Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Islamabad on Sunday for urgent consultations, amid rapidly evolving diplomatic exchanges between Tehran and Washington. His arrival came shortly after US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled a planned high-level envoy visit to Pakistan, citing Iran’s failure to present an “acceptable” peace proposal.
Trump, posting on Truth Social, said, “If they want to talk, all they have to do is call.” However, speaking later aboard Air Force One, he claimed that Iran had submitted a revised proposal within minutes of the cancellation, which he described as “much better,” while reiterating that any agreement must guarantee Tehran “will not have a nuclear weapon.”
Iran President insists on lifting blockade before talks
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has set a firm precondition for negotiations, demanding that the US lift restrictions on Iranian maritime access before formal talks can begin. He argued that diplomacy cannot progress while Iranian ports remain under blockade pressure.
Trump, meanwhile, maintained a hard line, telling Fox News that Washington remains committed to dismantling Iran’s nuclear capability, stating that the US is prepared to “take Iran’s nuclear dust” as part of the negotiation framework.
Araghchi expands shuttle diplomacy
Araghchi’s Pakistan visit follows high-level discussions in Oman with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, focused on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Ahead of his return to Islamabad, he held phone conversations with foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, discussing “challenges facing ceasefire consolidation,” according to Iranian statements.
He is expected to travel onward to Moscow after concluding talks in Pakistan, as Tehran seeks broader diplomatic backing amid stalled ceasefire efforts and widening geopolitical friction.
Also read: US pulls out of Islamabad talks, as Araghchi wraps up Pak visit
US intercepts sanctioned vessel
The US Central Command confirmed it intercepted a sanctioned merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea, continuing enforcement operations linked to Iranian maritime activity. The development comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted, with maritime data indicating only limited vessel movement compared to pre-crisis levels.
The UK government has warned of prolonged economic pressure from disrupted energy and trade routes, while UN agencies have flagged risks to global food and fertiliser supply chains if instability continues.
Mojtaba mural raises eyebrows
Unverified reports and online speculation regarding Iran’s internal leadership structure have circulated following the appearance of a mural featuring Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran. However, there has been no official confirmation of any leadership change, and Iranian authorities have not commented on the claims. The developments come amid a prolonged internet blackout, limiting independent verification of internal political conditions.
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