Saturday, June 20, 2026


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Philippines-China cooperation talks muling binuhay sa gitna ng krisis

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Philippines-China cooperation talks muling binuhay sa gitna ng krisis

Fujian, China — Muling binuksan ng Pilipinas at China ang pag-uusap sa ilalim ng ika-11 Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) upang talakayin ang mga isyu sa West Philippine Sea at ang matagal nang inaabangang Code of Conduct (COC), kasabay ng tumitinding krisis sa enerhiya dulot ng giyera sa Gitnang Silangan at pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa buong mundo.

Kinumpirma ni Leo M. Herrera-Lim, Undersecretary for Policy ng Department of Foreign Affairs, na isinasagawa ang dalawang araw na pagpupulong, kung saan kabilang sa mga tinatalakay ang posibleng kooperasyon sa larangan ng enerhiya upang mapalakas ang seguridad sa suplay sa rehiyon.

“Exploratory lang at best kung papayag sila na mag-exchange ng views on potential values for cooperation… whether it’s oil, fertilizer, food,” ani Herrera-Lim. Idinagdag niya na layunin din ng usapan na tuklasin kung paano magagamit ang kasalukuyang krisis bilang pagkakataon upang makabuo ng mga plataporma para sa mas matatag na energy security.

Sa hiwalay na pahayag, sinabi ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na bukas ang pamahalaan sa muling pakikipag-usap sa Beijing hinggil sa posibleng joint energy projects sa South China Sea. Samantala, iginiit ng embahada ng China sa Maynila na may “positive progress” na sa talakayan ukol sa posibleng sabayang eksplorasyon ng langis at gas.

Gayunman, nilinaw ni Herrera-Lim na ang oil exploration ay isang pangmatagalang proseso at maaaring hindi agad magbunga sa loob ng lima hanggang sampung taon. Sa kabila nito, binanggit niya ang iba pang oportunidad, kabilang ang pagkuha ng refined products mula sa China at ang paglinang ng renewable energy sa Pilipinas.

Inaasahan ding magpapatuloy sa BCM ang diskusyon sa COC, na layong magtakda ng mga alituntunin sa paggalaw at aktibidad sa South China Sea, at inaasahang makumpleto sa loob ng taon. Kasama rin sa agenda ang panukalang memorandum of understanding sa pagitan ng Philippine at Chinese Coast Guard, na hinihintay pa ang tugon ng panig ng China.

Ayon sa DFA, ginaganap ang ika-24 Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations at ika-11 BCM mula Marso 27 hanggang 28 sa Quanzhou, Fujian, bilang bahagi ng patuloy na bilateral dialogue upang talakayin ang mga sensitibo at hindi sensitibong usapin, at tuklasin ang mga larangan ng kooperasyon.

Batay sa datos ng Department of Energy noong 2020, tinatayang may mahigit anim na milyong bariles ng langis at higit pitong bilyong cubic feet ng natural gas na hindi pa natutuklasan sa West Philippine Sea. Isa sa mga pangunahing lugar na may potensyal ay ang Recto Bank, na nasa loob ng exclusive economic zone ng bansa.

Gayunpaman, nananatiling malaking hadlang ang tensyong teritoryal sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa. Patuloy na inaangkin ng China ang halos kabuuan ng South China Sea, kabilang ang mga bahagi ng West Philippine Sea, sa kabila ng desisyon ng arbitral ruling noong 2016 na pabor sa Pilipinas, isang hatol na hindi kinikilala ng Beijing.

Trump’s Iran war prompts India to renew energy partnership with Russia

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump’s Iran war prompts India to renew energy partnership with Russia

NEW DELHI — India is moving to deepen its energy ties with Russia just months after scaling back purchases of Russian oil, as rising global energy prices and geopolitical tensions reshape New Delhi’s strategic calculations.

In January, Indian negotiators reduced imports of discounted Russian crude in what was widely viewed as a concession to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, recent developments tied to the U.S.-backed conflict involving Iran have prompted a swift policy reversal.

