BRESSELS, MAY 28: Europe cannot act as a “neutral mediator” between Kyiv and Moscow, the EU’s top diplomat said Thursday after the bloc’s ministers debated their terms for potential talks with Russia.
“Europe will never be a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine, because we are on Ukraine’s side and we are defending our own core security interests,” Kaja Kallas told a news conference in Cyprus.
WASHINGTON, MAY 28: The United States carried out new strikes on southern Iran on Thursday, after President Donald Trump threatened to “finish the job” if Tehran did not agree to a peace deal.
Iranian media reported three loud explosions rang out in the port city of Bandar Abbas in the early hours of Thursday morning, following US strikes earlier in the week that underscored the fragile state of a diplomatic push to get a provisional peace agreement across the finish line.
“Today, US Central Command Forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz,” a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in a statement to AFP.
“US forces also struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone,” the official said.
Even after earlier strikes on Monday night, Iran said on Wednesday a return to war was unlikely but that its military was nonetheless “lying in wait.”
The mixed signals have thrown into question talks aimed at formally ending the war that began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
“Iran is very much intent; they want very much to make a deal. So far, they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be,” Trump said at a televised White House cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
“Either that or we’ll have to just finish the job.”
A key focus of the deal has also been restoring full traffic to the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively closed, leaving global energy markets grappling with curbed supplies of the huge amounts of oil and gas that normally pass through it.
On another front of the war, in Lebanon, Israel issued fresh evacuation orders to residents of the southern city of Tyre, warning it would take action against Iran-backed Hezbollah after declaring all areas south of the Zahrani River, which lies roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the border, as “combat zones.”
Trump separately also appeared to direct a warning to Oman, a US ally and mediator in the conflict, when asked about a possible short-term arrangement allowing Iran and Oman to control the strait.
“No, the strait is going to be open to everybody,” Trump said. “It’s international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that they’ll be fine.”
The White House did not immediately clarify whether Trump had misspoken. Oman has played a mediation role in the war and has itself come under attack from Tehran.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) official Mohammad Akbarzadeh said the likelihood of “war is low because of the enemy’s weakness,” but warned the military was “lying in wait with full magazines” if attacked, the Tasnim news agency reported.
Trump, who said at the weekend a deal was close, also told the cabinet meeting he was in no rush.
Lebanon operations
Iran and the United States have traded threats for weeks while negotiating through Pakistani mediation.
Neither side appears ready to compromise on the main sticking points: Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program.
On Wednesday, the IRGC navy said only ships “willing to abide by Iranian order” could pass through the strait.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that a deal remained within reach, but that the strait would be reopened “one way or the other.”
Iran has also insisted any peace accord must apply to Lebanon, where an April 17 ceasefire has done little to halt fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which drew the country into the war by attacking Israel in early March in retaliation for the death of Iran’s supreme leader.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday to “crush” Hezbollah, while army chief Lieutenant Colonel Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that Israel was “intensifying our operations” against the group.
After the warning to evacuate large areas in southern Lebanon, many residents fled to Tyre, according to AFP journalists – the city subject to new Israeli evacuation orders on Thursday.
‘Nothing is certain’
Hopes of an imminent deal sent benchmark oil contracts falling more than five percent Wednesday but they quickly bounced higher after the fresh strikes were reported on Thursday.
Economists have warned that prolonged disruption in the strait could keep energy prices elevated, feed inflation and force central banks to raise interest rates.
In signs of a possible return to normality despite conflict around the region, Iranian authorities partially restored access to the global internet this week after a three-month shutdown.
“I do feel better now because I finally can use my favorite applications,” said Hana, a 20-year-old student in Tehran who gave only her first name.
“At the same time, I have this concern that war might resume any minute and just cut me off again from my friends.”
Amir, a 27-year-old software developer in the Iranian capital, also feared renewed fighting despite talk of a deal.
“I feel like nothing is certain yet,” he said.
“The daily question is: Will there be missile strikes tonight?”
Today, the people of Azerbaijan proudly celebrate the 108th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence and the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918 – the first secular republic in the Muslim East. This historic occasion symbolizes not only the restoration of Azerbaijan`s sovereignty, but also the enduring spirit of resilience, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to progress that defines the people of Azerbaijan.
