Pakistan proposes fresh US-Iran talks amid signs of progress
The Pakistani officials, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, said the proposal is flexible and could change if both sides prefer another venue.
Pakistan has proposed hosting a fresh round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, as leaders from Washington signaled cautious optimism about diplomatic progress. Officials in Islamabad said Tuesday they had offered to organize new talks, while US Vice President JD Vance noted that earlier discussions showed "some progress." Meanwhile, Donald Trump said Iran had reached out and expressed willingness to pursue an agreement.
The Pakistani officials, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, said the proposal is flexible and could change if both sides prefer another venue.
At the same time, a senior figure from Hezbollah заявил that the group would not honor any outcomes from planned Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington. Lebanese authorities, however, are aiming to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Israel, which has caused over 2,000 deaths. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the idea of a ceasefire, instead emphasizing Hezbollah's disarmament and a possible peace deal.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Tensions have further escalated following a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran's threats of retaliation, raising concerns about global economic stability and the potential collapse of the ceasefire.
Amid these developments, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a four-point plan aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East. His proposal stresses peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, balanced attention to development and security, and adherence to international law.
Financial markets responded positively to hopes of renewed diplomacy. Asian stock markets rose, while oil prices declined as expectations grew for another round of U.S.-Iran talks. Major indices in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and China all recorded gains, while crude oil prices eased from earlier highs.
Pakistan reiterated its offer to host the next round of talks in Islamabad before the current ceasefire expires. Officials described the earlier negotiations as part of a continuing diplomatic effort rather than a one-time initiative.
