President Donald Trump has suggested that talks aimed at ending the war in Iran could resume this week, after negotiations collapsed at the weekend, prompting the US to blockade Iranian ports.
You should stay there [Islamabad], really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we're more inclined to go there, Trump was quoted as saying in an interview with the New York Post.
His remarks came as the American military stated that no ships had passed through the US-enforced blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas in the first 24 hours of the operation. This blockade aims to cut Iran off from its economic lifelines during a two-week ceasefire.
The stand-off has raised doubts over the prospects of a ceasefire set to expire next week. While the Iranian side has not yet responded to Trump's comments, UN Secretary General António Guterres indicated a probability that talks may reactivate.
Negotiating teams from Washington and Tehran might return to Pakistan later this week, though no specific date has been set, according to Gulf, Pakistani, and Iranian officials.
Diplomatic hopes have positively impacted oil markets, driving benchmark prices below $100. However, multiple US warships involved in the blockade are enforcing strict restrictions on any vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports, significantly affecting Iran's oil revenue.
Amidst these developments, China's response criticized the blockade as 'dangerous and irresponsible,' stirring concerns about escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, a new chapter of negotiations opens as Israel and Lebanon agree on direct discussions following US-mediated talks.