Within a remarkably short period of time, Azerbaijan succeeded in establishing its first parliament and government, determining its borders, adopting state symbols, and implementing fundamental state-building reforms. Significant achievements were also made in strengthening the Republic’s position as a subject of international relations and safeguarding its national interests.
Although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for only 23 months, it played a crucial role in shaping democratic values and the traditions of national statehood. It also laid a strong foundation for the future independence of Azerbaijan by fostering the ideals of freedom and sovereignty among its people.
As the legal successor to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991 and preserved its sovereignty thanks to the visionary leadership and immense contributions of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, to the Azerbaijani state and people. Today, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the country continues to successfully uphold, develop, and enrich the legacy of Heydar Aliyev.
In 2020, under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan liberated its internationally recognized territories from the almost 30-year long occupation by Armenia, implementing UN Security Council 4 resolutions of 1993. To prevent further large-scale provocations by Armenian forces in the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan and to restore the constitutional order, the Azerbaijani Army conducted an anti-terror operation on September 19, 2023, which lasted just 23 hours, forced the enemy to surrender. This victory fully restored Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, and today, the Azerbaijani flag flies proudly in all territories of Azerbaijan.
From the first day of its independence, the brotherly relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have evolved into a truly exemplary partnership founded upon mutual trust, solidarity, and unwavering support for one another on all issues of common interest. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 12, 1991. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 9, 1992.
Since that time the mentioned brotherly countries have consistently stood side by side, demonstrating that the ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan go far beyond traditional interstate cooperation and are deeply rooted in the genuine friendship between our peoples.
Azerbaijan has always felt Pakistan’s full support to the Republic of Azerbaijan both in bilateral format and within the framework of international organizations, and during the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by invader Armenia and their liberation by Azerbaijan, and in the post-conflict period.
Today, Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations continue to develop dynamically across a wide range of areas, including political dialogue, trade and investment, defense cooperation, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. The increasing frequency of high-level visits and bilateral engagements in recent years clearly reflects the strong political will of the leaderships of both countries to further strengthen this strategic partnership.
At the same time, G2G, B2B and P2P contacts are gaining remarkable momentum.
The launch of direct flights reaching 11 times a week between our countries has significantly contributed to enhancing connectivity, facilitating tourism, encouraging commercial interaction, and bringing our peoples even closer together. The opening of Pakistan’s “Asan Khidmat (PAK)” initiative under the same concept of Azerbaijan further symbolizes the growing spirit of cooperation and exchange of best practices between our nations.
Another noteworthy example of this close partnership can be seen here in Islamabad, where beautification works inspired by the Baku model are currently being carried out by the Baku Beautification Team. These efforts stand as a visible reflection of the friendship and cooperation between the capitals and peoples of Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
The vision of our leaders also opens new avenues for cooperation and exchange of expertise between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the fields of urban planning, municipal development, and architectural innovation, as well.
In this context it should be noted that the large-scale urbanization and reconstruction projects are currently underway in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh and East Zangazur regions, focusing on creating modern, sustainable, and “smart” communities for returning of former IDPs to their ancestral lands.
In light of the above-mentioned it also must be emphasized that 2026 has been declared in the Republic of Azerbaijan as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” This important initiative reflects Azerbaijan’s strong commitment to sustainable urban development, modern architecture, environmental harmony, and the creation of smart and livable cities. In this context, would like to bring to your attention that, as a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture”, in the forthcoming days my country will host the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Over the past years, Azerbaijan has successfully chaired several important organizations such as the UN Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, COP29, ECO, and many others.
WASHINGTON, MAY 27: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday told a cabinet meeting that Iran very much wanted to make a deal, but that the US was not satisfied with it yet.
“Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal. So far they haven’t gotten there … we’re not satisfied with it, but we will be. We will be either that or we’ll have to just finish the job,” Trump told reporters at a cabinet meeting at the White House.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there has been some progress in negotiations. “I think there’s been some progress and some interest, and we’ll see over the next few hours and days whether progress could be made,” Rubio said during the cabinet meeting.
