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Former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived at Miami’s Kaseya Center shortly after 9 p.m. on Saturday to watch a UFC card, joining UFC president Dana White and several members of the Trump family. Seated nearby were U.S. ambassador to India Sergio Gor, rapper Vanilla Ice and former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino. The crowd greeted Trump enthusiastically as a Kid Rock track blared, and he exchanged handshakes and smiles with fans and the broadcast crew, which included podcaster Joe Rogan. While the fights unfolded, Vice‑President JD Vance told reporters that the diplomatic mission in Pakistan aimed at ending the conflict with Iran had broken down. He noted that Iran’s refusal to renounce its nuclear ambitions remained the chief obstacle, stating, "We need an affirmative commitment that Iran will not seek a nuclear weapon or the tools to achieve one quickly." Despite the diplomatic setback, Trump appeared focused on the cage action, occasionally leaning toward Rubio to discuss matters on his phone. After the co‑main event victory of Paulo Costa over Azamat Murzakanov, the champion approached the former president for a handshake. Trump’s family members at the venue included his children Ivanka, Tiffany and Donald Jr.; Ivanka’s husband Jared Kushner was in Pakistan with Vance for the failed talks. UFC has long been a platform that bolsters Trump’s appeal among young, male audiences. The promotion recently announced a special event at the White House slated for 14 June—coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday—to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. According to White, a bout featuring Josh Hokit was added to the June card at Trump’s request, with both White and Rogan confirming the arrangement. Vance emphasized that the United States remains committed to securing a binding Iranian pledge against nuclear weapon development, framing it as the core objective of the administration’s foreign policy agenda.

Texas is expanding its global reach with the launch of a new office in London, aimed at attracting UK businesses and investment to the low-tax Lone Star State. The office, led by James Taylor, one of the founders of the Austin-based lobbying and public relations firm Vianovo, is part of Texas's efforts to lure corporate heavyweights across its borders.The new site adds to a growing list of international offices from which Texas can try to draw businesses. Texas charges neither corporation nor income tax, making it an attractive destination for companies looking to relocate or expand.Lobbyists working in the London office will court UK bosses with incentives including new, fast-track business courts and multimillion-dollar subsidies. Their targets are expected to include the City's banks and investment houses, as the state aims to build on Dallas's financial-sector boom.The ambitions have caught the attention of the City of London Corporation, with the City's mayor, Susan Langley, discussing how London could tap into excitement over the launch later this year of the state's first dedicated stock market, the TXSE. “With the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange, new dual-listing opportunities could connect British and Texan firms to fresh capital,” she said.The news comes as London tries to reverse a trend where businesses have been abandoning the UK stock market, choosing either to go private or shift their listings to hubs overseas, including New York.Texas has already had success luring jobs and investment from rival US states, including California, Delaware, and New York. Texas has overtaken California in having the largest number of Fortune 500 company headquarters of any American state, with companies like Oracle, Tesla, X Corp, and SpaceX having moved to the state in recent years.A spokesperson for Governor Greg Abbott's office said: “Texas has long had a global presence, with offices in Mexico and most recently in Taiwan designed to attract foreign direct investment and job creation into Texas, while also helping Texas companies export worldwide.”

Pakistan dispatched a mixed fleet of fighter and support aircraft to King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on Saturday, marking the first visible military action under the mutual defence agreement signed in September 2025. The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed the landing, noting the deployment aligns with the collective defence clause that obliges each signatory to treat an attack on the other as an attack on itself. At the same time, Islamabad is hosting direct US‑Iran negotiations aimed at halting weeks of regional fighting triggered by Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Gulf targets after the US‑Israeli killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28 February. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told reporters he personally warned Iranian leaders in early March that Pakistan must honour its obligations to Riyadh. Tehran, seeking assurances that Saudi soil would not be used for attacks against it, received such guarantees, Dar added. Despite these diplomatic overtures, Iranian attacks on Saudi facilities – including key bases and a US embassy building – have persisted. In early March, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, flew to Riyadh to discuss measures to curb Iranian strikes within the framework of the defence pact. Four days before the jet deployment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif phoned Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, pledging that Pakistan would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia. The two leaders also agreed to accelerate a $5 billion Saudi investment package earmarked for Pakistan. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al‑Jadaan met Sharif, Dar and Munir in Islamabad on Saturday, underscoring the economic dimension of the partnership. Saudi Arabia hosts roughly 2.5 million Pakistani workers, whose remittances are vital to Pakistan’s fragile economy, and has repeatedly provided financial assistance. Security analyst Imtiaz Gul told Al Jazeera the deployment was not intended as a military escalation but as a “messaging tool” to remind Tehran of Pakistan’s treaty obligations. “Three jets won’t make much of a difference militarily,” he said, noting Saudi Arabia’s own sizable air force. Michael Kugelman, senior fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, described the move as “a risky gambit.” He warned that if Iran refuses concessions, Pakistan could be drawn closer to Saudi Arabia, potentially invoking the defence pact in a renewed conflict.

