abbas araghchi

But another Iran-US flare-up could hit plan

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.

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 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.

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.