MAKKAH, MAY 27: From dawn, crowds of Hajj pilgrims gathered in the valley of Mina, southeast of the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, to throw pebbles at pillars symbolizing the devil during the “stoning the devils” ritual.
It reenacts the Prophet Abraham’s P.B.U.H stoning of the devil at three places where Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael.
The white-robed pilgrims have been contending with searing desert heat as they perform the days-long, mostly outdoor rituals, with temperatures reaching 44C in Mecca and Mina on Wednesday.
Saudi authorities have ramped up anti-heat measures including giant fans, mist sprayers, cooled floors and trucks distributing drinking water.
More than 1.7 million people are taking part in the hajj this year, slightly up from 2025.
‘Every step enjoyable’
Despite the physical challenges, many were overjoyed to complete the pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means to do so.
“I can’t believe I’ve finished the hajj rituals,” Iraqi pilgrim Adnan Hamad, 58, told AFP, as his daughters in white abayas looked on.
“Every step was enjoyable despite the extreme hardship.”
Marwa Dahchouri, from Egypt, called the devil-stoning “a truly unique feeling.”
“It’s as if you were in paradise, or as if you’ve become a small part of it,” she said.
On Tuesday, pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Mohammed delivered his last sermon.
They then spent the night under the stars at Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and Mina, where they collected pebbles for the stoning.
After this ritual, the pilgrims return to Mecca for a last circumambulation of the Kaaba, the cube at the heart of the Grand Mosque toward which Muslims turn when they pray.
The Hajj’s last day is also the start of Eid al-Adha, the festival celebrating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son before the angel Gabriel intervened and offered him a goat in Ismael’s place.
The holiday, celebrated across the Muslim world, is usually marked with the slaughter of a sheep, with the meat given to the needy.
With AFP
TEHRAN, MAY 27: Iran’s state TV said it had obtained a draft of an initial unofficial framework for a memorandum of understanding with the United States.
Under the framework, Iran would restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within a month, while the United States would withdraw military forces from Iran’s vicinity and lift a naval blockade.
ISLAMABAD, MAY 27: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday extended Eid ul Adha greetings to Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and political dignitaries.
During telephone conversations, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the professionalism of the armed forces and acknowledged their services and sacrifices for national security.
He said the nation takes pride in its brave soldiers and in the unwavering commitment and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
Praying for the country’s security, progress and prosperity, the premier also paid tribute to the officers and personnel who are performing their duties in defence of the motherland even on Eid.
The services chiefs thanked the premier for his Eid greetings and good wishes and prayed for peace, prosperity and happiness for the Prime Minister and the entire nation on the occasion of Eid ul Adha.
They also reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully prepared at all times for the defence and security of the country.
The premier also held separate telephone conversations with senior government, constitutional and political figures and exchanged Eid greetings.
He telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan and conveyed Eid greetings.
He also spoke to Abdul Aleem Khan of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, Khalid Magsi of the Balochistan Awami Party and Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao of the Qaumi Watan Party and exchanged Eid greetings with them.
The PM prayed to Allah Almighty to bless Pakistan with peace, progress, prosperity and stability and grant the nation unity and harmony.
During the conversations, views were also exchanged on the overall political situation in the country, and emphasis was laid on the importance of effective coordination and cooperation between the federation and the provinces.
The premier said the federal government, in collaboration with all provinces and federating units, will continue to take every possible step to provide maximum relief to the people.
ISLAMABAD, MAY 27: Pakistanis marked Eid ul Adha on Wednesday with special prayers for peace and stability, as people across the country also prayed for an end to the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran and the worsening crisis in the Middle East.
The day began with large Eid congregations at mosques and Eidgahs, where people embraced one another and exchanged Eid greetings after prayers. Families later performed animal sacrifices, distributed meat among relatives and the poor, and gathered for traditional meals throughout the day.
Special prayers were also offered for the country’s security, economic stability, and the well-being of Muslims facing conflicts and humanitarian crises across the world. Religious scholars, in their Eid sermons, highlighted the spirit of sacrifice, unity, and compassion, urging people to remember the underprivileged during the three-day religious festival.
