Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff Trump's special Middle East representative and Jared Kushner are travelling to Islamabad for fresh US-Iran peace negotiations, as the White House seeks to capitalise on the indefinite ceasefire extension. Pakistan continues as the neutral host, but Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has clarified that no direct meetings with the American delegation are planned, stating he will engage only with Pakistani officials to discuss regional de-escalation and the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The talks aim to forge a unified proposal from Tehran to address US demands on nuclear limits and maritime security.
The Islamabad summit builds on Pakistan's successful mediation, which prompted Trump's truce extension at the personal request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. Witkoff, a real estate magnate with Trump ties, and Kushner, architect of the Abraham Accords, represent Washington's blend of deal making and Middle East expertise. Araghchi's insistence on indirect engagement reflects Tehran's wariness amid the ongoing US naval blockade, which has seized Iranian vessels and disrupted shipping. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed hosting both sides separately, with hopes of bridging gaps through shuttle diplomacy.
With no direct US-Iran contact confirmed, the Islamabad talks test whether Pakistan can coax a viable unified proposal from Tehran to ease the blockade and advance nuclear talks. Success could stabilise Hormuz shipping and avert escalation; failure risks ceasefire fatigue and renewed hostilities. Trump's envoy duo signals high stakes, but Iran's indirect approach underscores persistent mistrust in this pivotal diplomatic gambit.
Iran has demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to peace with Iran if regional security interests are protected.
At least 164 people have died and 971 have been injured after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering a state of emergency and a major international relief effort.
At least 32 people have died and more than 700 have been injured after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering a state of emergency and international offers of aid.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes killed at least 32 people, causing building collapses, injuries, and widespread disruption across affected regions.
Iran has warned that ships entering the Strait of Hormuz without authorization could face action, raising concerns over shipping security and global energy supplies in the Gulf region.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin powerful earthquakes struck near its Caribbean coast, causing building collapses, widespread panic, and ongoing aftershocks.
.jpeg)
Indian refiners are expected to remain cautious despite a temporary U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian oil, citing concerns over payments, shipping, insurance, and regulatory risks.
Iran has hailed the U.S.-Iran agreement as a victory for Tehran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tours Gulf nations to reassure allies about the fragile regional peace framework.
.jpeg)
Iranian President Pezeshkian said Tehran’s missile and deterrence capabilities are non-negotiable, signaling that any future deal with the U.S. will not include restrictions on Iran’s defense program.
President Trump criticized Keir Starmer following his resignation announcement, linking the move to disagreements over energy, immigration, and broader policy decisions.
.jpeg)
The U.S. Senate approved a War Powers resolution seeking to limit military action against Iran without congressional approval, marking a significant political setback for President Trump.
India is helping build Mongolia’s first oil refinery through a $1.7 billion project, a major step toward boosting Mongolia’s energy security and strengthening bilateral ties.
Iran says it will decide how to use its unfrozen assets while maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its intention to shape the terms of any long-term agreement with Washington.
.jpeg)
Lebanon-Israel talks are set to resume as Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions. The developments come as U.S.-Iran negotiations continue under a fragile regional ceasefire framework.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions, signaling its intention to play a direct role in the future management of one of the world's most critical shipping routes.
Ghaziabad Murder Accused Killed in Police Encounter
Hopes for a breakthrough in US-Iran negotiations were put on hold after Presiden...
DK Shivakumar Set to Take Oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3
Sehwag Trolls Sai Sudharsan After Back-to-Back Hit-Wicket Dismissals in IPL Play...
India has confirmed signing a BrahMos missile agreement with Vietnam, marking a...