Officials from India and Russia are now preparing for the potential resumption of direct liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales halted since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, according to sources familiar with the discussions. A preliminary “verbal agreement” to pursue negotiations was reached during a March 19 meeting between Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin and Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi.

If finalized, the deal could be concluded within weeks, though it carries the risk of breaching Western sanctions. India has reportedly approached United States officials seeking a possible waiver.

Beyond LNG, both sides are also discussing expanding crude oil trade. Russian supplies could rise to account for as much as 40 percent of India’s total imports within a month potentially doubling January levels, according to sources.

India had previously become a major buyer of discounted Russian oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, purchasing nearly $44 billion worth last year. The trade has been crucial in sustaining Russia’s wartime economy but has also been a source of friction with Washington.

The renewed engagement comes as energy markets reel from escalating tensions in the Middle East. A U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran in late February triggered retaliation from Tehran, including attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly half of India’s oil and LNG imports pass.

The disruption has already led to long queues at fuel stations in parts of India and shortages of cooking gas in some areas, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to supply shocks.

In response, Indian authorities have instructed energy importers to prepare for renewed purchases of Russian LNG. Officials maintain that securing stable energy supplies remains a top priority. “India chose the course that best served its national interests, anchored in a long-standing and trusted partnership with Russia,” said former ambassador Ajai Malhotra.

Despite decades of growing strategic ties with the United States, largely aimed at counterbalancing China, India has faced economic strain following Washington’s recent policy decisions. Tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods, imposed by the Trump administration, forced New Delhi to reassess its trade and energy strategies. The US Supreme Court has since ruled those tariffs unlawful.

A government briefing dated March 20 warned that prolonged disruptions in Middle Eastern oil flows could trigger “higher inflation, a weaker currency and rising foreign debt” in India. It also projected export growth losses of up to four percent and a rise in wholesale inflation.

Meanwhile, Russia is leveraging the situation to expand its footprint in India beyond energy. Executives from state-owned grid operator Rosseti have proposed collaboration on power transmission projects, particularly in remote regions. Russian officials are also exploring increased air connectivity, with representatives from Pulkovo Airport studying the feasibility of new direct routes.

Trade between the two nations has also grown more efficient, with 96 percent now conducted in local currencies, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Transactions in rupees and roubles can now be processed in as little as a day, signaling deepening financial integration.

As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global energy flows, India’s renewed pivot toward Russia highlights the enduring influence of long-standing alliances in times of crisis.

Supply ng langis hanggang Abril lang; kinuwestiyon ang kita ng oil firms

Venus L Peñaflor
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Supply ng langis hanggang Abril lang; kinuwestiyon ang kita ng oil firms

MAYNILA — Kinumpirma ng mga kompanya ng langis na maaaring hanggang Abril na lamang tumagal ang supply ng petrolyo sa bansa dahil sa patuloy na kaguluhan sa Middle East, habang kinuwestiyon naman sa Senado ang umano’y bilyon-bilyong kinikita ng industriya sa gitna ng tumataas na presyo ng langis.

Sa pagdinig ng Senate committee sa ilalim ng Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), inihayag ni Tanya Samillano, pangulo ng Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association, na ang fuel deliveries para sa kanilang mga miyembro ay nakatakda lamang hanggang Abril.

Kabilang sa mga miyembro ng asosasyon ang Eastern Petroleum, FilOil, SeaOil, UniOil, Flying V, at LiquiGaz.

Ayon kay Samillano, wala pang kumpirmasyon sa mga susunod na importasyon matapos ang Abril. “Future importation tenders haven’t been confirmed up to now. It’s on a ‘wait and see’. Although there are some offers available in the market, but the price is very high,” aniya.

Sinabi naman ni Pongtorn Tangmanuswong ng Chevron Philippines Inc. na ang kanilang imbentaryo ay tatagal lamang hanggang huling linggo ng Abril. “Right now, the issue is pretty much on the pricing. The supply is tight, but for Chevron, it’s still manageable at least for March and April,” pahayag niya.

