United News of Bangladesh

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad as part of a three-country tour amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Pakistan, while conflicting statements have emerged over planned Iran-US talks. The White House said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad for talks with Iran. However, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said “no meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US”, adding that Tehran’s “observations would be conveyed by Pakistan”. Commercial flights resume at Tehran airport after two months Pakistani mediators remain “cautiously optimistic” about the prospects of Iran-US engagement following Araghchi’s arrival in the Pakistani capital, says report. The Iranian side has maintained that no trilateral meeting with the United States is scheduled, rejecting the US version of events. Tehran has also insisted that a key sticking point remains the demand for the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to what it describes as a US blockade, while Washington has not indicated any willingness to lift restrictions. Despite the disagreement, Pakistani officials said the ongoing presence of all sides reflects progress in behind-the-scenes diplomacy. They described the process as “relentless diplomacy” involving continuous engagement from multiple parties. According to diplomatic sources, in the past 24 hours Pakistan has held separate discussions not only with Iran but also with Russia. Officials said Moscow is expected to be another stop on the Iranian foreign minister’s tour after leaving Pakistan. While the situation remains at a stalemate, mediators in Islamabad believe continued shuttle diplomacy could help keep dialogue efforts alive between Tehran and Washington. Source- Al Jazeera

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has met Pakistan’s Army chief Asim Munir in Islamabad, according to Iranian state media, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. The meeting comes as Iran intensifies consultations with regional partners over evolving developments in the Middle East and stalled international negotiations, reports BBC. Following his engagements in Pakistan, Araghchi said he will travel to Oman and Russia, noting in a social media post that the visits aim to “coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.” No further details of the discussions between the two sides were immediately disclosed. The visit is being closely watched as diplomatic activity increases around efforts to revive stalled US-Iran dialogue and address regional security concerns.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday night with a small delegation in a move seen as a step towards the possible resumption of direct US-Iran talks aimed at easing escalating tensions. Senior officials in Islamabad confirmed the development to international media following a series of phone calls between Araghchi and Pakistani leaders on Friday, reports Al Jazeera. However, Iran’s state news agency IRNA said the visit is primarily bilateral and focused on talks with Pakistani officials, not direct negotiations with the United States. After his Islamabad visit, Araghchi is expected to travel to Moscow and Muscat. A Pakistani official said there was a “high likelihood of a breakthrough” in efforts to restart stalled US-Iran dialogue, despite rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and recent naval confrontations. The development comes after earlier expectations that a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance would travel to Islamabad for talks. However, Iran reportedly refused to return to negotiations, citing a naval blockade imposed by US President Donald Trump on April 13. Since then, both sides have exchanged maritime actions in the Strait of Hormuz, further complicating diplomatic efforts, while talks have remained uncertain. Araghchi held separate phone conversations on Friday with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Pakistan’s military leadership, according to media reports. Pakistan has been playing a mediating role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, with officials saying the US remains prepared for renewed talks despite delays. The proposed discussions involve key issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions, and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, heightened security measures and repeated road closures in Islamabad have disrupted daily life, as the capital hosts diplomatic activity linked to the stalled negotiations. Residents have reported repeated interruptions to court services, education, transport and business activities due to security restrictions linked to the high-level diplomatic engagements. Pakistan’s role as a mediator comes amid its own economic challenges, including IMF-backed reforms, rising fuel prices and power shortages. Despite uncertainty, officials and observers say diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, though a firm date for renewed US-Iran talks has not yet been confirmed.

Iran and the United States on Friday said the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened and is fully operational for commercial shipping after nearly seven weeks of disruption that had affected global energy trade. “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!,” US President Donald Trump said on social media, using an unofficial name for the strategic waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that commercial vessels would be allowed to pass in line with the ongoing ceasefire arrangement, reports South China Morning Post. Araghchi said ships would be required to follow designated routes set by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation. The announcement comes alongside a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, under which passage through the strait will remain open for the duration of the truce. Trump, however, said US naval blockade on Iranian vessels and supplies would remain in place until a final agreement is reached. The apparent breakthrough eased market concerns, with oil prices falling nearly 10 percent following the announcement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated that Iran has not targeted civilian or residential areas in the Middle East, and expressed Tehran’s willingness to form a joint committee with neighbouring countries to identify those responsible for such attacks. Araghchi, quoted on his Telegram channel, said in an interview with the Al-Araby al-Jadeed website that Iran is in contact with Gulf nations and would welcome any initiative aimed at ending the US-Israeli conflict against Iran. Gulf states report fresh attacks after Iran warns major UAE ports Gulf countries have urged Tehran to halt its strikes on their territories, noting that the attacks have affected not only US military installations but also energy infrastructure and residential zones. Source- Al Jazeera