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The question of whether a peaceful settlement is possible in Iran remains a pressing concern for the international community. Diplomatic efforts have been underway to find a resolution to the country's complex situation, but a lasting solution has yet to be achieved.The country's strategic location in the Middle East makes its stability crucial for regional and global security. However, Iran's nuclear program and its stance on various international issues have been major points of contention.Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution. The international community continues to seek a negotiated settlement that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.

British hedge‑fund billionaire Chris Rokos has announced a £190 million endowment to the University of Cambridge to create a new, eponymous school of government. The pledge, comprising an initial £130 million and a further commitment of up to £60 million that the university will match, is believed to be the largest single donation ever made to a UK university. The Rokos School of Government is slated to open in temporary facilities this autumn, offering PhD and master’s programmes focused on public policy, leadership and governance. In the longer term it will relocate to a purpose‑built campus within Cambridge’s West Innovation District, positioning itself as a direct rival to Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, which was launched in 2010 with a £75 million gift. Rokos, 55, rose from a state primary school to a scholarship at Eton and a mathematics degree at Oxford before co‑founding the hedge fund Brevan Howard and later establishing Rokos Capital Management, which now employs over 350 staff. He is listed on the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated net worth of £2.6 billion and is among the UK’s biggest taxpayers. Speaking about the donation, Rokos said, "I was fortunate to be given an education that transformed my life, and I would like to give something back to Britain. My hope is that, in time, the influence of the Rokos School of Government across the world becomes an important element of that soft power, which has been a great asset to the UK." University officials framed the new school as a response to “growing turbulence in domestic and international politics, increasing polarisation of political opinion, and long‑term structural changes in the economy.” The institution aims to provide a “unique forum for radical and remarkable thinking,” leveraging Cambridge’s tradition of scientific innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Vice‑chancellor Prof. Deborah Prentice added, "Tackling the enormous challenges facing our world requires radical new ways of thinking and approaches to leadership. Cambridge’s strengths across all disciplines and its convening power make it uniquely positioned to drive this innovation. Thanks to Chris’s generous support, the Rokos School will become a place where current and future leaders, together with experts from across our institution, generate the insights and solutions needed for a rapidly changing world." The school’s establishment also reflects a broader trend of private wealth shaping public‑policy education in the UK, echoing similar high‑profile gifts such as Leonard Blavatnik’s £75 million donation to Oxford. By creating a dedicated hub for governance studies, Rokos hopes to cement Cambridge’s role as a training ground for future world leaders and to reinforce Britain’s international influence. Rokos Capital Management recently made headlines when talks to appoint former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson as an adviser were terminated following renewed scrutiny of the Epstein scandal, underscoring the complex interplay between finance, politics and public perception. The £190 million endowment not only marks a milestone for UK higher‑education philanthropy but also signals a strategic investment in the development of policy expertise that could shape global governance for decades to come.

Pakistan and China have jointly released a five-part proposal aimed at bringing peace to the Middle East, as the conflict between Iran and the US shows no signs of abating. The plan, which was agreed upon during a meeting between Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, calls for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of key waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.The proposal is part of Pakistan's broader efforts to position itself as a peacemaker in the region, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Syed Asim Munir engaging in diplomatic communications with global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Islamabad has also hosted talks with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt in an attempt to find a regional solution to the conflict.China, which has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, has emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the crisis. The joint statement from Pakistan and China highlighted that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable options to resolve conflicts, although there appears to be little substantive progress in bringing key participants to the negotiating table.Pakistan's push for peace is driven by both geopolitical and domestic concerns. The country shares a 560-mile land border with Iran and has significant stakes in ending the conflict, including economic concerns related to the blockade on fuel and gas through the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, Pakistan is home to the world's largest population of Shia Muslims outside Iran, and there are fears that the conflict could stir up sectarian tensions.Rafiullah Kakar, a Pakistani columnist and political analyst, noted that Islamabad seeks to reinforce its standing as a consequential middle power within the broader Muslim world and to signal continued geopolitical importance to external partners, particularly Washington and the Gulf states. However, with serious instability in Iran having direct implications for Pakistan's security, Islamabad is keen to avoid being dragged into the conflict.