Iran's economy is struggling to recover from a lethal mix of local mismanagement, corruption, sanctions, and two major wars in less than a year. The ceasefire announced overnight into Wednesday has brought some relief, with more people returning to work and shops reopening in Tehran's Grand Bazaar.However, sales remain slow compared to before the war, and merchants are facing significant challenges, including 20-30 percent price increases for products due to inflation. The near-total internet shutdown imposed since the start of the war on February 28 has caused countless income streams to be wiped out for families trying to survive.The government has promised to provide support to digital businesses, but it is unclear how they will operate while their customers remain offline. Lay-offs are widespread, with technology firms only signing contracts spanning several months, major carmakers laying off thousands of workers, and numerous journalists being let go by state-run and private sector media outlets.The situation for the embattled Iranian economy could still get worse, as the deepening impact of attacks against civilian infrastructure will likely become more apparent over the coming weeks and months. Iran's top steel factories, petrochemical manufacturers, aluminium producers, airports, and civilian aircraft have been bombed and put out of commission by the US and Israel.It would take Iran years to rebuild even if the war ended today, and that is while the country faced a huge budget crunch even before the war, and still has no prospects of lifting the harsh sanctions imposed by the US and the United Nations over its nuclear programme in order to boost foreign investments.

US Senator JD Vance recently held a significant meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, ahead of crucial diplomatic talks with Iran. This development has sparked interest in potential shifts in international relations and cooperation between the involved nations.The meeting between Vance and the Pakistani PM comes at a critical juncture, as Iran is set to engage in diplomatic discussions. The nature and specifics of these talks have not been disclosed, but the timing and participants suggest a focus on regional stability and security concerns.The involvement of US Senator JD Vance, known for his active role in foreign policy discussions, underscores the strategic importance of these interactions. As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community remains attentive to any developments that could impact global politics and regional dynamics.

The United States and Iran have initiated direct talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, in an effort to bring an end to their six-week conflict. These face-to-face discussions, confirmed by the White House, follow a recent fragile ceasefire agreement and separate bilateral meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The US delegation, led by US Vice President JD Vance, includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. The Iranian delegation, comprising over 70 people, is headed by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to Iranian state media, the talks proceeded after Iranian preconditions were met, including a reduction in Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Iran had insisted on the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire and the lifting of US sanctions as prerequisites for the negotiations. Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif expressed hope that these talks would serve as a stepping stone toward durable peace in the region. Despite earlier assertions from Tehran that they would not engage without commitments on Lebanon's inclusion and US sanctions, the negotiations have moved forward. Sources indicate some progress on basic conditions, including the need for a ceasefire in Lebanon, with reports of a possible understanding to limit strikes to southern Lebanon. There are also indications of potential movement on the unfreezing of Iranian assets. US President Donald Trump posted on social media that the only reason Iranian officials were alive was to negotiate a deal, stating that Iran had no cards other than short-term extortion. Vance expressed optimism about a positive outcome but warned that the negotiating team would not be receptive if Iran tried to play them.

The British government announced that it is putting on hold a bill that would return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after President Donald Trump signaled a lack of US support for the arrangement.A UK spokesperson told Reuters and AFP that the deal would only move forward with American backing, stating, "We have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support." The statement added that the islands, particularly Diego Garcia, remain a critical military asset for both nations.Last May, London and Port Louis unveiled a plan under which Britain would cede full sovereignty of the 60‑plus islands to Mauritius while retaining a 99‑year lease on Diego Garcia to preserve the US‑run base that anchors American power in the Indian Ocean.Trump dismissed the proposal in January as an "act of great stupidity," arguing that relinquishing the archipelago would undermine the strategic partnership. In response, the UK reiterated that the base’s long‑term security is the primary reason for the agreement and that it continues to engage with both Washington and Mauritius.At an Indian Ocean conference in Mauritius, Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful pledged that his government would "spare no effort" to pursue every diplomatic and legal avenue to complete the decolonisation of the Chagos archipelago, calling the issue a matter of justice.After an initial softening of tone following a February conversation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump later resumed his criticism on Truth Social, labeling the cession a "big mistake" and a "blight on our Great Ally." The dispute has unfolded against a backdrop of strained US‑UK relations over the ongoing US‑Israel conflict in Iran and the UK's leadership of a 30‑nation coalition protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz without US participation.Former senior civil servant Simon McDonald told BBC Radio that Trump’s hostility has forced the agreement into a "deep freeze," noting that when the US president is openly opposed, the British government must reassess its position.Britain has administered the Chagos Islands since 1814, even after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s. The Diego Garcia base has been pivotal in US operations in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The displaced Chagossian community continues to seek compensation, and a 2019 International Court of Justice advisory opinion recommended that the archipelago be returned to Mauritius.