Nagbabala rin si Lorelie Quiambao-Osial ng Shell Pilipinas Corp. na kung magpapatuloy ang tensyon sa Middle East, maaaring humantong ito sa limitadong suplay ng produktong petrolyo sa buong mundo.

Samantala, sinabi ni Johann Marc Aseoche ng Jetti Petroleum, Inc. na nahihirapan silang panatilihin ang suplay, na sa kasalukuyan ay tinatayang tatagal na lamang ng hanggang 20 araw. Gayunman, may paparating silang bagong shipment mula sa Malaysia, China, at South Korea.

“Fortunately, we have kept all our stations open. There is still adequate supply, so wala pa pong nagsasara sa aming network of stations,” ani Aseoche.

Tanging ang Petron Corporation ang nagsabing maaaring umabot hanggang Mayo ang kanilang suplay.

Sa parehong pagdinig, binigyang-diin ni Rodante Marcoleta na hindi umano bababa sa P3 bilyon kada araw ang kinikita ng mga oil companies mula nang sumiklab ang krisis sa Middle East, kasunod ng mabilis na pagtaas ng presyo ng diesel at gasolina.

Ipinaalala ni Marcoleta ang naunang pahayag ng Malacañang na mayroong hanggang 60 araw na imbentaryo ang mga kompanya ng langis. Gayunman, aniya, makalipas lamang ang dalawang linggo ay lumobo na sa mahigit 120 porsiyento ang itinaas ng presyo kada litro ng diesel at gasolina.

Batay sa datos ng Department of Energy, umaabot sa 32.5 milyong litro ng diesel at 23.3 milyong litro ng gasolina ang arawang konsumo ng bansa.

“So after two weeks, yung P55 per liter tumaas ng average na P125 (per liter)… nagkaroon ng increase ng P70 per liter… after two weeks that’s 127%,” paliwanag ni Marcoleta.

Dagdag pa niya, kung pagbabatayan ang konsumo, tinatayang umaabot sa P2.32 bilyon kada araw ang gross income mula sa diesel pa lamang. “Kasi kinuha po ninyo sa inventory. Wala pa naman ‘di pa naman umaangkat, two weeks pa lang ang nakakaraan [ng giyera],” aniya.

Sa gasolina naman, sinabi ni Marcoleta na mula sa P50 kada litro bago ang krisis ay umabot ito sa P80 kada litro matapos ang dalawang linggo, katumbas ng 67 porsiyentong pagtaas. Ayon sa kanya, nasa 4.5 milyong bariles ng gasolina ang buwanang konsumo ng bansa.

Kung pagsasamahin ang kita mula sa diesel at gasolina, tinatayang aabot sa P3 bilyon kada araw ang gross income ng mga oil companies sa loob lamang ng unang dalawang linggo ng krisis, ayon kay Marcoleta.

Sa kabila ng mga paliwanag ng industriya hinggil sa limitadong suplay at mataas na presyo sa pandaigdigang merkado, nananatiling sentro ng pagdinig ang epekto ng krisis sa Middle East sa lokal na suplay at presyo ng langis, pati na rin ang panawagan para sa mas mahigpit na pagbabantay sa galaw ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo.

U.S. extends pause on strikes against Iran energy sites as Tehran pushes back on terms

EDGARDO HERNAL
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U.S. extends pause on strikes against Iran energy sites as Tehran pushes back on terms

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States will extend its pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure for another 10 days, U.S. President Donald Trump announced, signaling a continued push for negotiations even as Tehran publicly rejects Washington’s terms.

The temporary halt covering key oil, gas, and power facilities will now run until April 6, 2026. The move, according to Trump, is intended to give diplomacy more time, with the U.S. leader saying talks are “going very well” and suggesting that a breakthrough could still be within reach.

However, the pause is limited in scope. U.S. military pressure on other targets may continue, underscoring that the measure is not a full ceasefire but a strategic window for negotiations.

Trump said the extension came following signals from Iran seeking more time, though he warned that military pressure could escalate again if no agreement is reached within the new deadline.

