ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s political and military leadership is stepping up efforts to revive negotiations between the United States and Iran after U.S. President Donald Trump told his envoys not to travel to Islamabad for planned talks this weekend, according to officials cited in reports.
After rising tensions derailed a second round of scheduled negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spent much of Sunday in Muscat, which has previously hosted several rounds of U.S.-Iran diplomacy. Iranian state media said he is expected to return to Islamabad before departing for Moscow.
Officials involved in mediation efforts said Pakistan-backed negotiators are working to bridge major gaps between Washington and Tehran.
One key Iranian demand remains the end of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports before any new round of talks begins, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Talks in Muscat have also focused heavily on the future of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the biggest obstacles in the negotiations.
Iran is reportedly seeking Omani support for a mechanism to collect tolls from vessels passing through the strait, a route that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil flows in normal conditions.
Last week, Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran. While major fighting has largely paused, the economic fallout has continued to grow as shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas, fertilizer, and other supplies remain disrupted by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s military command warned Saturday that continued U.S. pressure, including naval blockades, would be met with a strong response.
Iran has also insisted that any talks with Washington remain indirect, with Pakistani officials acting as intermediaries.
Trump said Saturday that shortly after canceling the trip of envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, Iran sent what he described as a “much better” proposal, while reiterating that Tehran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Analysts cautioned that the negotiations remain highly sensitive and may face setbacks, but said the continuation of the ceasefire suggests both sides still want a deal.
Source: Saudi Gazette