According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, Araghchi was due to convey “Iran’s positions and views on the framework of any understanding to completely end the war” during fresh meetings with Pakistani officials.

The minister had visited Islamabad a day earlier, meeting Army Chief Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar before flying to Muscat, where he met Haitham bin Tariq as regional diplomacy intensified.Other Iranian envoys returned to Tehran for consultations and to obtain instructions related to ending the conflict, ISNA reported.

Before those talks, the White House had said Trump’s peace envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner were preparing to travel to Pakistan for further indirect negotiations.Trump later scrapped the trip, telling Fox News there was no reason to continue “sitting around talking about nothing,” while criticizing Tehran’s negotiating position.

“They gave us a paper that should have been better and interestingly immediately when I canceled it, within 10 minutes, we got a new paper that was much better,” Trump said, without giving details.Asked whether canceling the trip meant a return to open conflict, Trump said: “No, it doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet.”Araghchi described his initial Pakistan visit as “very fruitful” but questioned Washington’s seriousness about diplomacy.“

Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy,” he said.Pressure for a diplomatic breakthrough has intensified as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked, disrupting one of the world’s most important oil and gas shipping routes and driving energy prices sharply higher.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had no intention of lifting the blockade.“Controlling the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the shadow of its deterrent effects over America and the White House’s supporters in the region is the definitive strategy of Islamic Iran,” the Guards said on Telegram.

The United States has responded by tightening restrictions on Iranian ports and increasing maritime enforcement actions against vessels linked to Tehran’s energy exports.Iran’s military accused Washington of “blockading, banditry and piracy” and warned that continued pressure would trigger a response.

Regional tensions also escalated on the Lebanese front, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes against Hezbollah targets after accusing the group of violating a ceasefire recently extended for three weeks.

Lebanese state media reported Israeli strikes in several southern districts, while Lebanon’s health ministry said attacks in Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil killed six people.Israel’s military said it had killed multiple Hezbollah operatives, including fighters allegedly transporting weapons.

Although Trump had earlier expressed optimism about peace after meetings with Israeli and Lebanese envoys, Hezbollah parliamentary bloc leader Mohammed Raad urged Lebanon to withdraw from negotiations, warning that any agreement without broader consensus would be politically unsustainable.

Araghchi is expected to travel to Moscow after completing the Islamabad consultations.

Large parts of Islamabad have been effectively shut down under sweeping security measures imposed ahead of expected US-Iran talks, leaving residents cut off from work, transport and essential services as uncertainty persists over whether the negotiations will take place.

Public transport has been suspended, offices closed and workers instructed to operate from home where possible. Streets in the capital remain largely empty, with movement restricted and security personnel from the army and police deployed across key routes.

For many residents, the situation has drawn comparisons with restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, though officials say the current measures are linked to security preparations for high-level diplomatic engagements.

The restrictions have also extended to neighboring Rawalpindi, intensifying disruption across the twin cities that form a major administrative and economic hub. While authorities have framed the measures as necessary to ensure safety for visiting delegations, delays and uncertainty surrounding the talks have heightened public frustration.

Workers living in temporary accommodations have been among the hardest hit. Following a government directive, many hostel residents were required to vacate their rooms on short notice, forcing thousands to seek alternative arrangements. Some returned to their hometowns, while others relied on friends or colleagues for temporary shelter.

Areej Akthar, a health officer at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, said the sudden eviction created confusion and distress. She was able to travel back to her village, approximately three hours away, but said many others lacked similar options. According to her account, workers from distant regions struggled to find accommodation as they waited for clarity on when restrictions might be lifted.

With public transport suspended, many displaced workers have been unable to return to their jobs. Akthar described the situation as restrictive, noting that those dependent on shared housing could not afford alternative arrangements.

The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the lockdown has compounded concerns, particularly for those in lower-income groups.Economic pressures have intensified as the restrictions intersect with broader regional developments.

Since late February, escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have disrupted global energy markets. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil and gas shipments, has contributed to supply shortages affecting countries including Pakistan.

