Iran FM Heads to Pakistan for Talks as US Deploys Third Carrier in Middle East
Rabat – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Pakistan, Oman, and Russia on a “timely tour” to coordinate with allies, as tensions with the US remain high and talks between the two sides appear stalled.
Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday night for consultations with Pakistani officials. The visit is an important step that could help restart direct negotiations between Iran and the US after days of uncertainty over whether Tehran would return to the negotiating table.
“Our neighbors are our priority,” Araghchi said, signaling Iran’s focus on regional diplomacy before heading to Muscat and Moscow.
The diplomatic push comes as Washington increases its military presence in the region. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the country has deployed a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East, the first time such a buildup has occurred since 2003. The move brings around 200 fighter jets into the region.
At the same time, the US continues to enforce a naval blockade on Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. The US military says it has already redirected dozens of vessels, sharply reducing traffic through the strait and disrupting energy supplies worldwide.
The situation has contributed to a growing global energy shock, with oil production losses estimated in the tens of billions of dollars. Shipping through the strait has dropped dramatically.
Iran has meanwhile accused Washington of escalating tensions. Its mission to the United Nations condemned the US seizure of an Iranian vessel carrying medical supplies, calling it a violation of international law and warning of risks to civilian lives.
Despite the military pressure, signs of possible diplomacy remain. Pakistani officials say there is a “high likelihood” of progress in talks, suggesting both sides may be softening their positions after weeks of confrontation.
Elsewhere in the region, violence continues despite ceasefire efforts. Israeli strikes in Gaza and southern Lebanon have caused casualties, while leaders in Lebanon push for international support to stabilize a fragile truce that Israel continues to violate.
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