PM, President, CDF extend eid greetings
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Field Marshal Asim Munir have extended Eid ul Adha greetings to the nation and the wider Muslim Ummah, with messages centred on faith, sacrifice, unity and compassion against the backdrop of rising Middle East tensions.
PM Shehbaz said the occasion reflects the timeless values of faith, sacrifice, compassion and selflessness embodied by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).
He urged citizens to remember the underprivileged, share Eid’s joys with those in need, and strengthen unity, brotherhood and service to humanity.
He also expressed solidarity with oppressed Muslims in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, praying for peace, harmony and prosperity.
President Zardari said Eid ul Adha is a reminder of obedience to Allah, patience, sincerity and sacrifice, and stressed that true success lies in piety, service and empathy rather than wealth or power.
Quoting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he said, “The most beloved of people to Allah is the one who is most beneficial to people,” adding, “He is not a complete believer who eats his fill while his neighbour beside him goes hungry.”
He said sacrifice is incomplete without including the deprived, orphans, widows, labourers, disabled and underprivileged, and called for national unity, tolerance, dialogue, rule of law and public service.
Separately, Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with the Air Chief and Naval Chief, extended Eid greetings, according to the military’s media wing.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the armed forces prayed for lasting peace, prosperity and national unity, and reiterated their commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It added that Eid ul Adha symbolises sacrifice, faith and unity, while paying tribute to the families of martyrs, saying their sacrifices have strengthened the country’s foundations.
ISLAMABAD, MAY 27: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Field Marshal Asim Munir have extended Eid ul Adha greetings to the nation and the wider Muslim Ummah, with messages centred on faith, sacrifice, unity and compassion against the backdrop of rising Middle East tensions.
PM Shehbaz said the occasion reflects the timeless values of faith, sacrifice, compassion and selflessness embodied by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).
He urged citizens to remember the underprivileged, share Eid’s joys with those in need, and strengthen unity, brotherhood and service to humanity.
He also expressed solidarity with oppressed Muslims in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, praying for peace, harmony and prosperity.
President Zardari said Eid ul Adha is a reminder of obedience to Allah, patience, sincerity and sacrifice, and stressed that true success lies in piety, service and empathy rather than wealth or power.
Quoting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he said, “The most beloved of people to Allah is the one who is most beneficial to people,” adding, “He is not a complete believer who eats his fill while his neighbour beside him goes hungry.”
He said sacrifice is incomplete without including the deprived, orphans, widows, labourers, disabled and underprivileged, and called for national unity, tolerance, dialogue, rule of law and public service.
Separately, Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with the Air Chief and Naval Chief, extended Eid greetings, according to the military’s media wing.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the armed forces prayed for lasting peace, prosperity and national unity, and reiterated their commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It added that Eid ul Adha symbolises sacrifice, faith and unity, while paying tribute to the families of martyrs, saying their sacrifices have strengthened the country’s foundations.
ISLAMABAD, MAY 27: The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced a gas supply schedule for domestic and commercial consumers during the three days of Eid ul Adha.
According to the company, gas supply on the eve of Eid ul Adha (May 26) will remain available until 12am.
SSGC said that gas supply on the first two days of Eid (May 27-28) would begin at 7:30am and continue uninterrupted until midnight.
However, gas supply will remain available only until 10pm on the third day (May 29), the company added.
The utility provider said that the gas supply schedule would revert to normal timings from May 30, with gas available only during designated meal hours.
Pakistan would observe Eid ul Adha on May 27, the moon sighting Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee (RHC) announced on May 17 after the crescent for the month of Zilhaj was sighted.
Following the confirmation of the moon sighting, the federal government announced a three-day holiday on the occasion of Eid ul Adha.
“The prime minister has been pleased to declare May 26, 27 and 28, 2026 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) as public holidays on the occasion of [Eid ul Adha],” read a notification from the Cabinet Division on May 20.
Eid ul Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” commemorates the Qur’anic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, a test of faith that was divinely interrupted and replaced with a ram.
Additionally, the occasion is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, and charitable acts, including the ritual sacrifice of livestock, with the meat distributed to relatives, friends, and the underprivileged.
