U. S. and Iranian negotiators held high-level talks in Pakistan on Saturday, aiming to end a six-week war. President Donald Trump announced that U. S. military operations were underway to clear the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the sinking of 28 Iranian mine-dropping vessels. Iranian state media dismissed this as false, and reports indicated that the talks were stalled over the strait’s status. Iranian state TV stated no U. S. ships had crossed the strait, which is vital for global energy supplies and has been effectively blocked by Tehran.
The discussions in Islamabad were the first direct U. S.-Iranian talks in over a decade, and the highest-level since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Key U. S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Jared Kushner, engaged with Iranian officials for two hours after arriving in mourning attire for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and victims of U. S. bombings. A Pakistani source noted fluctuating tensions during the meeting. French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the importance of ceasefire negotiations in his conversation with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Despite the severity of the ongoing war, which has driven global oil prices up and resulted in significant casualties, clarity on negotiation progress remains elusive. Before talks commenced, an Iranian source claimed that the U. S. had agreed to release frozen assets, but this was quickly denied by U. S. officials. Iran is seeking several concessions, including control of the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, and a regional ceasefire. Trump aims for unhindered shipping through the strait and to halt Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s spokesperson remarked on the high level of distrust, indicating a cautious approach to negotiations. Tehran also aims to impose transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global oil shipments. Disruptions in the strait have contributed to rising inflation and an economic slowdown worldwide.
On the same day, strikes in southern Lebanon continued, with reports of Israeli drones and military operations against Hezbollah. Israeli and Lebanese officials are set to discuss matters in the U. S. While the talks took place, Islamabad was heavily secured, reflecting the significant diplomatic evolution of Pakistan in recent times. Local sentiments expressed pride in Pakistan’s emergent diplomatic role in global peace efforts.
With information from Reuters