Iran FM calls for regional security arrangement for Hormuz, returns to Islamabad
Araqchi had flown to Oman – another mediator in the war – before returning to Islamabad today
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has called for a regional security framework free of outside interference during a meeting with Omani Sultan and Prime Minister Haitham bin Tariq al-Said.
Araqchi had flown to Oman – another mediator in the war – before returning to Islamabad today (26 April). Pakistani government sources told Reuters he would hold talks with the country's leadership before heading to Moscow.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a phone call with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Iran would not enter negotiations while facing pressure, threats, or what he described as a state of siege, according to statements from the Iranian presidency.
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The conversation covered regional developments, ongoing Iran-US negotiations in Islamabad, and issues related to a ceasefire, says Mehr News Agency.
Pezeshkian criticised the United States' conduct in the region.
He also outlined Iran's approach to regional relations, particularly with neighbouring states. Pezeshkian emphasised a vision for regional peace and security based on mutual respect and "good neighbourliness", ideally achieved without external interference.
Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Sharif and the Pakistani army chief for their active efforts in supporting diplomatic initiatives and peace restoration.
Iran 'offered a lot, but not enough', says Trump
Speaking in Florida before being rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, Trump said he cancelled his envoys' visit due to too much travel and expense for what he considered an inadequate Iranian offer.
Iran "offered a lot, but not enough," Trump said.
An earlier round of talks in Islamabad – in which Vice President JD Vance led the US delegation opposite Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf – ended without agreement.
After the latest diplomatic trip was called off, two US Air Force C-17s carrying security staff, equipment and vehicles used to protect US officials flew out of Pakistan, two Pakistani government sources told Reuters today.
CNN reported that Trump said talks will continue by phone after Iran declined to meet directly with American negotiators.
In the absence of a deal, a US naval blockade is causing rising food prices and unemployment for everyday Iranians, while Tehran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has economic ripple effects around the world.
