Amid escalating tensions following a US blockade of Iranian ports, Pakistan has proposed a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran by Thursday, two Islamabad officials told the Associated Press.
After the blockade began, former US President Donald Trump said Iran was eager to reach an agreement, claiming he had been contacted earlier in the day by “appropriate people” seeking a deal. US Vice President JD Vance accused Iran of engaging in an “act of economic terrorism” by blocking transit through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the responsibility for de-escalation now lies with Tehran.
Following the US action, Iran responded with threats targeting ports across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict involving US-allied countries.
Ceasefire talks between Washington and Tehran ended on Sunday without a breakthrough, casting uncertainty over the future of the current two-week truce, which is set to expire on April 22.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump issued a warning against Iranian vessels approaching the US blockade. He claimed that a significant portion of Iran’s navy had already been destroyed and said any remaining “fast attack ships” would be “immediately eliminated” if they approached US positions.
The situation remains volatile as diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan stepping in to facilitate dialogue even as both sides exchange strong rhetoric and military warnings.