Iranian officials have publicly rejected the U.S. proposal, describing it as “one-sided and unfair,” while also disputing claims that substantive negotiations are underway. The response highlights a familiar pattern in U.S.-Iran tensions, where public rhetoric often diverges from behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

Despite the sharp rejection, diplomatic sources indicate Iran may still be open to indirect talks through intermediaries, suggesting that channels for negotiation remain active even as both sides harden their public positions.

The developments come amid a widening conflict that began on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iranian targets, escalating tensions across the region. Since then, the confrontation has raised alarm globally, not only due to mounting casualties but also because of its impact on energy markets.

Iran’s energy infrastructure is central to its economy and a key component of global oil supply. Any sustained attacks on these facilities risk triggering significant disruptions, with analysts warning of potential spikes in global oil prices and broader economic fallout.

By limiting strikes on energy sites, Washington appears to be balancing pressure with restraint—seeking leverage without provoking a full-scale energy crisis that could ripple far beyond the Middle East.

With Iran rejecting U.S. terms publicly and Washington maintaining the option to resume or expand strikes, the extended pause offers only a narrow window for diplomacy. Whether it leads to a meaningful agreement or simply delays further escalation will likely become clear in the days ahead.

Marcos maglalabas ng EO para bawasan ang fuel tax; 750,000 bariles ng langis dumating mula sa Russia

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Marcos maglalabas ng EO para bawasan ang fuel tax; 750,000 bariles ng langis dumating mula sa Russia

MAYNILA – Maaaring maglabas si Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ng executive order (EO) kung ititigil o babawasan ang excise tax sa mga produktong petrolyo sa Abril 12 o 13, ayon sa Department of Finance (DOF) nitong Huwebes.

Kasabay nito, nakatanggap ang Pilipinas ng unang shipment ng crude oil mula sa Russia sa loob ng limang taon, matapos makakuha ng pansamantalang waiver mula sa U.S. para sa mga nasabing importasyon. Ang oil shipment, na naglalaman ng higit 700,000 barrels, ay ipinadala sa Bataan at nakalaan sa Petron Corp., na nag-iisang oil refinery ng bansa.

Sa ginanap na pagdinig ng Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) committee, ipinaliwanag ni Finance Undersecretary Karlo Fermin Adriano na ang batas ay magkakabisa lamang 15 araw pagkatapos mailathala sa Official Gazette o sa pahayagan na may malawak na sirkulasyon.

Nilagdaan ni Marcos noong Miyerkules, Marso 25, 2026, ang Republic Act No. 12316, na nagbibigay sa kanya ng emergency powers upang suspindihin o bawasan ang fuel excise tax.

“Sa timeline po, kasi may 15 araw na publication at effectivity. Kaya ang pinakamaagang petsa na maaaring maglabas ang Presidente ng EO ay mga April 12 o 13 po, kung tama ang pagkakakalkula ko,” ani Adriano.

Ayon kay Adriano, magpupulong ang technical board sa Biyernes, habang ang pangunahing Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) ay magkikita sa simula ng susunod na linggo upang makabuo ng mga rekomendasyon para sa konsiderasyon ng Pangulo bago maging epektibo ang batas at mailabas ang EO.

Nakasaad sa RA 12316 na maaaring, sa rekomendasyon ng DBCC at pakikipag-ugnayan sa Kalihim ng Enerhiya, suspindihin o bawasan ng Pangulo ang excise tax sa gasolina kapag ang average na presyo ng Dubai crude oil batay sa Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) ay umabot o lumampas sa USD 80 kada bariles sa nakaraang isang buwan bago ilabas ang kautusan.

Nagpahayag naman ng pag-asa si Senator Bam Aquino na kikilos nang mabilis ang mga kaukulang ahensya, lalo na’t patuloy ang abala sa suplay ng enerhiya.

“Dito sa Senado, dahil binigyan namin ng prayoridad ang panukalang ito… at sa certification of urgency ng Pangulo, umaasa rin kami na kikilos tayo nang mabilis. At kung ang pinakamaaga legally ay April 12 o April 13, inaasahan namin na mangyayari nga ito by April 12 o April 13,” ani Aquino.

