Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, is scheduled to embark on a diplomatic tour starting Friday, with planned visits to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. This trip is anticipated to facilitate bilateral consultations and discussions on regional developments, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. The move has sparked hopes for renewed talks aimed at de-escalating regional tensions. Pakistan has been actively mediating efforts to restart ceasefire negotiations between Iran and the United States, following a recent collapse of direct talks earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of contention. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported limited but risky transit in the strait, attributing the situation to Iran’s threats against vessels. He emphasized that the US military is the only entity capable of addressing this, warning against any further attempts by Iran to lay mines. Hegseth reiterated that the US maintains a “full blockade” in the strait, having turned away 34 ships, and is prepared to use lethal force if necessary. The Iranian ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, condemned the US blockade as a “significant breach” of the ceasefire, urging a “realistic approach” from the US that recognizes Iran’s rights. The UAE, however, expressed deep distrust, stating that rebuilding confidence with Tehran would take “ages and ages” given the numerous Iranian attacks during the war.
In other regional developments, Indonesia strongly condemned an Israeli attack in Lebanon that led to the death of a fourth Indonesian peacekeeper, urging the UN to investigate thoroughly. US President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, hoping for a meeting between the two countries’ leaders. Human Rights Watch called on Lebanon to join the International Criminal Court after an Israeli airstrike killed a Lebanese journalist.
Internationally, a leaked Pentagon email proposed reassessing US support for Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands, citing the UK’s insufficient assistance in the American bombing of Iran. The email also suggested suspending Spain from NATO for similar reasons. Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed successful treatment for early-stage prostate cancer, stating he delayed the report’s release to prevent Iranian propaganda.
Regarding sports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that Iran’s footballers are welcome at this year’s World Cup, though he warned that individuals with ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) might be barred entry.
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