By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Iran is reportedly reconsidering its position on joining new peace negotiations with the United States after diplomatic efforts by Pakistan helped address one of Tehran’s major concerns — the continued American naval blockade around Iranian ports.
According to a senior Iranian source, Tehran is now “positively reviewing” whether to attend the proposed talks in Islamabad, though officials insist no final decision has been made.
The possible shift marks a notable change in tone from Iran’s earlier stance. In recent days, Iranian leaders had dismissed the idea of further negotiations and instead warned of retaliation following Washington’s seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel in regional waters. That incident sharply increased tensions at a time when a fragile two-week ceasefire between both sides is nearing its expiration.
Pakistani officials have been working behind the scenes to keep diplomacy alive. Sources familiar with the negotiations said Pakistan’s military leadership urged U.S. President Donald Trump to ease the blockade, arguing that it had become the single biggest obstacle preventing Iran from returning to the negotiating table. Trump is said to be weighing that advice as senior American officials prepare to arrive in Pakistan for another possible round of talks.
The timing is critical. The ceasefire between the two countries is expected to expire late Tuesday, and many fear that without diplomatic progress, the region could quickly slide back into confrontation. The latest maritime incident has already added to the uncertainty after U.S. forces intercepted and boarded an Iranian-flagged ship that Washington claims was attempting to breach sanctions enforcement measures.
Iran has condemned the seizure as an act of “armed piracy” and accused Washington of undermining the very negotiations it claims to support. Iranian officials also repeated that the country’s missile capabilities and defense systems remain non-negotiable, signaling that even if talks move forward, the discussions could face major obstacles from the start.
Meanwhile, global markets are watching closely. Oil traders remain nervous over the possibility that the ceasefire could collapse, especially with shipping traffic through the strategically vital slowing dramatically. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, and any renewed military conflict there could send oil prices sharply higher and disrupt global supply chains.
China, one of Iran’s largest oil customers, has also expressed concern over the cargo ship seizure and urged all sides to return to diplomacy. Beijing called for freedom of navigation in the Gulf and warned that further escalation could destabilize the broader region and damage the global economy.
Despite preparations for the talks in Islamabad, uncertainty remains high. Heavy security has been deployed across Pakistan’s capital as officials prepare for a meeting that may still not happen. European allies are also watching with caution, concerned that a rushed agreement could create the appearance of progress while leaving the most difficult issues unresolved.
For now, the world is waiting to see whether Iran’s softened tone will lead to direct engagement or whether the expiring ceasefire will open the door to a new and potentially more dangerous phase in the crisis.
Source Reuters
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