In Islamabad, fuel shortages have led to power outages lasting several hours daily, while limited availability of cooking gas has forced many restaurants to shut down. Businesses that had managed to continue operations amid the energy constraints have now been closed due to the security lockdown, further reducing economic activity.

Transport workers have also reported sharp declines in income. Taxi drivers in the capital said their earnings have dropped by about half as movement restrictions reduced demand. Daily wage earners have been particularly vulnerable, with many unable to work for several consecutive days.

Muhammad Zubair, a labourer in Islamabad, said the loss of income had immediate consequences for his household. Speaking from a roadside location, he questioned the benefits of hosting high-level diplomatic talks when basic economic needs remain unmet. He said that without work, he could not provide food for his family, reflecting concerns widely shared among informal sector workers.

The disruption has extended beyond employment to education and administrative processes. Authorities have relocated civil service examinations for more than 1,200 candidates to Lahore, approximately 370 kilometers from the capital. Candidates expressed concern over the additional financial burden and logistical challenges associated with travel.

Yasir Mushtaq, one of the candidates, said he would need to borrow money to attend the examination. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by female candidates, noting that some may be unable to travel without family accompaniment and could therefore miss the opportunity to sit for the exams.

Officials have acknowledged the scale of disruption, with one senior figure describing the situation as a nationwide slowdown linked to external geopolitical developments. The official said the country appeared to be in a holding pattern, awaiting decisions from Washington and Tehran regarding the proposed negotiations.

Despite the extensive preparations, uncertainty remains over whether the talks will proceed as planned. In the absence of a confirmed timeline, residents continue to face restrictions with no clear indication of when normal activity will resume.The prolonged lockdown has raised questions about the balance between security requirements and economic sustainability.

While authorities have not publicly indicated a timeline for lifting restrictions, the ongoing disruption is likely to deepen challenges for vulnerable populations already affected by rising energy costs and reduced economic opportunities.

A Pakistani source involved in the negotiations said discussions were “on track” for Wednesday, despite earlier indications from Iran that it might not attend. U.S. President Donald Trump could join the talks either in person or virtually if an agreement is reached, the source added.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan for the переговоры, according to media reports, while Iranian officials said Tehran was “positively reviewing” whether to send a delegation, without confirming participation.

The diplomatic push comes as a two-week ceasefire in the conflict, which began on February 28, nears its end. A Pakistani source said the truce is expected to expire late Wednesday U.S. time.Financial markets reacted to signs of renewed diplomacy, with oil prices falling more than $1 and equities rising in early Asian trading amid expectations that talks could resume.

Brent crude traded near $94 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell below $88.Tensions remain elevated, however, following disputes over the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and the recent interception of an Iranian vessel.

Tehran condemned the seizure and warned Washington would bear responsibility for any escalation.Iranian officials also reiterated that they would not negotiate under pressure. Senior figures, including Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, accused Washington of attempting to force concessions through economic and military pressure.

Washington has said it seeks an agreement that would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while stabilizing energy markets. Tehran, for its part, is seeking relief from sanctions and an end to hostilities without compromising its nuclear program.

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the negotiations, as the waterway handles a significant share of global oil and gas shipments and has been affected by restrictions imposed during the conflict.

Pakistan, acting as a mediator, has deployed nearly 20,000 security personnel in Islamabad ahead of the potential talks, underscoring the high stakes and security concerns surrounding the negotiations.

Fire Rescue Victoria said crews were called at around 11:15 p.m. local time to the Viva Energy Refinery, where the fire involved liquid fuels and gases and remained uncontrolled as of early Thursday.“All emergency response personnel and Viva employees have been accounted for,” the agency said in a statement, adding there were no reported casualties.

Authorities urged residents in Geelong and surrounding areas to remain indoors and close windows and doors as smoke spread across the region due to shifting winds.The refinery, operated by Viva Energy Group, is one of only two remaining oil refineries in Australia and can process up to 120,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

It supplies more than half of fuel demand in Victoria state and about 10% of Australia’s total fuel consumption.Fire officials said the blaze was contained to the plant, while the company indicated there was no immediate disruption to fuel supplies.

Australia’s Energy Minister Chris Bowen said an investigation would be launched, describing the incident as likely accidental at this stage. He added that while diesel and jet fuel production continued, petrol output could be affected for some time.

