The peace negotiations in Islamabad continue to wobble, with conflicting messages from Iran and the US
The presence of the Iranian minister in Pakistan has revived hopes for dialogue, but the refusal to meet with the Washington authorities questions whether there will be diplomatic steps.
Security measures for negotiations in Islamabad.
Pakistan's capital is once again at the centre of international diplomacy, even though the peace negotiations between Iran and the US are in doubt and amid conflicting messages. The arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Abas Araqchi has not cleared up doubts, but has cast a shadow over political and strategic calculations.
Iran refuses to meet with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner sent by the Donald Trump administration. The US administration has indicated that they are trying to strengthen contacts, but Tehran has publicly closed that possibility.
The Iranian authorities have made clearthat "no meetings are planned "with representatives of Washington and have stressed that any message will be sent through Pakistan. This statement has cooled hopes for an imminent meeting and suggests that negotiations are continuing in a fragile preliminary phase.
However, the tone of the Iranian message leaves room for interpretation. Analysts believe that itcould be a strategy for domestic policy, especially not to show weakness in the face of the country's toughest sectors, while indirect communication channels remain open.
In this context, Araqchi's visit takes on a broader meaning. Rather than a direct negotiator with Washington, his role seems to be to send proposals to regional mediators , including Pakistan, the mediator of both sides.
Pakistan, led by military chief Asim Munir, intensifies its mediating work and maintains strong security measures in the capital. The Pakistani Government conveys optimism and suggests that a meeting can take place immediately, although local events do not confirm that hope.
Araqchi's agenda in the region adds another layer of complexity. His next stop at Mascat reinforces Oman's historic role as mediator between the two powers, especially with regard to the control of the Strait of Hormuz .
Then his visit to Russia points to the other major axis of the conflict: Iran's nuclear program. Moscow, an ally of Tehran and with open channels with Washington, could play a key role in unblocking one of the main obstacles to peace.
Meanwhile, logistical reality doesn't make it any easier for the meeting to take place, as the US authorities have not yet begun their journey.
You might like
Musk, the richest man in the world, says he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Musk began a legal battle in 2024 against ChatGPT's core company, the founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, and their main partner Microsoft, accusing them of breach of contract and unfair enrichment. He is testifying for the second day in a federal court in Oakland, California.
The Israeli Army intercepts 22 Global Sumud Flotilla vessels in international waters
The attack took place in international waters 1,000 kilometres from Israel.
Putin has proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine for May 9, and Trump has supported him
Putin and Ukraine's leader, Volodimir Zelenski, agreed to two similar short truce by 2025. In any case, Zelenski calls for a ceasefire of at least 30 days, which Moscow refuses.
United Arab Emirates announces withdrawal from OPEC due to crisis in the Strait of Hormuz
the departure of the United Arab Emirates, which has been a member of OPEC since 1967, may cause disorder and weaken the group, which, despite disagreements over fair and stable prices for oil producers, has sought to show a united front.
What is "Declared Survivor"? Protocol that can be activated after an attack on the White House
In the current debate on the security of the President of the United States, it has been reported that the "appointed survivor" system was not envisaged, according to which a cabinet member is isolated from taking office in the event of an attack.
Trump has called for the dismissal of Jimmy Kimmel for his parody of the White House
On Thursday, on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" show, Kimmel parodied what he would say if he were the comedian chosen to cheer up the White House correspondents' dinner. At one point in the parody, Kimmel said, "Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have the glow of someone waiting for a widow."
Trump has stressed that "there has always been" political violence in the US
The US president does not believe that there is more political violence, but he has warned of the "dangers" of Democrats "hate speech.
Sailing more than 50 ships from Sicily, the largest mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla is heading for Gaza
This is the largest maritime civil mobilization coordinated so far by the Global Sumud Flotilla, along with the rescue ship Open Arms and Greenpeace's Arctic Sunrise. "Their presence alongside us strengthens the operational capacity of the mission and demonstrates the growing global consensus on efforts to combat the illegal blockade of Israel and ensure safe humanitarian access," the Global Sumud Flotilla has emphasized.
Iran has declared that "specific conditions" have been set for further negotiations with the US
Since the U.S. Army began blocking Iranian ports, it has prevented 38 ships from crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
The alleged perpetrator of the Washington attack left a letter against the Trump administration
In that 1,052 word manifesto, the President of the United States, with the exception of FBI Director Kash Patel, prioritizes the top positions in the administration.