ISLAMABAD — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday, a development that is raising cautious expectations that stalled negotiations with the United States could resume following their collapse earlier this week.
Iranian state media reported that Araqchi has begun a regional trip that includes stops in Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The report did not reference any planned talks with Washington. However, two Pakistani government sources indicated that the visit may signal a potential reopening of diplomatic engagement, although no confirmation has been issued and a response from the United States is still pending.
A U.S. logistics and security team has already been positioned in Islamabad in preparation for possible negotiations. One Pakistani official said details remain uncertain until Araqchi’s arrival, noting that any expectations of renewed talks remain speculative at this stage.
There has been no immediate response from Washington. Speaking separately, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still has an opportunity to reach a “good deal” with the United States.
Neither Iranian reports nor Pakistani sources mentioned Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation during the only round of talks held earlier this month.
The most recent round of negotiations was scheduled for Tuesday but did not proceed. Iran said it was not ready to commit to participation, while the U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance did not depart Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump extended a two-week ceasefire at the last minute earlier this week to allow time for diplomatic efforts to resume. Separately, Israel and Lebanon agreed on Thursday to extend their own ceasefire by three weeks following talks at the White House brokered by Trump. Iran has maintained that sustaining the Lebanon ceasefire is a precondition for broader negotiations with the United States.
Trump said he is not rushing toward an agreement, emphasizing the need for a lasting resolution while asserting that Washington holds a strategic advantage in the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.
The United States has yet to secure passage through the strait, where Iran has blocked most shipping since the conflict began eight weeks ago. Tehran reinforced its position this week by seizing two large cargo vessels. In response, Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian shipping and has intercepted several vessels in international waters. Iran has said it will not reopen the strait unless the U.S. lifts its measures.
Shipping activity remains sharply reduced, with only five vessels recorded crossing the strait in the past 24 hours, compared to roughly 130 daily before the conflict. Among them was a single Iranian oil products tanker, while crude-carrying supertankers have largely ceased operations in the route.
German container shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd confirmed that one of its vessels transited the strait, though it did not provide further details.
Despite U.S. claims that Iran’s naval capabilities have been significantly weakened, recent incidents involving swarms of small, fast boats targeting commercial vessels suggest Tehran is adapting its maritime tactics in response to U.S. interdiction efforts.
Meanwhile, domestic political pressure is mounting on Trump as Republicans seek to defend narrow congressional majorities ahead of the November midterm elections. Rising gasoline prices, increasing inflation, and declining approval ratings are adding urgency to efforts to resolve the conflict.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
