Iran Denies Refusing Peace Talks in Pakistan, Faults Western Media Reports

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has dismissed claims circulating in Indian and Western media that Tehran declined mediation talks in Pakistan, describing such reports as false and misleading.

In a fresh clarification, Araghchi stated that Iran has “never refused to go to Islamabad” for negotiations, reaffirming the country’s openness to diplomatic engagement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

He expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States, noting that Islamabad’s role remains appreciated despite conflicting media narratives.

The Iranian minister accused sections of the Western media of misrepresenting Tehran’s position, insisting that the issue is not about rejecting talks, but about ensuring that any negotiations lead to a “conclusive and lasting end” to the war.

His comments come amid widespread reports suggesting that Iran had refused to participate in proposed mediation talks in Pakistan, fueling speculation that diplomatic efforts had collapsed. However, both Iranian and Pakistani officials have pushed back against such claims, maintaining that dialogue channels remain open.

The clarification also highlights the complex and evolving nature of backchannel diplomacy in the ongoing conflict, where disagreements over terms—not venue—appear to be the major stumbling block to formal negotiations.

As tensions continue to rise in the region, Pakistan’s mediation initiative is still seen as a potential pathway to de-escalation, even as both sides remain far apart on key conditions for peace.

Iran Denies Refusing Peace Talks in Pakistan, Faults Western Media Reports

Earthquake in Afghanistan Kills 8 Members of Same Family

An earthquake in Afghanistan has killed at least eight members of the same family and injured others after striking late on Friday, officials said, deepening the humanitarian toll in a region prone to powerful temblors.

The 5.8‑magnitude earthquake struck at 8:42 p.m. local time (1612 GMT) on Friday, with its epicentre located in Badakhshan Province, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at a depth of 186 kilometres (115 miles) beneath the surface, a depth that allowed the shaking to be felt over a wide area, including in the capital Kabul and other surrounding provinces.

Shaking was reported across multiple regions of Afghanistan, with residents describing rooms swaying and items falling from shelves, according to international news agency reports.

In Kabul Province, the Gosfand Dara area was among the most severely affected. Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman confirmed to AFP that eight members of a single household lost their lives when their home collapsed during the quake. A two‑year‑old child was the lone survivor from the family; the country’s disaster management agency said the boy sustained injuries and was receiving medical care.

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Afghan authorities have not yet detailed whether other deaths or injuries occurred beyond this household in Kabul Province, but tremors were widely felt from the northeast to the national capital and beyond.

Afghanistan sits in a seismically active zone along the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates interact. This makes the region particularly susceptible to strong earthquakes that can cause widespread damage, especially in areas with fragile infrastructure.

In August, a much stronger magnitude‑6.1 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, flattening mountainside villages and killing more than 2,200 people, making it one of the country’s deadliest in recent memory. That disaster displaced tens of thousands, destroyed homes, schools and roads, and underscored Afghanistan’s vulnerability to seismic calamities.

The latest tremor serves as a stark reminder of that risk, particularly as communities still recover from past earthquakes amid ongoing economic hardship and limited emergency response capacity.

Humanitarian agencies and local officials are assessing the broader impact of Friday’s quake, and calls are mounting for more resources to support affected families, improve response capabilities, and enhance early warning systems.

Earthquake in Afghanistan Kills 8 Members of Same Family

Iran Crisis Escalates as Second US Warplane Crashes in Persian Gulf

The already fragile security situation in the Middle East has taken a dramatic turn following reports that a second U.S. military aircraft has crashed in the Persian Gulf, intensifying tensions between the United States and Iran.

According to U.S. officials cited by The New York Times, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, widely known as the Warthog, went down near the Strait of Hormuz. The pilot was successfully rescued, but the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, with early indications suggesting a combination of operational risk and possible hostile engagement.

The incident occurred almost simultaneously with reports that an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iranian territory. Iranian state media claimed responsibility, stating that its air defence systems intercepted the aircraft. U.S. officials have confirmed the loss of the jet, though investigations into the precise circumstances are ongoing.

Rescue operations for the downed F-15E crew are still underway. One crew member has been recovered alive and is receiving medical care, while search efforts continue for the second. The operation has drawn significant military resources, including air and naval support, amid concerns over the safety of personnel operating in hostile territory.

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Iranian state television further escalated tensions by urging civilians to report the whereabouts of the missing U.S. crew member or members, offering a reward for information. Analysts warn that such actions could complicate rescue missions and heighten the risk of further confrontation.

The A-10 aircraft is believed to have been operating in support of these rescue efforts when it crashed, underscoring the опасность of ongoing operations in the region. Reports indicate that U.S. rescue teams have encountered hostile conditions, including potential ground fire, making recovery efforts increasingly challenging.

U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified rhetoric amid the crisis, confirming earlier strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including a highway bridge near Tehran. He warned that Washington is prepared to escalate military action if necessary, while claiming that U.S. operations have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.

The developments have placed renewed focus on the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route through which a significant portion of the world’s energy supply passes. Any disruption to this corridor could trigger major economic последствия, including spikes in global oil prices.

At the same time, the crisis unfolds against the backdrop of a proposed $1.5 trillion U.S. defence budget for fiscal year 2027, fueling debate over increased military spending and its implications for domestic priorities.

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions appear to have stalled. Iranian officials have dismissed the possibility of negotiations under current conditions, denying reports that Tehran is seeking a ceasefire and maintaining a hardline stance against Washington.

The near-simultaneous loss of two U.S. military aircraft marks a significant escalation in the conflict, raising concerns about a potential broader regional confrontation if tensions continue to rise.

Iran Crisis Escalates as Second US Warplane Crashes in Persian Gulf