The incident comes as Australia faces heightened fuel security concerns linked to disruptions in global energy markets, particularly following tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for international oil shipments.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last month the government would temporarily cut fuel excise and road user charges to offset rising costs driven by the conflict.

Speaking in an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Díaz-Canel said an invasion or targeted operation against Cuba would come at a high cost and trigger a strong defensive response from the island’s population.

He added that Cubans would be prepared to fight if necessary.His remarks come amid heightened tensions with United States under President Donald Trump, despite both sides acknowledging ongoing contacts aimed at addressing bilateral disputes.

Díaz-Canel accused Washington of pursuing a “hostile policy” toward Cuba and said the United States had “no moral” authority to demand political changes from Havana, while reiterating Cuba’s willingness to engage in dialogue without preconditions.

The Cuban leader linked the island’s worsening economic conditions to U.S. measures, including restrictions that have disrupted energy supplies and exacerbated shortages affecting transport, healthcare and industrial output.

Cuba produces roughly 40 percent of its fuel needs and has faced acute shortages following disruptions to oil shipments, including from Venezuela earlier this year, contributing to a deepening energy crisis.

Díaz-Canel said recent statements from Trump, including suggestions that Cuba could be targeted next, were taken by Havana as a warning, reinforcing the government’s focus on safeguarding national sovereignty and stability.

In an interview, Banga said the World Bank expects global growth to decline by 0.3 to 0.4 percentage points under a baseline scenario assuming an early end to the conflict, and by as much as 1 percentage point if the war continues.

Inflation could rise by 200 to 300 basis points, with further increases of up to 0.9 percentage point in a prolonged conflict scenario.The bank now projects growth in emerging markets and developing economies at 3.65 percent in 2026, down from a previous estimate of 4 percent in October.

In a more severe scenario, growth could fall to as low as 2.6 percent. Inflation in these economies is forecast to reach 4.9 percent, compared to an earlier estimate of 3 percent, and could climb as high as 6.7 percent if disruptions persist.

The conflict has already driven oil prices up by about 50 percent while disrupting supplies of key commodities including oil, natural gas, fertilizers and helium, alongside impacts on tourism and air travel. Continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz remains a major risk factor, given its role in global energy flows.

Banga said the economic outlook depends heavily on whether ongoing negotiations lead to a lasting peace and the reopening of critical trade routes. Failure to stabilize the situation could result in longer-term damage to energy infrastructure and sustained pressure on global markets.

The World Bank has begun discussions with vulnerable countries, including small island states with limited energy resources, on accessing emergency funding through its crisis response mechanisms. These facilities allow governments to draw on pre-approved funds to manage immediate shocks without requiring new approvals.

At the same time, Banga cautioned governments against introducing unsustainable energy subsidies, warning such measures could worsen fiscal pressures in countries already burdened by high debt and elevated borrowing costs.

The crisis has intensified calls for energy diversification and greater self-sufficiency. Banga pointed to increased investments in refining capacity in countries such as Nigeria as an example of improving energy resilience, while noting ongoing World Bank support for expanding energy production in nations including Mozambique.

He added that scaling up nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind and solar energy would be critical to reducing reliance on traditional fuels and mitigating future shocks to global energy systems.

At a crowded platform in Anand Vihar railway station in Delhi, 35-year-old Raju Prasad and his family prepare to leave the capital after months of struggling to secure basic necessities. Having migrated from Uttar Pradesh less than a year ago in search of work, Prasad now says the rising cost of food and an acute shortage of cooking fuel have made it impossible for his family to survive in the city.

Prasad, who worked as a ragpicker alongside his wife, said the family earned about 500 rupees per day through long hours of manual labour. However, the depletion of their cooking gas supply nearly two weeks ago marked a turning point. With no access to affordable replacements and limited alternatives, their savings were quickly exhausted. He said the family initially resorted to collecting firewood, but even that option has since run out, forcing them to return to their village in Gorakhpur.

The situation reflects a broader trend unfolding across urban centres in India, where supply disruptions linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have driven up fuel prices and reduced availability. The shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), widely used for cooking in urban households and small businesses, has had cascading effects on food access and affordability, particularly among migrant workers and low-income groups.