Israel has criticized South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for sharing a video of violence against Palestinians by the Israeli army. The video, verified by Al Jazeera, shows Israeli soldiers pushing an apparently lifeless Palestinian man from a rooftop in the occupied West Bank town of Qabatiya in September 2024.Lee Jae Myung raised concerns about documented abuses committed by Israeli forces, posting on X: "I need to look into whether this is true, and if so, what measures have been taken." The Palestinian ministry of foreign affairs described the incident as a "crime" that exposes the Israeli army's "brutality".Israel's foreign ministry responded, saying the case had been "investigated and addressed", without providing details on any punishments for the soldiers involved. Data from Action on Armed Violence shows that Israel has closed 88% of investigations into abuses by its forces in Gaza and the occupied West Bank without charges or findings of wrongdoing.The incident has sparked a public row between Israel and South Korea, with Israel's foreign ministry accusing Lee of spreading "anti-Israeli" news. South Korea's foreign ministry attempted to ease tensions, saying Lee's comments reflected a broader appeal for "universal human rights".Lee doubled down on Saturday, responding to Israel's criticism with a pointed reply: "It's disappointing that you don't even once reflect on the criticisms from people around the world who are suffering and struggling due to relentless anti-human rights and anti-international law actions."

Senior Iranian officials, including parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for ceasefire talks with the United States. The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, along with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is representing Washington in the negotiations.Ahead of the talks, Vance indicated a potential opening for diplomacy, stating that Washington is ready to “extend an open hand” if Iran negotiates in good faith. However, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with Lebanon’s Health Ministry reporting that at least 357 people were killed in Israeli attacks on Wednesday, with the death toll expected to rise.In IranIran is experiencing a near internet blackout that has passed 1,000 hours, making it one of the longest nationwide internet disruptions on record, according to the monitoring group NetBlocks.Analyst Zohreh Kharazmi noted that Iranians remain sceptical ahead of the negotiations, despite Tehran believing it holds leverage, including over the Strait of Hormuz.War DiplomacyIran’s delegation of top officials arrived in Islamabad for ceasefire talks with the US, as reported by Iranian state television on Friday.Lebanon’s presidency announced that a meeting will be held at the US Department of State on Tuesday to discuss declaring a ceasefire and the start date for negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under US auspices.Iran demands a truce in Lebanon and the release of its blocked assets as Vance warned Tehran not to “play” Washington in their talks.US President Donald Trump stated that Iran has “no cards” in upcoming talks with the US and mentioned that US warships are being reloaded with weaponry to strike Iran if the talks fail to produce a deal.In the USTrump says the Strait of Hormuz will reopen ‘fairly soon’, pledging that Washington will “open up the Gulf” amid ongoing disruption to global energy supplies.Former US ambassador Douglas Silliman noted that Trump is likely to push for a fast outcome in the talks to ease economic pressure, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz seen as a critical priority.US consumer prices surged to a two-year high, increasing pressure on the administration as economic concerns grow at home.In IsraelThe US has reportedly asked Israel to halt attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon to avoid derailing negotiations, with the current US-Iran ceasefire set to expire on April 21.Israel’s military operations and expanding ground offensive in Lebanon continued, even as ceasefire negotiations were scheduled.In Gaza and JerusalemMore than 100,000 people attended the first Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem since its reopening following the US-Iran truce, the holy site’s Islamic authority reported.An Israeli air strike killed at least six people and injured several others at the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.In LebanonHeavy toll from Israeli attacks: Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that nearly 2,000 people have been killed by Israeli air strikes and ground operations since early March, with thousands more wounded.Lebanon is facing a food security crisis, with prices surging and supply chains disrupted amid Israel’s offensive, according to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).