April 7 (Reuters) – Efforts to facilitate talks between the U.S. and Iran are still ongoing, two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Tuesday, as U.S. strikes on Iran intensified and President Donald Trump’s deadline to unleash “hell” neared. One of the sources, a senior security official, said Iran’s overnight strike…
Hong Kong’s Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) is poised to report a loss of over HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) for March this week, its worst monthly loss in dollar terms since its inception 25 years ago. The sharp fall in global stock markets last month hit the MPF hard, while the uncertainties ahead stemming from the…
DUBAI, April 7 (Reuters) – Iran has set preconditions for talks on a lasting peace with the United States, a senior official told Reuters on Tuesday, including an immediate halt to strikes, guarantees that attacks will not be repeated, and compensation for damage. The official said Tehran rejects any ceasefire with the U.S. that is…
A Hong Kong coach operator’s failed attempt to reduce its services was only the “tip of the iceberg” of cuts in bus rides amid rising fuel costs, lawmakers have warned, as they urged the government to quickly address soaring oil prices. Legislators on Tuesday also called on authorities to approve applications by non-franchised bus companies…
ROME, April 7 (Reuters) – The Iran war has put U.S. global leadership on the line, Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said, expressing fear about the “madness” of nuclear escalation. Like some other NATO allies reluctant to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s attacks on Iran, Italy last week denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to…
Hong Kong homebuyers flocked to the second round of new flat sales at the La Mirabelle I project in Tseung Kwan O, underscoring continuing demand for property amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. By noon, 72 of the 168 units had been sold, according to agents. Another 86 flats have been made available via…
Life for Hong Kong-based Iranian biomedical researcher Behzad Nasiri Ahmadabadi is filled with anxiety as he spends each day waiting for a call from his family that may not come amid the conflict in the Middle East. The stress is similar for Iranian student Ali*, who spends his days scrolling through news reports from across…
KYIV, April 4 (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has arrived in Istanbul for “substantive” talks on security issues with Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan, Zelenskiy said on Saturday. “We are working to strengthen our partnership to ensure real protection of people’s lives, advance stability and guarantee security in our Europe, as well as in the…
Thousands of Hongkongers braced for heavy rain as they crossed the border into Shenzhen on the second day of the Easter holiday, taking advantage of the break to enjoy a wider range of shopping, dining and entertainment options at bargain prices. Many travellers on Saturday cited mainland China’s broader selection of shopping centres, restaurants and…
Iran’s paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz has continued to upend global oil and gas markets as the United States-Israeli war on the country enters its second month. After US President Donald Trump pledged to continue aggressive strikes on Iran for another two to three weeks in a speech on Wednesday night, oil prices surged…