Speaking at halftime of Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey, FIFA president Gianni Infantino told AFP that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup and will play its group games on U.S. soil as originally planned. He emphasized his confidence after meeting the team and its coach, describing Iran as a "very, very strong" side. Infantino added that the tournament’s schedule will be respected "according to the draw," dismissing recent talks by the Iranian Football Federation about relocating its matches to Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly offered to host Iran’s first‑round fixtures if required. Iran, which secured its spot by topping the Asian qualifying group, is set to open Group G against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, followed by matches versus Belgium (21 June, Los Angeles) and Egypt (26 June, Seattle). The nation has qualified for four straight men’s World Cups but has yet to advance beyond the group stage in the last three editions. The certainty of Iran’s participation comes amid the ongoing war that erupted on 28 February between the United States, Israel, and Iran. While Infantino initially cited assurances from former President Donald Trump that the Iranian team would be welcome, Trump later warned that traveling to the tournament could endanger the players’ lives and safety. Responding to the diplomatic tension, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s commitment to a "fair‑play" tournament, stating that the organization cannot resolve geopolitical disputes but will use football’s global reach to foster dialogue and peace. In a symbolic gesture during a recent friendly against Nigeria in Turkey, Iranian players wore black armbands and carried school rucksacks to honor the victims of a devastating airstrike on a primary school in Minab, which killed at least 170 civilians, including children and teachers. U.S. military investigators have preliminarily concluded that a mis‑targeted Tomahawk cruise missile caused the strike. Infantino’s assurance that "all teams" will compete as scheduled underscores FIFA’s determination to keep the World Cup on track despite the broader geopolitical turmoil surrounding the event.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen after the ongoing conflict with Iran. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Rubio emphasized that the strait will be reopened either with Iran's consent or through an international coalition including the US.The conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite US President Donald Trump stating that the US is pursuing diplomacy, Rubio mentioned ongoing direct talks between the US and Iran, primarily through intermediaries. Iran has denied these talks are happening.Rubio called on Iran to take concrete steps to end its nuclear programme and cease manufacturing drones and missiles. He accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons to threaten and blackmail the world, which Tehran denies.The situation remains volatile, with speculation about a possible US troop deployment in Iran. Rubio warned of severe consequences if Iran keeps the strait closed after the conflict ends. The White House has considered various military options, including a special forces operation to seize enriched uranium stored in Iran.

Islamabad became the focal point of a new diplomatic track when the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt arrived this weekend, joining Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The quartet pledged to channel U.S. and Iranian confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host direct talks aimed at a comprehensive settlement. At the close of the meeting, Dar announced the creation of a Committee of Four—senior officials from each foreign ministry tasked with ironing out the procedural details of the peace process. The gathering marks the evolution of a broader Arab‑Islamic consultative effort that began in Riyadh on March 19 into a focused four‑nation push, with Pakistan positioned as the primary conduit between Washington and Tehran. In a candid interview with the Financial Times, U.S. President Donald Trump declared his “favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” hinting at a possible seizure of Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90 % of Iran’s crude exports. He reiterated an April 6 deadline for Tehran to accept a deal or face U.S. strikes on its energy infrastructure, yet on Air Force One he added, “I do see a deal in Iran, yeah. Could be soon,” describing the negotiations as “extremely well” progressing. Analysts stress that these mixed signals underscore the central tension confronting Pakistan’s initiative. While Islamabad and its partners are building a multilateral framework to curb escalation, Israeli strikes continue and the U.S. military presence in the region expands. Key diplomatic insights came from former Pakistani officials. Former information minister Mushahid Hussain Sayed highlighted the meeting as the first institutional Muslim‑world effort to open a dialogue pathway, noting that Pakistan and Turkey are among the most credible interlocutors—one a nuclear power, the other a NATO member. He cautioned, however, that the steps are “baby steps” in a war that is rapidly complicating. Former ambassador Masood Khan described the Committee of Four as a structured back‑channel enabling a “step‑by‑step, layered, and calibrated process.” He outlined four potential stages: trust‑building measures, cease‑fire negotiations, direct talks on the nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz, and finally reciprocal commitments. Khan warned that Iran’s demands for war reparations and sovereignty over the Strait could prove the toughest hurdles. High‑level outreach extended beyond the region. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a 90‑minute call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged full backing for the initiative. A senior Pakistani diplomat confirmed Dar’s planned visit to China on March 31, underscoring the strategic weight of the Pakistan‑China relationship. On the economic front, Iran’s agreement to allow 20 Pakistani‑flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz represents the most immediate confidence‑building measure. The strait remains effectively closed to regular shipping, prompting the International Energy Agency to label the disruption as the “worst oil shock in history,” surpassing the crises of 1973 and 1979. Brent crude surged above $116 per barrel, up more than 50 % since the war began on February 28, while WTO Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala warned of the “worst trade disruptions in the past 80 years.” Nevertheless, experts argue that the Strait should not become the centerpiece of any settlement. The long‑term resolution will likely involve all eight littoral states under UNCLOS and established legal precedents, with the immediate priority being a broader halt to hostilities. Military dynamics remain volatile. U.S. Central Command reported that an amphibious task force of roughly 3,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli arrived in the region, with an additional 2,200 Marines and 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division slated to deploy. Trump affirmed that military options are still on the table, and reports suggest the Pentagon is preparing for potential ground operations. Iran’s leadership remains skeptical. A spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the U.S. 15‑point plan—calling for a one‑month cease‑fire, handover of highly enriched uranium, a halt to enrichment, missile curbs, and an end to proxy support—as “unrealistic, illogical and excessive.” Tehran’s counter‑proposal, aired on Press TV, demands a halt to aggression, concrete guarantees against recurrence, reparations, and formal recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts such as Reza Khanzadeh of George Mason University argue that the burden of compromise falls on Washington, noting that Iran will not sacrifice regime survival. Meanwhile, former diplomat Masood Khan identified the most decisive confidence‑building measure as a U.S. commitment to halt Israeli attacks on Iran and Lebanon—a step he admits is “easier said than done.” In sum, Pakistan’s diplomatic corridor offers a glimmer of hope, but deep mistrust, divergent demands, and an accelerating military buildup render the path to a lasting settlement precarious.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that President Donald Trump favors diplomacy as a means to end the conflict with Iran. Rubio emphasized that direct talks between the US and Tehran are currently underway through intermediaries.Earlier, Trump threatened to target Iran's civilian energy infrastructure, including power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island, if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these military threats, Rubio's comments suggest a preference for diplomatic engagement.

