Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:32am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
US President Donald Trump mixed warnings and diplomacy as tensions with Iran continued. On Saturday, he gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face new strikes. Iran warned it would target regional energy and water sites. By Monday, Trump paused the threat after what he called “constructive” contact with an Iranian leader. Iran denied any talks. “They want very much to make a deal,” Trump said. He later spoke of “very, very good discussions.” Airstrikes and missile attacks continued. Trump also travelled to Memphis and visited Graceland during the crisis, as markets reacted to signs of possible talks. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:07am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
Uncertainty remains over Pakistan’s role in mediating between the US and Iran, as both sides gave mixed signals on possible talks. Reports said Islamabad could host talks, but no final decision has been made. US President Donald Trump said he delayed strikes after “productive” contacts. Iran denied any direct talks. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s president held discussions, while army chief Asim Munir spoke to Trump. The White House said the situation is “fluid” and not final. Pakistan has said it is willing to host talks if both sides agree. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:16am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
Pakistan is trying to position itself as a mediator in the ongoing Iran conflict, with possible US-Iran talks likely in Islamabad. Officials said the country is using ties with both sides to support dialogue. Army chief Asim Munir spoke to US President Donald Trump, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Iran’s president. Iran confirmed it received messages via “friendly states” but denied direct talks. Pakistan said it will play a “constructive role” in peace efforts. However, officials say talks remain at an early stage with no clear breakthrough yet. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:10am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
The White House said plans for possible talks with Iran remain “fluid” and not final. It urged caution against speculation amid mixed signals from both sides. US President Donald Trump said he delayed strikes on Iranian power plants after “productive” contacts. Iran denied this and called such claims “fake news”. An Iranian official said Tehran received “points from the US” through mediators, which could lead to talks. Amid the uncertainty, global oil prices rose again above $100 per barrel after a brief fall on Monday, reflecting market concerns over the ongoing conflict. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:11am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
Iran has set firm conditions to end hostilities with the United States following a temporary pause in strikes announced by Donald Trump. Iranian military adviser Mohsen Rezaei said the war will continue until all sanctions are lifted and damages caused by US actions are fully compensated. Tehran also seeks binding guarantees against future US interference in its internal affairs. Trump earlier ordered a five-day halt on attacks targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, citing “productive conversations” toward resolving the conflict. Meanwhile, potential talks, possibly in Islamabad, remain unconfirmed, with the White House calling the situation fluid. The conflict, which began on February 28, continues to escalate despite tentative diplomatic signals. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:03am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
Oil traders executed high-value bets shortly before Donald Trump announced “productive” talks with Iran, triggering sharp market reactions. Around 6,200 Brent and West Texas Intermediate futures contracts worth approximately $580 million were traded within a one-minute window about 15 minutes before Trump’s Truth Social post. The announcement sent crude prices tumbling and sparked volatility across global assets. The timing of the trades has drawn scrutiny, as it suggests that some market participants may have anticipated the policy signal. Data compiled from Bloomberg indicates concentrated activity in oil futures just ahead of the announcement, amplifying concerns over information asymmetry and potential market-moving positioning during a highly sensitive geopolitical moment. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:56am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
Amid the escalating US–Iran conflict, Donald Trump suggested Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was among the first to advocate military action against Iran, adding to shifting narratives on how the war began. Conflicting explanations within the administration range from nuclear threats to inevitability of intervention. Trump also claimed Iran’s retaliation was unexpected, despite reports of prior warnings. While Hegseth remains central to the war effort, internal divisions persist, with some officials urging caution. Meanwhile, Trump has floated possible negotiations, though Iran denies talks. As deadlines shift and messaging evolves, uncertainty continues over the conflict’s origins, direction, and accountability.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:41am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
An Air Canada CRJ 900 flight AC8646 collided with a Port Authority firefighting vehicle on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport around 11:40pm Sunday after landing from Montreal. The truck had been responding to a separate aircraft odour issue when both vehicles converged. Air traffic control audio captured a last-second warning to stop before impact. The cockpit was nearly sheared off and the fire truck overturned. Two pilots were killed, while 72 passengers and four crew were onboard. Forty-one people were hospitalised, most later discharged. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a probe into speed, coordination, and staffing levels.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:13am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
Amid the ongoing US–Iran conflict, Donald Trump suggested the Strait of Hormuz could be “jointly controlled” by the US and Iran’s leadership, including the “Ayatollah,” if talks succeed. He also announced a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure following what he described as “productive conversations.” However, Iran denied any direct or indirect communication. The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has killed over 2,000 people and severely disrupted global energy flows. Markets reacted positively to Trump’s remarks, with oil prices falling and equities rising, though uncertainty persists amid ongoing military exchanges and unclear diplomatic progress.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:05am on 24 Mar 2026,Tuesday International
Amid the escalating US–Iran conflict, Iran has confirmed receiving key proposals from the United States through intermediaries, signalling ongoing indirect diplomacy. A senior official said Tehran is reviewing the points while maintaining there are no direct talks. Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days after describing discussions as “productive.” Mediation efforts led by Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have helped exchange messages and prevent further escalation. Despite this, Iran continues to deny negotiations and warns of continued retaliation. Markets reacted positively, with oil prices easing after fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: Reuters)