• Talks Between Iran and U.S. Start in Islamabad
  • US-Iran talks bring together Vance and Iranian officials
  • Afghanistan and Pakistan Agree to 'Comprehensive Solution'
  • Oil prices sink and US stock futures jump over ceasefire
  • Afghanistan and Pakistan Peace Talks Constructive
Pakistanis face unprecedented fuel price rise of up to 54%

ISLAMABAD (AP) – Pakistanis faced record fuel price increases Friday, as petrol and diesel prices rose by up to 54% driven by the war in the Middle East that has caused global oil prices to surge. The increase adds pressure to a cash-strapped nation already grappling with high inflation, as economists warned the hike would push up food prices and living costs.

China says peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan are advancing

BEIJING (AP) – Peace talks between Afghanistan’s Taliban government and Pakistan are advancing, China’s government said Friday, two days after those countries resumed conversations following weeks of fighting that have killed hundreds.

Pakistan and Afghanistan peace talks are underway in China after deadly fighting

ISLAMABAD (AP) – Pakistan on Thursday confirmed it was holding peace talks with Afghanistan’s Taliban government in China, where Beijing is mediating to broker a lasting ceasefire after weeks of fighting that have killed hundreds, disrupting trade and cross-border travel.

War in Iran sends inflation soaring and the mood of American consumers plunging

WASHINGTON (AP) – The largest monthly jump in gas prices in six decades caused a sharp spike in inflation last month, creating major challenges for the inflation-fighters at the Federal Reserve and heightening already substantial political hurdles for the White House.

China's car exports surge as expectations grow for EV pivot

HONG KONG (AP) – China’s exports of passenger cars accelerated in March, an industry association said Friday, as Chinese automakers stepped up their push to grow overseas markets.

Judge extends restraining order on $6.2B merger of Nexstar and Tegna

A federal judge on Friday extended an emergency restraining order on a $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna for one week while he decides whether a longer block on the deal is needed.

Pope Leo XIV blasts 'delusion of omnipotence' fueling war in Iran

ROME (AP) – In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday denounced the “delusion of omnipotence” that is fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and demanded political leaders stop and negotiate peace. Leo presided over an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day the United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan and as a fragile ceasefire held.

Talks between Iran and the U.S. have started in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD (AP) - The United States and Iran began historic face-to-face negotiations Saturday in Pakistan, days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced, as the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week. The White House confirmed the direct nature of the talks, a rare instance of high-level engagement.

Unsettled and uncertain: What the Iran war means around the world

The long-term fallout of the war in Iran is only beginning to take shape, but this much is clear: The conflict has left the Middle East unsettled, alliances strained and the world facing uncertain shifts in the balance of economic and military power.

DEBRECEN, Hungary (AP) – The leaders of Hungary’s two biggest parties held their final election rallies on Saturday to close a turbulent campaign that will reach its apex in Sunday’s election. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is facing the biggest political test of his career.