Ipinaalam naman ni Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella na ang Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) ay magpupulong pa lamang sa simula ng susunod na linggo.

Ayon kay Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Cancio, nagkaroon na ang UPLIFT ng unang internal meetings at nakikipag-ugnayan na sa Office of the President tungkol sa iskedyul ni Marcos.

“Inaanyayahan namin kayong kumilos nang mabilis dahil patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng diesel at gasoline. Kung kada linggo tumataas ang presyo, dapat kada linggo rin kayong magpulong upang may update sa taumbayan,” ani Aquino.

Dagdag pa niya, “Ibig sabihin, crisis committee ang pangalan, kaya ‘pag crisis, kailangan mabilis tayong kumilos. Gumalaw na tayo.”

Naitaguyod ang UPLIFT matapos ideklara ni Marcos ang state of national energy emergency noong Martes. Layunin ng UPLIFT na magkaroon ng coordinated, whole-of-government response framework, kabilang ang pamamahala sa suplay ng enerhiya ng Department of Energy at mga kaakibat nitong ahensya, pati na rin ang mga hakbang upang suportahan ang mamimili at mga sektor na apektado.

Kasabay ng EO at UPLIFT, ang pagdating ng Russian crude oil ay naglalayong dagdagan ang suplay ng enerhiya at bawasan ang epekto ng global supply disruptions sa presyo ng gasolina at diesel sa bansa.

Ayon sa ulat, ang tanker na may bandila ng Sierra Leone na Sara Sky ay dumaong sa pantalan ng Limay sa Bataan bandang alas-2 ng hapon noong Marso 24, dala ang humigit-kumulang 100,000 tonelada o humigit-kumulang na 750,000 bariles ng ESPO Blend crude na kinuha mula sa pantalan ng Kozmino sa Far East, Russia, ayon sa datos sa pagpapadala mula sa mga analytics firm na LSEG, Kpler, at OilX.


Iran slams US peace plan as ‘one-sided,’ signals diplomacy still on table

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran slams US peace plan as ‘one-sided,’ signals diplomacy still on table

A senior Iranian official has sharply criticized a United States proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, calling it “one-sided and unfair,” even as Tehran signaled it remains open to continued diplomatic engagement.

The U.S. plan, which reportedly outlines multiple steps toward de-escalation, has drawn early resistance from Iranian leadership. According to the official, the proposal fails to meet Tehran’s minimum expectations and places disproportionate demands on Iran without offering clear or sufficient concessions in return.

“The proposal is one-sided and does not serve Iran’s interests,” the official said, underscoring concerns that the framework heavily favors Washington’s position.

At the center of the disagreement are provisions that would require Iran to scale back aspects of its military and defensive capabilities. In exchange, the proposal is said to offer sanctions relief, though Iranian officials argue that such incentives are vague and lack concrete guarantees.

“There is no balance in what is being offered and what is being demanded,” the official added.

The diplomatic standoff comes as Iran has tightened its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Recent disruptions and restrictions in the waterway have raised global concerns over energy security and trade flows.

Iran has indicated that passage through the strait may be restricted for vessels linked to its adversaries, effectively increasing pressure on the United States and its allies.

The ongoing tensions in the strait have already disrupted shipments and driven volatility in global energy markets, highlighting the broader economic stakes tied to the conflict.

Despite the criticism of the U.S. proposal, Tehran has not rejected diplomacy outright. Iranian leaders are continuing to review the plan, and backchannel communications remain active through regional intermediaries.

“The door to diplomacy remains open, but the approach must change,” the official said, indicating that Iran would be willing to engage if a more equitable framework is presented.

At present, there are no confirmed direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Instead, countries such as Turkey and Pakistan are believed to be facilitating indirect exchanges in an effort to keep dialogue alive.

The latest developments underscore a fragile moment in the conflict, where escalating economic pressure, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, coexists with cautious signals that diplomacy remains possible.