In the same railway station, 25-year-old Sarfaraz, a construction worker from Bihar, waits for funds from his family to purchase a ticket home. Employed at the construction site of the Jewar Noida International Airport, he said his daily wage of around 550 rupees was no longer sufficient to cover rising living costs. His gas supply ran out nearly 20 days ago, and he has been unable to secure a replacement due to both shortages and sharply inflated prices in informal markets.

Sarfaraz said the cost of a gas cylinder has increased from approximately 900 rupees to as high as 4,500 rupees in the black market, placing it beyond reach for most daily wage earners. He added that food prices outside have also doubled, limiting access to even basic meals. “I’ve not had proper food for the past two days,” he said, noting that his savings had been depleted.

Urban food systems in cities such as Delhi rely heavily on a dense network of small eateries, roadside vendors, and informal food services that depend on LPG for daily operations. The shortage has disrupted these networks, leading to closures, reduced menus, and higher prices. This has disproportionately affected migrant workers, students, and other low-income residents who depend on inexpensive prepared food rather than home cooking.Restaurant owners report significant operational challenges.

Anil, who has managed a small restaurant in Nehru Place for three decades, said he has never experienced a similar disruption. He confirmed that rising input costs have forced him to increase menu prices while removing several items. He has also reverted to traditional cooking methods using a chulha, or open-fire stove, which is slower and less efficient.

Anil added that declining customer footfall and higher operational costs are putting pressure on his business and workforce. With around 10 employees dependent on the establishment, he said prolonged disruption could lead to job losses if conditions do not improve.

Government representatives acknowledge supply constraints but maintain that efforts are underway to stabilize distribution. Praveen Shankar Kapoor, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Delhi, said authorities are working to address shortages in both domestic and commercial LPG supply chains. He stated that while consumers using formal booking systems are receiving cylinders, smaller users particularly those relying on 5kg cylinders are facing greater challenges.

Kapoor noted that migrant workers and students often fall outside the formal distribution framework, as they are typically not registered under domestic gas consumer schemes. This has left them dependent on informal markets where prices have surged.Students have also reported significant disruption.

At Jamia Millia Islamia, many students from low-income backgrounds depend on shared accommodation and affordable canteen services.

Farheen Naaz, a media student from West Bengal, said she has not had access to cooking gas for 10 days and has been skipping meals as a result. She added that several university canteens have shut down, while those still operating have raised prices.

Naaz said the situation is affecting the health of students, particularly those living in shared housing arrangements. In her accommodation, which houses around 50 women, residents are facing similar constraints due to both fuel shortages and rising food costs.

The shortage has also affected markets for alternative cooking solutions. Retailers report a sharp increase in demand for electric appliances such as induction cooktops and rice cookers. Ahmad, a wholesale trader at ZamZam Crockery, said prices for induction stoves have risen from around 1,300 rupees to 5,000 rupees. He attributed the increase to upstream supply constraints and higher input costs, adding that prices for many electrical cooking appliances have risen significantly.

The convergence of fuel shortages, rising food prices, and limited access to affordable alternatives has triggered a reverse migration pattern in urban centres. Migrant workers, who form a substantial portion of the informal workforce in cities like Delhi, are increasingly returning to their home villages where food access is relatively more secure and traditional cooking methods remain viable.

At railway stations, scenes of families departing with limited belongings have become more frequent. For many, the decision to leave reflects not only economic strain but also the breakdown of essential urban support systems that sustain daily life for low-income populations.

As Sarfaraz continues to wait for funds to complete his journey home, he checks his phone repeatedly, hoping to join others boarding trains out of the city. His situation underscores the immediate pressures faced by migrant workers, whose livelihoods are closely tied to volatile urban conditions and limited social safety nets.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said ships should avoid the main navigation zone and instead follow designated entry and exit paths to reduce the risk of collision with naval mines.

“All ships intending to transit the Strait of Hormuz are hereby notified they should take alternative routes for traffic,” the statement said, emphasizing maritime safety concerns.

