Pakistan Mediates As US And Iran Negotiate Ceasefire Extension Talks

The United States and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks aimed at extending the two-week ceasefire.

Karoline Leavitt denied that the US had formally requested to extend the ceasefire but added that Washington remained very much engaged.

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A second round of negotiations would very likely be held in Islamabad.

Pakistani officials launched a new round of shuttle diplomacy, with Field Marshal Asim Munir leading a delegation to Tehran.

Shehbaz Sharif set off on a four-day tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey to bolster peace efforts.

The US military imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports, which was fully implemented by Tuesday.

US forces turned back nine ships including the Chinese-owned tanker Rich Starry.

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Maj Gen Ali Abdollahi said Iran's military could halt trade in the Gulf region if the US did not lift its blockade.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of escalating financial pressure on Iran.

China has voiced objections to the naval blockade.

Mediators are pushing for a compromise on Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages.

Iran is open to discussing uranium enrichment but insists it must be able to continue based on its needs.

The US urged Iran to agree to a 20-year moratorium, which Iran rejected.

China’s foreign minister told his Iranian counterpart that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a unanimous call from the international community.

Iran’s sovereignty and security should be respected.

Iran demanded an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon as a precondition for negotiations.

Netanyahu indicated he had not committed to a ceasefire.

Al-Imarat al-Yawm

Two Lebanese officials expected a ceasefire could be announced soon.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned US-Israel attacks on civilian places.