The conflict between the US and Israel against Iran has entered its 31st day, with overnight strikes hitting Tehran and other cities, targeting power infrastructure in the Iranian capital and causing a blackout that has since been restored. US President Donald Trump has stated that he wants to "take the oil in Iran", while Tehran has accused Washington of plotting a ground attack despite publicly pushing for a negotiated deal. Trump also mentioned that he is "pretty sure" a deal with Iran will be made. In a diplomatic effort, Pakistan is set to host meaningful talks in the coming days, with the Pakistani Foreign Minister stating that regional foreign ministers discussed ways to bring an early end to the war. The conflict has spread to other regions, with Saudi Arabia intercepting five ballistic missiles heading towards its Eastern province, and Kuwait reporting an attack on a service building and electric power plant, resulting in the death of an Indian worker. The economic impact of the conflict is significant, with Brent crude prices rising 2.98% to $115.93 a barrel, and Asian markets experiencing a decline, including Indonesia's main stock index and Malaysia's FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100.

The UK government has imposed a significant fine of £390,000 on Apple Distribution International (ADI), a subsidiary of tech giant Apple, for violating sanctions against Moscow. The breach occurred when ADI made two payments totaling over £635,000 to a Russian streaming service, Okko, which was owned by a sanctioned Russian entity.ADI, based in Ireland, is responsible for selling Apple products in Europe and the Middle East. The payments were made through a UK-based bank from an ADI bank account in Britain. The fine was imposed by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), the UK's sanctions watchdog.According to OFSI, ADI voluntarily disclosed the payments, and the fine was imposed after settlement talks. The watchdog noted that ADI had no reason to suspect that the payments would breach sanctions. However, OFSI emphasized that non-UK companies can be found in breach of sanctions if they use UK financial institutions to conduct payments.The case highlights the importance of robust due diligence frameworks for companies to monitor their client and customer base. Using third-party sanctions screening firms, as ADI did, carries risks. An Apple spokesperson stated that the company takes sanctions compliance extremely seriously and is constantly working to enhance its compliance protocols.The fine is a significant development in the enforcement of sanctions against Russia, which were imposed following the country's invasion of Ukraine. Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, was among the first Russian companies to be added to the UK's sanctions list after the invasion.