Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:23pm on 18 May 2026,Monday International
Indirect talks between the United States and Iran remain deadlocked despite fresh mediation efforts by Pakistan. A senior US official described Tehran’s revised peace proposal as “insufficient”, while reports said US President Donald Trump will meet his national security team to discuss possible military options. Iran is seeking sanctions relief, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a permanent end to hostilities. Regional tensions have intensified following drone attacks near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant and renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza and Lebanon, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict. (PC: HT)
