Araqchi Concludes Islamabad Visit, Awaits Arrival of Trump Envoys

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi concluded an official visit to Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, where he held meetings with high-ranking Pakistani officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. During his visit, Araqchi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in addition to Army Commander Asim Munir, who plays a pivotal role in mediating between Washington and Tehran. US envoys Steve are expected to arrive Jared and Kushner will travel to Islamabad this weekend as part of diplomatic efforts to end the war in the region. White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt confirmed that the Iranians had contacted the US administration and asked for direct talks, expressing the hope that these talks would be fruitful. In a related context, the Iranian armed forces warned of their response if the United States continued its naval blockade of the Islamic Republic's ports, describing American practices in the region as“burglary and piracy.” For its part, Iran is imposing a de facto blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy markets. On the Lebanese front, Israeli strikes continue despite a three-week extension of the ceasefire, with four people killed in two strikes targeting the town of Yuhmur al-Shaqif. This brings to ten the number of deaths in Israeli strikes Within two days, amid continued Israeli military operations to establish a “security zone” in southern Lebanon. European Council President Antonio Costa stressed the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately without restrictions, stressing that this is vital for the whole world. The German Ministry of Defense announced the stationing of a German minesweeper in the Mediterranean Sea in preparation for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the current conflict.