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‘WheN IraN decIdes’: TehraN rejecTs Us proposal, seTs Terms To eNd War Thursday, 26 March, 2026 | 6 Shawwal, 1447
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TEHRAN SAYS IT WILL DECIDE TIMING OF WAR’S END, NOT US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP g
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IRAN OUTLINES FIVE KEY CONDITIONS, INCLUDING REPARATIONS AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ AUTHORITY
PAKISTAN CONVEYED US PROPOSAL, WITH TURKIYE, PAKISTAN EYED AS POTENTIAL VENUES FOR TALKS
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‘NO NEGOTIATIONS’ UNLESS DEMANDS MET AS TEHRAN VOWS CONTINUED MILITARY RESPONSE
US PURSUING DIPLOMACY THROUGH MULTIPLE CHANNELS; PROPOSALS TERMED ‘EXCESSIVE’ BY IRAN
pm shehbaz praIses saUdI 'resTraINT', Urges UrgeNT de-escalaTIoN IN mIddle easT ISLAMABAD MiAn AbrAr
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TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: Agencies
RAN has rejected a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing US-Israeli war, stating it will determine “the timing and terms of any ceasefire based on its own conditions,” according to Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV. Citing a senior political-security official, the report said Tehran had “responded negatively” to the proposal conveyed through diplomatic channels, asserting that it would not allow US President Donald Trump to dictate when
the war should end. “Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” the official said, reaffirming the country’s resolve to continue its defence and inflict “heavy blows” on its adversaries until its demands are fulfilled. The development comes amid reports that Pakistan conveyed a US proposal to Iran, with both Pakistan and Turkiye being considered as potential venues for talks aimed at deescalating the conflict in the Gulf.
UN chief warns Iran war 'out of control,' world staring down barrel of wider conflict NEW YORK Agencies
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday that the Iran war has spun beyond all boundaries, declaring the conflict "out of control", cautioning that the world faces the prospect of a far broader confrontation. "More than three weeks on, this war is out of control," Guterres told reporters at a news conference at UN headquarters in New York, adding that "the conflict has broken past the limits even leaders thought imaginable." "The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock," he said, stressing that it "has gone too far." Calling for an end to the military escalation, Guterres said. "It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder and start climbing the diplomatic ladder and return to full respect of international law."
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 259 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday commended Mohammed bin Salman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for showing “remarkable restraint” amid escalating Middle East hostilities, stressing the urgent need for de-escalation and a return to dialogue. The remarks came during a telephone conversation between the two leaders, described by the Prime Minister’s Office as “warm and cordial," during which they discussed the rapidly evolving regional situation following Iran’s retaliatory strikes triggered by US-Israel military actions. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia, assuring that Islamabad would stand by the Kingdom “through thick and thin," just as Riyadh has consistently supported Pakistan. He strongly con-
demned recent attacks on Saudi territory and reiterated Pakistan’s “unequivocal support” for the Kingdom and its people. Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of restoring stability in the region, warning that prolonged conflict could have severe consequences for global energy markets and regional security. He also underscored the need for unity within the Muslim world, urging greater harmony among countries of the Ummah during this critical period. During the call, the prime minister briefed the crown prince on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach aimed at easing tensions, including efforts to bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table through dialogue and diplomacy. The Saudi leadership appreciated these peace initiatives, with both sides agreeing to maintain close coordination at all levels.
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PM directs boost in food exports to Gulf, enhancement of ‘port, flight operations’ ISLAMABAD
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to accelerate exports of surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring uninterrupted domestic supply, seeking a comprehensive plan to expand flight operations and enhance port efficiency in light of the evolving regional situation, state media reported. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Prime Minister’s House on food commodity exports and Pakistan’s maritime and logistics preparedness, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the strategy formulated and progress achieved so far to support the region’s food security needs, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. He lauded the performance of relevant ministries and officials and instructed all departments to remain in close coordination with Gulf countries regarding their food requirements. Highlighting disruptions in global supply chains amid the current regional situation, the prime minister stressed Pakistan’s responsibility to help meet the
food needs of friendly Gulf nations. He emphasized that exports should be expedited without affecting domestic availability of essential commodities. PM Shehbaz also called for strict monitoring of domestic food supply and warned that delays in institutional decision-making would not be tolerated, directing authorities to ensure accountability in case of negligence. He further instructed the preparation of a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at key international airports, including Karachi and Gwadar, to facilitate exports and enhance connectivity. During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that a special committee had approved 40 food items for export to Gulf countries, including rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. A database of exporters had been prepared, and shipments of vegetables, fruits, and meat would be facilitated without additional charges. Open sea and air routes were being utilized to enhance shipments, alongside business-to-business meetings and webinars with Gulf partners to promote trade.
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No negotiations between Us, Iran have taken place: Iran envoy ISLAMABAD reuters
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said on Wednesday there have been no negotiations between Tehran and Washington, contradicting remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting progress in efforts to end the conflict. “We have heard such reports in the media, but according to my information, no direct or indirect talks have taken place so far,” the envoy said, adding it was natural for friendly countries to engage both sides in efforts to halt what he described as “illegitimate aggression.” Separately, Iran’s military dismissed Washington’s claims of diplomacy. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the United States was effectively “negotiating with itself,” according to state media. He also warned that regional stability would remain tied to Iran’s military posture, adding that pre-war economic conditions would not return unless Washington changed course. MISSILE STRIKES WIDEN CONFLICT: Fighting continued to intensify across the region, with Iran launching a fresh wave of missiles and drones early Wednesday targeting Israel and locations hosting US forces in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, the Revolutionary Guards said. Air raid sirens sounded across central Israel, with AFP footage showing missile trails over the coastal city of Netanya. In Kuwait, a drone strike hit a fuel tank at the international airport, triggering a fire, while Jordan reported falling debris near Amman, and Bahrain activated air defense alerts. The conflict, which began on February 28 with coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has since spread across the Middle East, disrupting global energy markets and aviation routes. Gulf countries—long viewed as relatively stable—have come under increasing threat, affecting tourism and air travel across major hubs. The violence has also expanded into Lebanon, where Israeli forces have intensified operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah. Strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and other areas have caused widespread damage, while authorities say more than 1,000 people have been killed and over a million displaced. 'VERY BIG PRESENT': Amid the escalating violence, Trump signalled renewed interest in diplomacy, saying the United States was “in negotiations right now” with Iran. He also claimed Tehran had offered a “very big present” linked to the Strait of Hormuz, which he said indicated Washington was engaging with the “right people,” though he gave no further details. The strategic waterway, through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass, has been partially disrupted by the conflict, pushing energy prices higher. Iran has warned it could restrict access further in response to continued attacks.
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