Diplomacy
Iran asked for time till end of week to respond to US observations. Japan PM spoke to Iran President for safe passage of vessels. US planning “Maritime Freedom
Construct” coalition to reopen strait. The Iran War Mediation and Pakistan’s ‘Reverse Bismarck’. Despite the positive optics of punching above its weight in diplomacy, Pakistan has become weaker over time.
Global News
In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Russia proposed brief May 9 ceasefire for WW2 anniversary. Trump and Putin discuss Iran war and float temporary Ukraine ceasefire in call. Russian president welcomed decision to extend Iran ceasefire in what US president said was a ‘very good conversation’. In the call, which lasted more than 90 minutes, the Russian president said Moscow viewed the prospect of a US ground operation in Iran as dangerous, Russia has largely been side lined in diplomacy over the war in Iran, an ally of the Kremlin, but western intelligence agencies say Moscow has continued to provide support, including intelligence and drones to strike US targets in the area.