Tehran, Apr 21:
Pakistan is moving ahead with preparations for a new round of talks between the United States and Iran, even as escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz cast doubt on whether the negotiations will take place.
The talks are scheduled just days before a fragile ceasefire is set to expire, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts.
Over the weekend, the United States seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, accusing it of attempting to evade a blockade on Iranian ports. Iran condemned the action as provocative, with its military vowing retaliation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi described US actions as evidence of bad faith ahead of the talks. Meanwhile, Iran has not confirmed participation in the negotiations, though it has not ruled them out either.
Pakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach to both Washington and Tehran, aiming to keep the talks on track. While US President Donald Trump stated that American negotiators would travel to Islamabad, uncertainty remains over whether the meeting will proceed as planned.
Iranian officials acknowledged receiving new US proposals but indicated that significant disagreements persist, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The strait, a critical global shipping route, has been at the center of the conflict. Iran had earlier restricted traffic through the waterway following attacks by the US and Israel that marked the beginning of the war.
About one-fifth of global oil trade passes through the strait, along with essential goods such as natural gas, fertilizer, and humanitarian supplies. Disruptions have caused major global economic concerns.
The conflict has led to heavy casualties. According to Iranian officials, over 3,300 people have been killed in Iran, including hundreds of children.
Additional deaths have been reported in Lebanon, Israel, and Gulf Arab states, along with casualties among Israeli soldiers and US service members.
Rising tensions have also driven oil prices sharply higher. Although prices briefly stabilized after a temporary reopening of the strait and a short-lived ceasefire in Lebanon, renewed hostilities reversed those gains.
The US has maintained its blockade, and Iran has responded with threats and actions against shipping, including firing on vessels attempting to pass. As a result, oil prices have surged significantly, deepening a global energy crisis.
Iran has warned that continued pressure could prolong economic disruptions, emphasizing that security in the strait comes at a cost.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high, including in Lebanon, where clashes between Israel and Hezbollah threaten broader peace efforts.
Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned an incident involving an Israeli soldier vandalizing a statue of Jesus in Lebanon, which sparked widespread outrage. The episode further complicates efforts to stabilize the region amid ongoing conflict.