araghchi

For the first time in 23 years, the U.S. has three aircraft carriers in the Middle East, accompanied by 12 ships and 15,000 soldiers. This significant military presence signals readiness for renewed conflict should the fragile ceasefire with Iran collapse. The deployment occurs amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and Iran's reblocking of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas araghchi is in Moscow for talks with President Putin amid stalled US-Iran negotiations. Despite a ceasefire, a second round of direct talks remains elusive, with President Trump suggesting Iran should initiate contact. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, impacting global energy markets, while the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.

US President Donald Trump declared American officials won't travel for Iran truce talks, insisting discussions must be remote. Iran's Foreign Minister araghchi returned to Islamabad, relaying Tehran's positions on nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz via Pakistani intermediaries. Iran maintains it won't negotiate under coercion amid ongoing US pressure.

An Iranian MP has questioned Pakistan's impartiality as a mediator in US-Iran talks, citing Islamabad's perceived alignment with American interests. This comes as Iran's Foreign Minister visited Pakistan and Oman to advance diplomatic efforts, though US President Trump indicated Iran could initiate contact for negotiations.

Pakistan's efforts to mediate US-Iran talks faltered as Tehran refused direct engagement, conveying demands through Islamabad. US President Trump subsequently canceled his delegation's visit, citing a lack of meaningful progress. The diplomatic deadlock persists, with Iran shifting its focus to Oman and Russia.

US President Donald Trump canceled a planned trip by his envoys to Pakistan to meet Iranian leaders, citing wasted travel time and confusion within Iran's leadership. He asserted the US holds the upper hand and urged Iran to initiate talks. This decision has diminished Pakistan's role in facilitating US-Iran discussions.

This risky double-game may dent Islamabad’s relations with Beijing, as also cause international humiliation

Pakistan's economy has been severely impacted by the US-Iran war, with oil import bills skyrocketing and economic progress stalling. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Islamabad will continue its efforts to mediate and restore peace in West Asia, highlighting recent diplomatic breakthroughs and planned future talks.

A Russian-linked superyacht, Nord, owned by sanctioned billionaire Alexey Mordashov, has successfully sailed through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway remains a flashpoint amid ongoing tensions, with maritime traffic significantly reduced. The yacht's passage highlights its defiance of sanctions and the complex geopolitical landscape.

President Trump criticized Iran's negotiation tactics, stating they "don't know how to sign a non-nuclear deal" and urged them to "get smart soon." This comes as the US reportedly prepares for an extended blockade strategy to limit Iran's regional influence, shifting from short-term measures to sustained economic and military pressure.

Iran's Vice President warned of a fourfold retaliation against nations supporting damage to its infrastructure, particularly its oil sector, following US President Trump's remarks. This threat underscores heightened tensions around Iran's energy assets amidst ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts, including a proposed two-stage plan to the US.

Senior US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan for crucial talks with Iranian foreign minister Abbas araghchi to revive negotiations amid escalating regional tensions. The diplomatic initiative aims to address Tehran's nuclear program and ease global market volatility. Despite overtures, the situation remains volatile with ongoing conflicts impacting vital shipping lanes.

President Trump hailed the US naval blockade against Iran as "genius," asserting it forces Tehran's concession and ruling out any deal without abandoning nuclear ambitions. US Central Command confirmed the blockade's disruption of Iran's oil trade. Iran reportedly proposed a conditional ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington is reviewing.

The US Navy has intensified maritime pressure on Iran with a recent interception, even as diplomatic talks involving American envoys and Iran are underway in Pakistan. The advanced USS Rafael Peralta seized an Iranian vessel, part of a broader crackdown. Meanwhile, indirect negotiations aim to de-escalate regional tensions amid ongoing instability.

Iran has reportedly offered the US a new proposal focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war, postponing nuclear negotiations. This move aims to bypass internal divisions within Iran regarding nuclear concessions, though it could diminish US leverage in future talks.

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the US of prioritizing oil and energy dominance, alleging military actions in Iran and Venezuela are resource-driven. He claims Washington disregards international law, opting for power over rules. Lavrov urged the US towards dialogue, criticizing policy shifts that strain relations and push Europe away from Russian gas, likening it to a 'colonial era'.