Pinirmahan ni PBBM ang batas na magpapahintulot sa suspensyon sa excise tax sa petrolyo

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Pinirmahan ni PBBM ang batas na magpapahintulot sa suspensyon sa excise tax sa petrolyo

MAYNILA — Nilagdaan na ni Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang Republic Act (RA) No. 12316 na nagbibigay sa Pangulo ng emergency powers upang suspindihin o bawasan ang excise tax sa mga produktong petrolyo, bilang tugon sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Layunin ng bagong batas na mapagaan ang epekto ng tumataas na presyo ng fuel sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa sektor ng transportasyon, agrikultura, at pangingisda.

Kasabay nito, sinimulan na ng pamahalaan ang pamamahagi ng fuel subsidies para sa mga public transport operators, magsasaka, at mangingisda upang makatulong sa pag-offset ng kanilang gastusin sa krudo. Naglaan din ang gobyerno ng bilyong piso upang patatagin ang suplay at presyo ng enerhiya, kabilang ang P20 bilyon mula sa Malampaya Gas Fund.

Nauna rito, idineklara ng Pangulo noong Marso 24 ang state of national energy emergency sa pamamagitan ng Executive Order No. 110, kasabay ng pagpapatupad ng Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT). Layunin ng hakbang na ito ang pagpapalakas ng whole-of-government response upang matiyak ang sapat at matatag na suplay ng enerhiya, habang sinusuportahan ang mahahalagang sektor gaya ng transportasyon, agrikultura, at micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Ayon sa EO, magsisilbing balangkas ang UPLIFT para sa koordinadong aksyon ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, kabilang ang pangunguna ng Department of Energy sa pamamahala ng suplay ng enerhiya, kasama ang iba pang hakbang para sa kapakanan ng mga konsyumer at apektadong sektor.

Sa pahayag ng Pangulo, bukas ang gobyerno sa lahat ng posibleng solusyon upang matugunan ang krisis sa enerhiya.

“Nothing is off the table. We are looking at everything, everything that we can do. And so whatever suggestion that has been brought to us, whatever idea that we have come up with, we are examining it very, very closely in great detail to see if it is going to be advantageous to our people,” ani Marcos.

Iran denies talks with U.S. as conflicting claims fuel uncertainty over potential deal

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran denies talks with U.S. as conflicting claims fuel uncertainty over potential deal

DUBAI/WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM/TEL AVIV — Iran has firmly denied engaging in any direct or indirect negotiations with the United States, contradicting statements by Donald Trump that suggested progress toward a potential agreement to ease hostilities in the Middle East.

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said no talks had taken place between Tehran and Washington. “Based on my information, contrary to Trump’s claim, no direct or indirect negotiations have taken place between the two countries so far,” he said, according to Iranian state media. He added that “friendly countries” were attempting to facilitate dialogue, expressing hope such efforts could help end what he described as an “imposed war.”

Trump had earlier claimed that “very good and productive” discussions were underway, prompting him to delay a planned strike on Iran’s energy infrastructure by five days. He said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner had engaged with a senior Iranian official, though he did not name the counterpart. Trump later suggested the discussions could lead to “a complete and total resolution of hostilities.”

However, Iranian officials, including parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, dismissed the claims as “fake news,” accusing Washington of attempting to manipulate financial and oil markets. “No negotiations have been held with the U.S.,” Qalibaf said in a statement, adding that Iran remained committed to responding to what it considers aggression.

A European official indicated that while no direct talks had occurred, countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, and several Gulf states were acting as intermediaries, relaying messages between the two sides. Sources suggested that potential direct discussions could take place in Islamabad in the coming days, although no official confirmation has been issued.

The situation remains volatile on the ground. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported launching new attacks on U.S. targets and Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Dimona. Israel’s military confirmed missile launches from Iran, with interceptions reported over Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue its military operations but acknowledged that Trump saw potential for a deal that could meet strategic objectives. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held consultations with Oman regarding developments in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has effectively closed the Strait, a key passage for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, insisting it will remain shut until U.S. and Israeli attacks cease. The move has heightened concerns over global energy security and market stability.

