Hina Rabbani Khar chaired a committee meeting where Dar briefed on India's recent aggression, condemning it as a violation of international law and bilateral agreements. The committee commended Pakistan's handling of the crisis and emphasized that reckless violations could destabilize the region. Hina Rabbani Khar urged dialogue and negotiations to prevent further escalation, while denouncing India's attempts to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1311713-pakistan-s-response-to-india-was-legitimate-in-self-defence-darUS President Trump wants a 30-day ceasefire in Europe's biggest land war since World War Two, which Ukraine's leader Zelenskiy supports. Russian lawmaker suggests discussing a huge prisoner of war exchange. Trump is considering secondary sanctions against Russia if they block the process, including financial and oil-related penalties. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to share peace vision and coordinate positions. The last talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul in March 2022.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/putin-to-skip-russia-ukraine-negotiation-talks-in-turkey-8416603The US and China have agreed to suspend tit-for-tat tariffs for 90 days, easing trade tensions that had spooked financial markets. Apple CEO Tim Cook warned of the impact of 145% US tariffs on products from China, but expects $900 million in costs despite a temporary reprieve for high-end tech goods. India has threatened retaliatory measures against US tariffs on steel and aluminium, with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar saying trade negotiations are ongoing.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/604648-trump-says-urged-apple-to-manufacture-in-us-not-indiaThe US and China have reached a major de-escalation in their trade tensions, with the US lowering tariffs on Chinese imports to up to 145% and suspending duties on small parcels from 120% to 54%. China has also suspended certain non-tariff countermeasures against 28 US entities, including companies like Shein and Temu. The move comes after US President Trump's order, which would have imposed a $100 payment on small parcels. Chinese President Xi Jinping called the tariff wars "a zero-sum game" and warned that there are no winners in such conflicts. Analysts warn that further reductions will be difficult and the risk of renewed escalation persists.
https://www.forbesindia.com/article/news/china-and-us-roll-back-major-tariffs-in-trade-war-deescalation/95969/1French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has warned that if European security interests are not guaranteed, France will reapply all lifted sanctions on Iran, which currently enriches uranium to 60% despite a 3.67% limit imposed by the 2015 deal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calls for dismantling all Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities, describing it as a "red line".
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/iran-says-likely-hold-nuclear-talks-europeans-weekIran is open to signing a nuclear deal with the US under specific conditions outlined by top adviser Ali Shamkhani, who stated that Iran would commit to never developing nuclear weapons and limit uranium enrichment if economic sanctions are lifted. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized US President Donald Trump's approach, saying he thinks he can scare Iran into submission. The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran has enriched uranium close to weapons-grade quality, but the US and Iran have been engaged in talks about Tehran's nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that while Iran won't compromise on enrichment, its scope and levels might be adjusted temporarily for confidence-building purposes.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iran-ready-to-forgo-nukes-as-donald-trump-says-nuclear-deal-close-report-8422011US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed impatience over the conflict in Ukraine, stating Washington is willing to consider any mechanism for a lasting end to the war. Russian President Putin called for direct negotiations, while Moscow names hardline aide Vladimir Medinsky as its top negotiator, despite his previous failed attempts at talks. Ukrainian President Zelensky sent a high-level delegation to discuss peace, but Kyiv and Russia remain far apart on key issues such as territory and concessions.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/russia-ukraine-trade-insults-ahead-of-turkey-peace-talks/article_0bce9953-a557-50ed-8a5c-8d4e5163e459.htmlEconomists and businesses warn that tariffs could lead to increased prices for consumer products as President Trump aims to use them to restore manufacturing jobs lost to lower-wage countries, shift tax burden away from U.S. families, and pay down the national debt. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, which can be absorbed by importers or passed on to consumers through higher prices.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/walmart-boss-higher-tariffs-will-result-in-higher-prices/article_a42e69aa-58d5-5e64-989a-6ff5e2eaa21b.htmlA trade truce between the US and China has been announced, allowing a Chinese toy company to clear tens of thousands of children's dolls stuck in a warehouse in Guangzhou. Monica Xie, a sales representative for Shantou Mingbo Toys, began calling US suppliers immediately after the announcement, which could potentially boost her company's business as America accounts for 50% of its sales.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/trump-said-kids-should-only-get-two-dolls-but-monica-is-ready-to-save-christmas-20250514-p5lz2y.html