Diplomats worked through back channels on Tuesday to arrange a new round of talks between the United States and Iran, as Washington enforced its blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran warned of possible retaliation across the region.
US President Donald Trump said a second round of talks could take place “over the next two days,” suggesting Islamabad as a possible venue. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also said it is “highly probable” negotiations will resume.
The first round of talks held in Pakistan last weekend failed to produce a deal, with Iran’s nuclear programme remaining a key sticking point. A US official said discussions on fresh talks are ongoing but no schedule has been finalised.
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said efforts to mediate between the two sides are continuing, adding that “our leadership is not giving up.”
The blockade, now in its first full day, is aimed at pressuring Iran, which has continued exporting oil—largely to Asia—since the conflict began on February 28.
A US official said forces enforcing the blockade are operating in the Gulf of Oman, monitoring vessels leaving Iranian ports before intercepting them after they pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command said no ships passed through the blockade in the first 24 hours, while six vessels complied with orders to turn back.
The standoff over the vital waterway—through which about one-fifth of global oil flows in normal times—has raised fears of renewed hostilities and further economic fallout. Oil prices have surged as maritime traffic remains severely disrupted.
Meanwhile, separate talks between Israeli and Lebanese envoys in Washington were described as “productive,” with both sides agreeing to pursue direct negotiations, though major differences remain over Hezbollah and the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon.
The war, now in its seventh week, has killed thousands across the region and displaced more than a million people, particularly in Lebanon, intensifying international calls for a broader ceasefire.