Iran launches drone strikes on US vessels after ship seizure, reports suggest escalation
TEHRAN, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified following reports that Iranian forces launched drone strikes targeting American naval vessels after US forces attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged ship. According to regional media reports citing Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the drone strikes were carried out in apparent retaliation after US forces fired...
Iran rejects ‘negotiations under threats’ as Qalibaf accuses Trump of seeking surrender
TEHRAN, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has accused US President Donald Trump of attempting to turn ongoing negotiations into a “platform for surrender” by imposing pressure tactics, including a siege and violations of a fragile ceasefire. In a strongly worded statement, Qalibaf said Iran would not engage in talks conducted “under the shadow of...
PM Shehbaz, EU Council President Costa discuss Middle East situation, stress dialogue for regional peace
ISLAMABAD, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call on Monday evening from the President of the European Council, António Costa, during which both leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East. During the cordial exchange, the Prime Minister shared updates on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability...
Dar, Australia’s Wong discuss regional dialogue, global economic concerns
ISLAMABAD, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Penny Wong, during which both sides discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional developments. Wong appreciated Dar’s efforts and commended Pakistan for its constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States, acknowledging Islamabad’s continued commitment to promoting diplomatic engagement. Dar...
Dar, Iran’s Araghchi stress dialogue for regional peace in phone call
ISLAMABAD, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and engagement to resolve outstanding issues. During the call, Dar underscored that early diplomatic engagement was essential to address pending matters and promote regional peace and stability. Both sides agreed to...
Saudi Ambassador meets Sindh Governor, discusses matters of mutual interest
ISLAMABAD, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, on Monday received Syed Muhammad Nahal Hashmi for a meeting focused on bilateral engagement. During the meeting, both sides held a cordial discussion and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, underscoring the continued cooperation between the two countries.
UK Lawmaker Lee Anderson ejected from Commons after calling PM ‘liar’
LONDON, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Lee Anderson, a lawmaker from Reform UK, was ejected from the House of Commons on Monday after accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of lying during a statement on the appointment of Peter Mandelson. Anderson refused to withdraw the remark despite repeated requests from Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, prompting his removal from the chamber. Under parliamentary rules,...
UK MP Zarah Sultana removed from Commons after calling PM ‘bare-faced liar’
LONDON, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): British lawmaker Zarah Sultana was removed from the House of Commons on Monday after accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of being a “bare-faced liar” during a heated exchange over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States. Sultana, MP for Coventry South, refused to withdraw her remarks, prompting...
EU divided on sanctions against Israeli settlers, signals possible policy review
BRUSSELS, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): The European Union remains divided over imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers, with High Representative Kaja Kallas acknowledging internal disagreements while indicating a potential policy review following political changes in a member state. Responding to questions during a press interaction after the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting, Kallas said that 26 out of the EU’s...
EU urges de-escalation in Middle East, reaffirms support for two-state solution
BRUSSELS, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Kaja Kallas on Monday called for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed conflict in the Middle East, warning that the region faces both “risk and opportunity” amid fragile ceasefires and ongoing tensions. Speaking alongside Palestinian leaders in Brussels, Kallas said the current ceasefires involving Iran and Lebanon offer only a narrow window for de-escalation,...