Tensions across West Asia remained on edge as the United States pushed for renewed diplomatic engagement with Iran, even as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continued despite an extended ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Washington said President Donald Trump had decided to send Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to Pakistan for discussions linked to Tehran.
Iran, however, said no direct meeting with the United States was scheduled during Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s Islamabad visit. The diplomatic movement comes alongside fresh Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah retaliation claims, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that Israel, in coordination with the US, was working to “change the face of the Middle East”.
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US says not in a rush for deal with Iran
Hegseth said President Donald Trump believes Washington has “all the time in the world” on negotiations.
He added that Iran still has an opportunity to make what he called a “good deal, a wise deal”.
‘Shadow fleet’ keeps Iranian oil flowing
According to maritime intelligence inputs, multiple tankers carrying Iranian oil have left the Gulf region in recent days.
This suggests Tehran is finding ways to bypass US restrictions despite increased naval pressure.
US insists blockade working, data shows gaps
US officials said the maritime blockade has forced at least 34 vessels to turn back.
However, shipping data indicates Iran is still managing to export oil, with “shadow fleet” tankers moving through alternative routes.
US calls Iran conflict a “gift to the world”
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described the ongoing conflict with Iran as “a gift to the world”.
He said the naval blockade would continue “as long as it takes”, calling the mission necessary to counter what Washington sees as a threat from Tehran.
Lavrov says global order shifting to ‘might is right’
Lavrov said international law is being sidelined, with global decisions increasingly dictated by power rather than rules.
He also urged the US to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, accusing Washington of walking away from past agreements.
Lavrov accuses US of pursuing oil-driven interventions
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the United States’ actions in countries like Iran and Venezuela are driven by control over oil resources.
He claimed Washington operates under a “doctrine of dominance in global energy markets” and is willing to use extreme measures to secure its interests.
Iran lawmaker says no nuclear talks in Pakistan
A senior Iranian lawmaker said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan is strictly for bilateral discussions.
He stressed that nuclear negotiations remain a “red line” and are not part of the current engagement.
Iran signals mass mobilisation amid tensions
Iranian officials said over 30 million people have signed up for a national campaign backing the military.
The mobilisation was described as a show of unity and readiness to defend the country.
Strait of Hormuz turned into ‘pressure lever’: Iran
Iran said the strategic Strait of Hormuz has become a “lever of control” amid the ongoing US blockade.
It claimed to have forced “enemy retreat” in parts of the Gulf of Oman through tight maritime control.
Iran highlights indigenous defence strength, long-term build-up
Iran said its military capabilities are backed by decades of investment and a fully indigenous production network.
Officials said around 9,000 companies are involved in defence manufacturing, ensuring resilience even if facilities are hit.
Iran claims control over Israeli airspace before ceasefire
The Iranian military said its forces had “full control over the skies of the occupied territories” before the ceasefire came into effect.
The claim signals Tehran’s attempt to project dominance even as diplomatic efforts continue.
Iran says much of its missile capability still unused
Iran’s Defence Ministry said a “significant portion” of its missile capability remains unused despite recent hostilities.
Spokesperson Brig Gen Reza Talaei-Nik said the military had exercised restraint and retains substantial advanced weaponry in reserve.
US signals readiness for escalation if ordered
A senior US military official said forces are prepared to resume large-scale combat operations if directed by the President.
The statement underlined that the current blockade and interdiction efforts are part of a broader pressure strategy on Iran.
US seizes oil tankers carrying sanctioned Iranian crude
The US military confirmed it had seized multiple vessels, including a tanker carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Iranian oil.
Another stateless tanker was also intercepted, with both ships and crews currently in US custody.
US enforces global maritime blockade targeting Iran-linked ships
Top US military officials said a strict blockade is being enforced on vessels heading to or from Iranian ports.
Officials said 34 ships have already turned back, while operations are ongoing across multiple regions, including the Indian Ocean.
US Navy intercepts Iran-linked vessel amid blockade push
US Central Command said a guided-missile destroyer intercepted an Iranian-flagged vessel attempting to head toward an Iranian port.
The ship was boarded and investigated as part of Washington’s broader effort to restrict maritime movement linked to Tehran.
Trilateral meeting possibility emerges in Islamabad
Sources cited in the report said a potential trilateral meeting involving Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner could take place.
The meeting, if it happens, would follow separate bilateral discussions being facilitated by Pakistan.
Hardline shift may impact future US-Iran negotiations
The ISW warned that Vahidi’s rise could push Iran toward a more uncompromising stance in talks with the United States.
It noted he is more willing than pragmatists to accept the risk of renewed conflict, complicating ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Internal rift grows in Tehran despite public unity messaging
The assessment said Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has grown frustrated with internal divisions and may have stepped back from the negotiating process.
This comes even as Iran’s leadership publicly projected unity, with top officials posting messages emphasising alignment under the Supreme Leader.
Iran hardliners blocking flexibility in US talks: ISW
A US-based think tank said Iran’s negotiating stance is being shaped by hardliners led by IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi.
The report said Vahidi has repeatedly blocked efforts by more pragmatic leaders to adopt a flexible approach, and has now emerged dominant in internal decision-making.
Iran says no US talks planned during Araghchi’s Islamabad visit
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said no direct meeting with the United States is scheduled during Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Islamabad.
Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Iran’s observations would be conveyed to Pakistan, which is playing a mediation role amid efforts to restore regional peace.
Trump sends Witkoff, Kushner to Pakistan for Iran-linked talks
The White House said US President Donald Trump has decided to dispatch Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to Pakistan.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the envoys would “hear the Iranians out”, adding that Washington had seen “some progress” from Tehran in recent days.
Pakistan welcomes Iranian foreign minister in Islamabad
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad.
Dar said he looked forward to “meaningful engagements” aimed at promoting regional peace and stability. Araghchi is expected to meet Pakistan’s top leadership during the visit.
Araghchi begins regional tour with stops in Pakistan, Oman and Russia
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he is undertaking a regional tour covering Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow.
He said the purpose of the visit is to coordinate with partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments, adding that Iran’s neighbours remain its priority.
Trump says Israel, Lebanon agreed to three more weeks of ceasefire
US President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend the ceasefire by three weeks after high-level talks.
Trump said both sides had agreed to “no more firing”, but added that Hezbollah remained a concern in the situation.
IDF says Hezbollah violated ceasefire understandings
The IDF said Hezbollah launched rockets and an explosive UAV towards Israeli soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.
It called the incidents a violation of ceasefire understandings and said it had also struck Hezbollah military structures in Deir Aames.
Netanyahu accuses Hezbollah of trying to sabotage Lebanon peace push
Netanyahu said Hezbollah was trying to sabotage the process of peace between Israel and Lebanon.
He said Israel would maintain full freedom of action against threats and was determined to restore security for residents in northern Israel.
Netanyahu says Israel and US are acting in full cooperation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he held an “excellent conversation” with President Trump, who he claimed was applying strong pressure on Iran.
Netanyahu said Israel and the US were operating in full cooperation, adding that efforts had also begun to achieve what he called a “historic peace” between Israel and Lebanon.
Hezbollah claims attack on Israeli armoured vehicle
Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli armoured personnel carrier in Ramyah, southern Lebanon.
The group said the attack was in response to Israel’s destruction of homes in southern Lebanon, which it called a violation of the ceasefire.
Israel strikes Hezbollah launchers in southern Lebanon
The Israel Defence Forces said it struck Hezbollah rocket launchers in the southern Lebanese towns of Yater and Kafra.
The IDF claimed the launchers posed a threat to Israeli troops and civilians. Lebanese health authorities said Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least six people and injured two others.