Pakistan intervened to halt a reported Israeli plan to target Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, preserving fragile diplomatic channels. As Tehran reviews a U.S. peace proposal, Islamabad, Turkey, and Egypt continue mediation efforts to end the escalating Middle East conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that Iran did not plan to negotiate with the United States and intended to keep fighting, after the White House said talks were ongoing.
Australia banned visitors from Iran on Thursday, saying war in the Middle East increased the risk they would refuse to fly home once their short-term visas expired.
Iran has said "non-hostile vessels" can transit the Strait of Hormuz if they meet safety and security regulations in coordination with the relevant authorities, according to a statement released to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The EU has put plans on hold for a complete ban on Russian oil imports, news outlets have reported. The move comes amid renewed turbulence in energy markets driven by the war in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump reshared Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer for Pakistan to host potential peace talks between the United States and Iran.
Deadly airstrikes continue between Israel and Iran, while Hezbollah and Gulf states face drone attacks. Partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz brings limited relief to global energy markets.
