Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Islamabad on Sunday, signaling Islamabad's ongoing efforts to mediate ceasefire talks between Tehran and Washington. The talks come as Iran seeks Omani backing for a toll mechanism at the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic global waterway responsible for a fifth of the world's oil flow.
Earlier in the week, Araghchi had traveled to Oman, which previously mediated talks between the U.S. and Iran. Discussions in Oman reportedly focused on ending the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and establishing a toll system for vessels passing through the strait. Oman’s stance on the matter remains undisclosed.
'They can call us anytime they want,'
President Donald Trump said on Saturday, referencing Iran's latest proposal after canceling a planned visit by U.S. envoys to Islamabad. Trump emphasized that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons, a longstanding point of contention. Iran currently holds 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, nearing weapons-grade levels.
The ceasefire, initially agreed upon in April, has largely halted hostilities that began with U.S.-Israeli joint strikes in February. However, a permanent settlement remains elusive, with both sides continuing to exchange military threats. Iran's joint military command warned of a 'strong response' if the U.S. continues its naval blockade and other aggressive actions.
Syed Mohammad Ali, an independent analyst in Pakistan, noted that indirect talks should not be viewed as a setback, given the complexity of U.S.-Iran tensions. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s mediation efforts aim to bridge significant gaps between the two nations, though progress remains uncertain.