US Iran peace talks could resume in Pakistan; Iran’s foreign minister due, say sources
New Delhi: Peace talks between Iran and the U.S. could resume soon in Pakistan, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expected to arrive on Friday night, according to three Pakistani sources.
Two of the sources, from the Pakistani government, indicated that a U.S. logistics and security team was already in place, signalling preparations for a possible round of negotiations.
There was no immediate confirmation from either Washington or Tehran. However, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran had an opportunity to reach a “good deal” with the United States.
The previous round of talks, expected on Tuesday, did not materialise. Iran had indicated it was not ready to commit, while a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance did not depart from Washington.
Earlier, President Donald Trump extended a temporary ceasefire by two weeks on Tuesday at the last moment, allowing additional time for both sides to return to the negotiating table.
Lebanon Ceasefire Extended
On Thursday, Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a separate ceasefire by three weeks following talks at the White House brokered by Donald Trump. Iran made it clear that maintaining stability in Lebanon is a key condition for resuming broader negotiations with the United States.
Trump said he is in no hurry to finalise a deal, stressing that any agreement should be “everlasting.” He also claimed that Washington holds the upper hand in the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global energy route.
The U.S. has yet to secure the reopening of the strait, where Iran has effectively restricted most shipping traffic since the conflict began eight weeks ago. Tehran recently demonstrated its control by seizing two large cargo vessels in the area.
In response, the U.S. imposed its own blockade on Iranian shipping last week, with U.S. forces boarding several Iranian vessels in international waters. Iran has stated it will not reopen the strait unless the U.S. lifts these restrictions.
Shipping activity through the strait has dropped sharply, with only five vessels passing in the last 24 hours, compared to around 130 daily before the war. These included a single Iranian oil tanker, while major crude-carrying supertankers—vital to global energy supply—remained absent.
Meanwhile, German shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd confirmed that one of its vessels had managed to transit the strait, though it did not disclose further details.
(DD News)
