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Iran-US negotiations stalled in Pakistan amid mutual distrust and Strait of Hormuz incidents
via SeneNews6 min read
New negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Pakistan remain uncertain, with both sides expressing mutual distrust and incidents escalating in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Esmail Baghaye stated that Tehran has no plans for the next round of negotiations "at this stage," questioning the seriousness of the United States in the diplomatic process. He cited the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship by the US in the Gulf of Oman, naval blockades of Iranian ports, and delays in implementing the Lebanon ceasefire as "flagrant violations." US President Donald Trump had announced a US delegation would arrive in Islamabad to restart peace talks aimed at ending the war, which began on February 28 with Israeli-American strikes. The conflict has engulfed the Middle East, caused thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and significantly impacted the global economy. Oil prices surged due to renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for global hydrocarbon supplies. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for the strait to remain open and called for an "immediate and comprehensive ceasefire" during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Iranian media suggest that lifting the US naval blockade is a prerequisite for discussions with Washington. This issue is complicated by the US Navy's seizure of the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska, which Trump stated "attempted to cross our maritime blockade." Tehran has vowed to
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Must ReadAt the 69th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government, ECOWAS appointed the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as the chairman of the regional organization. This designation reflects his influence within the institution and his consistent vision. Before his peers, he presented a clear assessment of the Community's situation, noting a resilient but vulnerable economy, a region weakened by terrorism, and institutions in need of reform. To address these challenges, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye outlined several priorities: operationalizing the regional counter-terrorism force, pooling resources among member states, strengthening the Community's financial autonomy, and better protecting populations affected by insecurity. In accepting this responsibility, Bassirou Diomaye Faye acknowledged ECOWAS's fifty-year legacy of solidarity, integration, and collective development among regional countries. He pledged to uphold this legacy by adapting it to contemporary challenges, including collective security, institutional stability, political and economic sovereignty, and a stronger, more audible, and credible voice for West Africa on the international stage. President Faye concluded the session by proclaiming, "Long live ECOWAS! Long live a reconciled and united West Africa!"
Must ReadThe ECOWAS Heads of State and Government summit begins on July 19 in Lungi, Sierra Leone, addressing significant security, political, and economic challenges in the sub-region. Senegal has proposed General Birame Diop, former Minister of Armed Forces under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to chair the ECOWAS Commission. He is currently the sole candidate to lead the executive body. If confirmed, his appointment would be a significant step for Senegalese diplomacy and place a Senegalese national at the helm of an institution guiding ECOWAS's direction in a complex regional context. The summit follows a week of preparatory meetings involving experts, high-ranking officials, and ministers from member states. Beyond the Commission president's appointment, leaders will discuss strengthening regional security against terrorism, consolidating democratic governance, and accelerating economic integration and free movement within the community.
Former French international Patrick Vieira, who has Senegalese roots, is reportedly a strong candidate to become the next coach of the Lions of Teranga. According to journalist Pape Ousmane Kassé of Match360, the former Arsenal midfielder has signaled his openness to the Senegalese Football Federation FSF regarding taking charge of the national team. Discussions between Vieira and the FSF are said to be well advanced, with only the approval of the country's highest authorities pending before a contract can be signed and his technical staff assembled. This potential move would mark a shift for Senegal, which has recently been led by locally trained coaches Aliou Cissé and Pape Thiaw, towards an expatriate coach. Vieira is currently unattached, having previously managed Genoa in Italy from November 2021 to November 2025 before being dismissed due to insufficient results. His recent coaching career also includes amicable departures from Strasbourg July 2023 – July 2024 following disagreements with management, and his dismissal from Crystal Palace in March 2023 after 18 months.