With the negotiations between US and Iran remain frozen, Abbas Araghçi is back in Islamabad, while at stake for Starmer and Trump is the opening of the Hormuz Strait.
In a communication between UK Prime Minister Kir Starmers and US President Donald Trump, “the urgent need to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz” was raised. According to a statement from Downing Street, “the leaders discussed the urgent need to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, given the adverse impact on the global economy and the cost of living for people in the UK and globally.” Kir Starmer pointed to DonaldTubb’s “progress on the joint initiative with President Emmanuel Macron of France’s President Emmanuel Macron to restore freedom of navigation”.
The communication came as Iranian diplomatic chief Abbas Araghchi from Oman returned to Islamabad, where he is in talks with the prime minister of Pakistan – a mediating country – on the truce between the US and Iran.
What the Revolutionary Guards say in response
For their part, the Revolutionary Guards say in a new statement: “We will not open the Strait of Hormuz except on the order of our leader Khamenei, and not because of the tweets of a fool.” It should be noted that the naval forces of the Revolutionary Guards have deployed forces in the area of the Strait of Hormuz and are blocking the passage of ships, which remain stranded.
Abbas Aragçi in consultations
Meanwhile, Abbas Aragçi is attempting to revive relations with the Persian Gulf countries. In a message, he says that “the countries of the region are called upon to adopt a responsible stance to create a collective security mechanism far from American interference.” He was in communication with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, to whom he cited “various aspects of the current situation in the region, in particular developments related to the ceasefire“. He also briefed his Saudi counterpart on the latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Islamic Republic of Iran to end the war and reduce tensions.
“The ceasefire remains in place”
From Islamabad, where Abbas Araghchi is, he appears to be considering the proposals of Pakistan – which is a mediating power – and according to Al Arabiya, “Pakistan is awaiting Iran’s approval to hold a possible meeting with the US side“. A source close to the Pakistani government also said that “at present there is no plan for the arrival of a US delegation in Islamabad.” “The ceasefire remains in place,” the same source confirmed, stressing that “Islamabad has not received any information from the United States about any change in this situation.”
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