Author: EchoAsiaNews

New developments continue to unfold following the US-Iran ceasefire, with regional security, economic measures, and political reactions shaping the fragile pause in hostilities. Iran and Oman are expected to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to a report citing Associated Press. A regional official involved in the negotiations said Iran plans to use the revenue for post-war reconstruction, while Oman’s purpose for the fees remains unclear. Both countries share territorial control over the key global oil transit route. On the security front, the Iran-backed coalition known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced…

A tentative calm has emerged across the Middle East after the United States, Iran, and their allies agreed to an immediate two-week ceasefire, raising cautious hopes for de-escalation following weeks of intense conflict. The announcement was welcomed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who confirmed that the truce would apply across all affected regions, including Lebanon. He also invited delegations from both sides to Islamabad for further negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent settlement. The White House said discussions are underway regarding potential in-person talks with Iran, though no final decision has been made. Iran, meanwhile, indicated readiness to begin…

Shots were fired outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, leaving two police officers wounded, according to Turkish state media reports cited by AFP. Commercial broadcaster NTV and the DHA news agency reported that security forces responded to the incident and that three suspects were “neutralised” at the scene. Authorities have not immediately released further details regarding the identities or motives of those involved. A source close to the matter told AFP that no Israeli diplomats are currently present on Turkish territory. The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, prompting increased security concerns around diplomatic facilities in major cities.

Iran has conveyed a detailed 10-point proposal through Pakistan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, according to reports from multiple international and regional media outlets, including The New York Times, IRNA, and other sources. The plan reflects Tehran’s position that any settlement must be comprehensive and permanent rather than a temporary ceasefire. At the core of the proposal, Iran is seeking binding security guarantees that it will not face future attacks from the United States or Israel. Tehran has also called for a permanent end to hostilities, rejecting interim ceasefires in favour of a long-term resolution. The framework further demands…

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Tuesday proposed the formation of a “national government” to build political consensus amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the Iran situation. Participating in a parliamentary debate, Achakzai said the country’s political forces must agree on core issues, arguing that the post-election political arrangement had “collapsed” and that governance required “collective wisdom.” He also urged space for political dialogue, warning against efforts to sideline political actors, while asserting that the establishment had failed to weaken PTI founder Imran Khan. He further cautioned that resistance would follow any such attempts. Criticising foreign…

Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage has formally called on the Director-General of UNESCO to denounce what Tehran says are Israeli threats to strike the country’s railway network, a key infrastructure link and internationally recognised heritage site. The trans-Iranian railway, a 1,394-kilometre line connecting the Caspian Sea with the Persian Gulf and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021, was cited in the letter as part of “humanity’s common heritage,” with Iranian officials urging the agency to take a clear stance to deter any military action. The appeal comes amid heightened tensions and conflict in the region, with the…

Major stock markets across the Gulf traded cautiously in early sessions on Tuesday as uncertainty surrounding a deadline set by US President Donald Trump weighed on investor sentiment, Reuters reported. The deadline reportedly requires Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, heightening concerns over regional stability and energy flows. The risk-off mood kept the US dollar firm while oil prices rose sharply, reflecting market sensitivity to potential disruptions in one of the world’s key energy transit routes. In Saudi Arabia, the benchmark index declined 0.5 percent, pressured by losses in major stocks including Al Rajhi Bank and…

Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait has called on Gulf countries to use their diplomatic and political channels to help prevent a potential “tragedy” in the region, as a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches for Tehran to reach an agreement or face possible strikes on civilian infrastructure. Ambassador Mohammad Toutounji made the remarks in a statement, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to avoid further escalation. He urged neighbouring states to play an active role in de-escalation efforts, warning of the consequences if tensions continue to rise amid the ongoing standoff. The appeal comes at a time of heightened…

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that more than 14 million Iranians have declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives to defend the country, according to a statement shared on X, as heavy strikes continue to hit multiple cities across the nation. President Pezeshkian added that he personally remains “devoted to giving my life for Iran,” underscoring the leadership’s rallying call for national unity amid escalating hostilities. The remarks come against the backdrop of intensified conflict involving US and Israeli forces, with widespread airstrikes reported across urban centres and critical infrastructure. The large number of volunteers cited by the…

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has told people to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place”.