weapons, thus perpetuating an endless cycle of destabilization and death. It is a world turned upside down, an exploitation of God’s creation that must be denounced and rejected by every honest conscience. We must make a decisive change of course — a true conversion — that will lead us in the opposite direction, onto a sustainable path rich in human fraternity. The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters! They are the descendants of Abraham, as numerous as the stars in the sky and the grains of sand on the seashore. Let us look into each other’s eyes: we are this immense people! Peace is not something we must invent: it is something we must embrace by accepting our neighbor as our brother and as our sister. We do not choose our brothers and sisters: we simply must accept one another! We are one family, inhabiting the same home: this wonderful planet that ancient cultures have cared for across millennia.
Pope warns of world ravaged by ‘tyrants’ in the wake of Trump attacks
Pope Leo warned that the world is being ravaged by “tyrants,” in forceful comments made after US President Donald Trump attacked the pontiff for his stance on the war with Iran.
Leo has emerged as strong critic of the conflict and his speech again preached a message of peace and rebuked leaders using religious language to justify war.
“The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters,” Leo said in a speech during a visit to Cameroon’s largest city, Bamenda, on Thursday.
HOMILY OF POPE LEO XIV
St Peter‘s Square
Sunday, 29 March 2026
Dear brothers and sisters, (..)
As Jesus walks the Way of the Cross, we place ourselves behind him, following in his footsteps. As we walk with him, we contemplate his passion for the sake of humanity, his broken heart, and his life as a gift of love.
We turn our gaze to Jesus, who reveals himself as King of Peace, even as war looms around him. He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence. He offers himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs. He is the light of the world, though darkness is about to engulf the earth. He came to bring life, even as plans unfold to condemn him to death.
Lebanon’s MoFA files complaint to UN Security Council regarding Israeli Airstrikes on April 8, 2026
NNA – Lebanon‘s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants on Wednesday stated in a letter that, „Based on Cabinet Decision No. 14 dated 9/4/2026, it has instructed Lebanon’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations to submit an urgent complaint to the Security Council and the Secretary-General, regarding the Israeli airstrikes on April 8, 2026, which targeted several Lebanese areas, particularly the capital, Beirut. The Ministry also requested that the complaint be circulated as an official document to the General Assembly and the Security Council.“
Four paramedics martyred while carrying out relief mission in Mayfadoun town, artillery shelling targets Zebdin and Harouf
(04:38 PM)
NNA – Four paramedics from „Nabatieh Ambulance,“ „Islamic Health Authority,“ and „Islamic Message Scouts“ were martyred in an Israeli airstrike in the town of Mayfadoun while they were on a relief mission following a raid that targeted the town.
While they were in the area, they were targeted by a drone strike, which led to the martyrdom of the four paramedics.