Daily brief
The United States announced it will permanently close its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, which was its closest diplomatic mission to Afghanistan. The decision marks a significant withdrawal of on-the-ground U.S. presence in a region of long-standing strategic interest. No specific timeline for the closure was provided in the announcement.
China is described as walking a tightrope in the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, balancing its relationships with both nations.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his election as Iran's new Supreme Leader, pledging closer cooperation (ongoing coverage).
The IMF has called for Pakistan to reverse a secrecy clause in a law concerning the declaration of assets by members of parliament.
Iran's President Pezeshkian spoke with the leaders of Russia and Pakistan, outlining steps to end what he termed the US-Israel war on Iran.