Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has departed Islamabad after a series of high-level meetings with Pakistani leaders, during which he conveyed Tehran’s demands for ending the ongoing conflict and outlined its position on negotiations with the United States.
Talks in Pakistan come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to revive stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. While the White House indicated that senior envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, could travel to Islamabad, Iran has ruled out direct engagement for now.
A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry said Tehran would communicate its concerns through Pakistan as a mediator.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described his meeting with Araghchi as a “warm and cordial exchange of views,” adding that both sides also discussed strengthening bilateral ties alongside regional security issues.
Araghchi, who arrived in Islamabad on Friday, met senior officials and presented Iran’s conditions for any future settlement. Although details remain limited, sources suggest Tehran firmly rejected what it sees as “maximalist demands” from Washington.
Iran sets out its ‘principled positions’
The conflict, which began on 28 February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has since escalated into a broader regional crisis, with retaliatory attacks targeting Israel, US bases, and parts of the Gulf. Although a fragile ceasefire is currently in place, tensions remain high.
In a statement shared on his official channel, Araghchi said he had outlined Iran’s “principled positions” regarding the ceasefire and the need for a complete end to what Tehran calls an imposed war.
The United States, however, continues to press Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still has an opportunity to reach a “good deal” if it verifiably halts its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
President Donald Trump suggested that Iran may soon present a proposal addressing US concerns, though he declined to specify the details or interlocutors involved. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted “some progress” in recent days, adding that Vice President JD Vance could also travel to Pakistan if needed.
Ceasefire holds, but Hormuz traffic remains low
Despite the ceasefire extension, the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains largely restricted. Iran has effectively limited access to the vital shipping lane, while the US continues its blockade of Iranian oil exports—leaving global energy markets under strain.
Shipping data indicates that only five vessels crossed the strait in a 24-hour period—far below the usual daily average of around 130. Most of the traffic involved Iranian or sanctioned vessels, with major crude-carrying supertankers notably absent.
Air travel in Iran is gradually resuming, with flights restarting from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport to destinations including Saudi Arabia and Oman. The reopening follows weeks of widespread disruption that saw tens of thousands of flights cancelled or rerouted due to security concerns.
Signals from Tehran
Iran has signalled a willingness to return to negotiations, but only under terms it considers fair. Officials insist they will not engage under pressure or accept externally imposed conditions.
Key sticking points remain unresolved. Tehran is seeking firm security guarantees to prevent a repeat of past conflicts. It also demands sanctions relief, war reparations, and the right to maintain its nuclear programme, including keeping enriched uranium within its borders.
At the same time, Iranian leaders have warned that failure of diplomacy could lead to renewed military escalation.
Military warnings and regional concerns
Iran’s military has issued fresh warnings to the United States, cautioning that continued enforcement of the naval blockade could trigger a strong response. According to statements reported by Tasnim News Agency, Iran’s armed forces are prepared to defend national sovereignty and inflict “heavier damage” in the event of further aggression.
The standoff is also causing deep concern among Gulf states, many of which are heavily dependent on oil exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say revenues in countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have dropped sharply since the conflict began, with some reporting declines of up to 80 per cent.
Regional stakeholders are expected to push for the full reopening of the strait without restrictions or tolls, warning that any precedent limiting freedom of navigation could have long-term global implications.
