Pakistan Mediates Talks Between U.S. and Iran on Ceasefire and Strait Control

Pakistani mediators continued talks aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Officials believe an agreement remains possible even as major points of disagreement persist. Future control over the Strait of Hormuz and a demand that Tehran export its stockpile of highly enriched uranium remain central issues.

Pakistani interior minister Mohsen Naqvi met Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi for the second time in two days.

Iran has proposed that its newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority manage the channel, with fees charged and vessels required to follow designated routes. The Iranian ambassador to France confirmed that Iran is seeking Oman's cooperation with the plan.

Five Gulf states—Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—sent a letter to the International Maritime Authority urging ships not to engage with the proposed authority. Oman, which would oversee the southern side under the plan, has expressed caution.

Iran has stated it wants to focus on ending hostilities and obtaining a phased lifting of U.S. sanctions, unfreezing of assets, and compensation for war damage. Officials have rejected media speculation about immediate nuclear negotiations. Russia has offered to accept the uranium stockpile, but Iran has said it will downblend the material inside the country.

A delayed visit by Pakistani army commander Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran may still occur if progress is made.