RIYADH -- Understandings have been reached regarding easing the U.S. blockade in exchange for a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Al Arabiya reported Thursday citing sources.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Arabiya reports said. (US-Hormuz Strait-Blockade)
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TEHRAN -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday exchanged views on the latest regional developments over phone, read a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
The two sides also highlighted the necessity to continue the path of dialogue and diplomacy, as well as constructive cooperation among regional countries, to protect lasting stability and security in the region and prevent the escalation of tensions, read the statement. (Iran-Pakistan-Middle East)
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BERLIN -- Germany's industrial orders fell by 4.1 percent quarter-on-quarter in the first three months of 2026, official data showed Thursday, as a pullback in defense and infrastructure-related demand has followed a surge late last year, while escalating Middle East tensions have weighed on the outlook.
On a monthly basis, incoming orders rose by 5 percent in March from February, the Federal Statistical Office said. Foreign demand was particularly strong, with orders from the eurozone jumping by 10.1 percent during the month. (Germany-Industrial Orders-Drop)
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KIEV -- Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council secretary, will travel to the United States this week for talks with U.S. special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Thursday.
According to the report, the meeting could take place in Miami, Florida. (Ukraine-US-Talks) ■
