Uncertain resumption of US-Iran negotiations amid Middle East tensions
via Le Matin3 min read
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad after discussions with Pakistani officials regarding peace talks with the United States. This follows an initial round of direct talks in the Pakistani capital two weeks prior, which resulted in a temporary ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran. However, a second round of negotiations has not yet occurred. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected in Islamabad, where an Iranian delegation is also engaging with Pakistani authorities, though direct talks between the US and Iran are not guaranteed. Araghchi met with Pakistani army chief Asim Munir, but the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that no meeting is planned between Iran and the United States. Meanwhile, the Iranian armed forces command, Khatam al-Anbiya, threatened military retaliation if the US blockade of Iranian ports continues, calling it "piracy." In Lebanon, Israeli strikes on Saturday in Yohmor al-Shaqeef, Nabatiyeh district, killed four people, despite a fragile ceasefire extension in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. A spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Defense claimed that Iran's military power is dominant and the US is seeking a way to save face from the war. A German minehunter is to be pre-positioned in the Mediterranean Sea for a potential mission in the Strait of Hormuz after the Gulf conflict. Iran's judiciary announced the execution of a man convicted of cooperating with Israeli intelligence during Jan
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