US forces have intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting to bypass a blockade in the Gulf of Oman. President Donald Trump confirmed the seizure of the nearly 900-foot-long vessel named TOUSKA. In response, Iran reportedly attacked US military ships in retaliation.
Iran has denied plans to send a negotiating delegation for peace talks with the United States. Trump had announced possible talks in Islamabad, but Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency stated otherwise. The Iranian team insists that no negotiations will occur as long as the US naval blockade remains in place.
Disagreements persist between the US and Iran, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Trump mentioned working with Iran to remove enriched uranium, while Iran rejected a proposal to unfreeze assets in exchange for stockpile handover. Despite these differences, regional countries are pushing for talks between the two nations.
Efforts to restart negotiations involve various regional leaders. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing the importance of consensus for lasting peace. Egypt and Pakistan also expressed hope for new US-Iran talks, highlighting dialogue as the key to resolving disputes.
Security measures are heightened in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in anticipation of potential talks. Thousands of police personnel and elite commandos have been deployed for security. Public and goods transport has been suspended, entry points sealed, and major hotels requisitioned for the talks.