Diplomatic efforts appear to be intensifying behind the scenes. Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir, has reportedly engaged with Iranian and U.S. officials as part of mediation efforts. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s commitment to regional stability while opposing foreign intervention.

The conflict, which began on February 28 following joint U.S. and Israeli military action, has resulted in more than 2,000 deaths, according to available estimates, underscoring the urgency of de-escalation efforts amid conflicting narratives over diplomacy.

At least 1,000 U.S. troops from the 82nd Airborne set to deploy to the Middle East, AP sources say

EDGARDO HERNAL
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At least 1,000 U.S. troops from the 82nd Airborne set to deploy to the Middle East, AP sources say

WASHINGTON — The United States is preparing to deploy at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East in the coming days, according to sources familiar with the plan, marking a further escalation of its military presence in the region.

The deployment is expected to include a battalion from the division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, along with commanding general Brandon Tegtmeier and key staff members. The unit, based at Fort Bragg, is known as the U.S. Army’s rapid-response force, capable of deploying quickly into hostile or contested areas to secure strategic positions such as airfields.

This move follows earlier announcements that thousands of U.S. Marines are being sent to the region aboard naval vessels, including the USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which were redirected from exercises near Taiwan. Additional Marine forces are also being deployed from San Diego, bringing an estimated 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to reinforce the approximately 50,000 U.S. troops already stationed in the Middle East.

While Marine units are typically tasked with embassy support, evacuations, and humanitarian missions, the 82nd Airborne specializes in parachute operations and rapid territorial control in high-risk environments.

The White House declined to provide specific details on the deployment, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly referring inquiries to the Pentagon, while noting that Donald Trump “always has all military options at his disposal.”

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee are expected to receive a classified briefing from Pentagon officials, where the deployment will likely be discussed further.

The military buildup comes as the Trump administration asserts that negotiations with Iran are underway to end the ongoing conflict. Trump said envoys, including Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance, are involved in the discussions.

“We’re in negotiations right now,” Trump said, adding that Iran “would like to make a deal.”

However, Iranian officials have denied that any direct talks are taking place. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected Trump’s claims, while a military spokesperson vowed continued resistance “until complete victory.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held discussions with regional counterparts, but no confirmation of formal negotiations with Washington has been issued.

The latest developments highlight growing tensions in the region, as military reinforcements continue alongside conflicting signals over diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Walang face-to-face class sa ilang paaralan, unibersidad ngayong Huwebes, March 26, 2026

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Walang face-to-face class sa ilang paaralan, unibersidad ngayong Huwebes, March 26, 2026

Ilang paaralan at unibersidad sa bansa ang nagpasiya na ipagpaliban ang face-to-face classes sa Huwebes, March 26, 2026, at magsagawa ng alternative learning modalities o online classes dahil sa inaasahang epekto ng transport strike.

Sa Laguna, lahat ng antas ng paaralan, pampublikong at pribadong, ay lilipat sa modular o online learning, ayon sa direktiba ni Sol Aragones. Ayon sa kanya, ang suspensyon ay para lamang sa face-to-face classes; maaaring ituloy ng mga paaralan ang graduation, recognition programs, at practices.

Ang University of Santo Tomas ay magpapatupad ng enriched virtual mode of instruction, habang ang University of the East ay nag-anunsyo ng detalyadong schedule para sa March 26 at 27:

  • Basic Education Manila at Caloocan, CFAD – Asynchronous online classes
  • CDent Didactic Classes – Online synchronous
  • CDent Clinics – Face-to-face
  • CDent Laboratory Classes – Face-to-face* o Online Synchronous
    *Ang laboratory classes ay isasagawa ayon sa desisyon ng faculty na may nararapat na flexibility.
  • Lahat ng iba pang kolehiyo at Graduate School – Online synchronous

Ang desisyon ng mga paaralan ay bahagi ng hakbang upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga estudyante at guro habang tumitindi ang epekto ng transport strike sa bansa.

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