The announcement follows Tehran’s agreement to temporarily reopen the strategic strait as part of a two-week truce reached with Washington. The ceasefire was agreed late Tuesday, shortly before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to comply with demands related to the reopening of the passage.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes.

Iran had effectively restricted traffic through the route since early March, contributing to a surge in global energy prices and heightening concerns over supply disruptions.

The designation of alternative routes signals continued operational risks in the waterway despite the ceasefire, underlining the fragile security environment and the potential for further disruption to global shipping and energy markets.

Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the war had caused the most severe disruption to global energy supply on record, with millions of barrels of oil production shut down due to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“Instead, all roads now lead to higher prices and slower growth,” Georgieva told Reuters, adding that the IMF would cut its growth forecasts and raise inflation projections in its upcoming World Economic Outlook.

The conflict is expected to dominate discussions at next week’s IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington, where policymakers will assess the economic fallout from the crisis.

The Fund had previously anticipated a modest upgrade to global growth projections before the escalation.Georgieva said global oil supply had fallen by about 13%, with knock-on effects extending beyond energy markets into supply chains for commodities such as fertilizers and helium.

Brent crude prices have risen to around $110 per barrel, reflecting tightening supply conditions.She warned that even a swift resolution would leave a lasting economic impact, while a prolonged conflict would deepen inflationary pressures and further dampen growth prospects.

The effects are expected to be uneven, with energy-importing countries facing the greatest strain. Many low-income economies lack the fiscal capacity to cushion rising costs, increasing risks of economic instability and social unrest.

Georgieva said some countries had already sought financial assistance from the IMF, which could expand existing lending programs to address urgent needs. She cautioned against broad energy subsidies, arguing they could exacerbate inflation.Energy exporters have also been affected.

Damage to production infrastructure has slowed output recovery in some countries, including Qatar, where restoration of natural gas capacity could take several years.The IMF is coordinating with other global institutions, including the International Energy Agency and the World Bank, to assess the broader implications of the conflict.

Georgieva also highlighted risks to food security, noting that disruptions to fertilizer supplies could trigger wider shortages if the conflict continues.

The World Food Programme has warned that millions could face acute hunger if conditions worsen.

Under a month-long order introduced last week, shops must close by 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. on weekends, with a temporary extension to 11:00 p.m. during the Coptic Easter period. Authorities say the meaaures are necessary as rising global fuel prices drive up Egypt’s energy import bill.

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said the country’s monthly energy costs more than doubled between January and March to $2.5 billion, reflecting Egypt’s dependence on imported fuel to meet domestic demand.

The restrictions have sharply altered life in Cairo, a city known for its late-night economy. Streets that typically remain active into the early hours now empty soon after closing time, with police patrols enforcing compliance.Small businesses have been among the hardest hit.

Shopworker Ali Haggag said his clothing store has lost more than half its revenue since the measures took effect, as evening foot traffic a major source of sales —has been curtailed.Economists warn the impact could be widespread in Egypt’s informal sector, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of employment.

Wael el-Nahas said reduced operating hours translate directly into lower incomes for millions of workers dependent on nightly commerce.The crisis has also affected major industries. Cinema operators report steep losses as late-night screenings typically the most profitable have been eliminated.

Film producer Gaby Khoury said box office revenues have fallen by more than 60 percent, prompting delays in releases and production schedules.Tourism, a key source of foreign currency, faces similar pressures.

While high-end hotels and Nile-side venues are exempt, popular attractions in central Cairo, including markets and bazaars, must close early, limiting visitor spending.

Industry officials say the reduction of evening activity risks diminishing the city’s appeal to tourists.The curbs come alongside broader austerity measures introduced in recent weeks, including fuel price increases, reduced public lighting, and expanded remote work policies.

Authorities say the steps are needed to manage fiscal pressures as energy prices surge following the escalation of conflict involving Iran.The economic strain has coincided with currency depreciation and rising inflation.

The Egyptian pound has weakened by around 15 percent since the conflict began, while inflation reached 13.6 percent in March.

Despite the disruption, some businesses are adapting by reduction staffing hours or employing informal workarounds to continue operations. Others expressed cautious optimism that consumers will adjust to the new schedule.