Iran, Pakistan hold talks in Tehran amid hopes of US-Iran deal

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held talks in Tehran on Tuesday amid diplomatic efforts to end the US-Iran conflict and resolve tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported.

The meeting came as Pakistan and Qatar stepped up mediation efforts. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently said the United States and Iran were close to reaching an understanding.

Iran said it was nearing a deal with Oman on establishing a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran has demanded that the United States lift sanctions and provide compensation, among other conditions, before the strait can be fully reopened.

Meanwhile, attacks on vessels were reported in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea on Tuesday. Yemen’s Transport Ministry also said four crew members of a cargo ship were killed in a suspected attack by Houthi forces.

SKS