TEHRAN — Iranian and US officials said Friday a deal to end the Middle East war was closer than ever, with mediator Pakistan also expressing optimism that an elusive agreement was within reach. But during weeks of halting negotiations — marked by threats and exchanges of fire despite an April truce — US President Donald […]
ISLAMABAD — The heads of the Pakistani and Lebanese armed forces agreed to boost cooperation on Tuesday as they met in Pakistan with peace talks over the Middle East war dragging on. Pakistan has been mediating between the United States and Iran to end the months-long conflict, with Tehran insisting that any deal should include […]
MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA — More than a million Muslims are gathering in Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage overshadowed by the Middle East war, as animosity smoulders across the region despite a fragile ceasefire. This year’s rites, drawing worshippers from across the Islamic world including Iran, follow waves of Iranian attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia […]