Kamal Ghorui
Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir has told US President Donald Trump that the blockade of Iranian ports is a major hurdle to reviving talks with Tehran, a Pakistani security source told news agency Reuters. As per the report Trump said that he would “consider” the Pakistani Field Marshal’s advice.This comes as the talks between the United States and Iran appear to be in limbo. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had “no plans” at present to attend the next round of negotiations, though he stopped short of ruling them out entirely.
Pakistan has been preparing to host the talks in Islamabad this week, with US negotiators expected to arrive, but the latest escalation, US seizing an Iranian cargo ship has cast doubt over those plans.At the heart of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil passes. Iran has repeatedly restricted traffic in response to a US-led blockade of its ports, sending energy markets into turmoil. Oil prices surged again on Monday after Tehran reimposed controls on shipping lanes, reversing a brief reopening linked to a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.The situation worsened early Monday after US forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman. Trump confirmed that the USS Spruance carried out the operation, describing it as enforcement of the blockade. Tehran condemned the move as “piracy” and responded with drone activity near US naval assets, raising fears of a broader confrontation.
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Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told Pakistani officials that US actions against Iranian shipping were a “clear sign” of bad faith ahead of any talks. Meanwhile, Trump has continued to strike a combative tone, warning that Washington could target Iran’s infrastructure if negotiations fail.
