Capitals, April 25 (SANA) Attention is once again turning to Islamabad, where U.S. and Iranian delegations are preparing for a second round of indirect negotiations, amid conflicting signals and a lack of diplomatic momentum.
Delegations arrive, but no direct talks expected
While the White House confirmed that presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Islamabad on Saturday, Tehran has reiterated that no direct meeting will take place with the U.S. side.
This continued reliance on indirect channels reflects the fragile state of engagement between the two sides.
Trump signals possible Iranian “offer”
U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran may present a proposal that could “meet U.S. demands,” but offered no details leaving uncertainty over whether any substantive shift is underway.
Washington maintains that any agreement must include limits on Iran’s enriched uranium activities and guarantees for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Hormuz crisis weighs on negotiations
Efforts to revive diplomacy have struggled since the previous round on April 12, as tensions over maritime restrictions escalated.
Tehran has refused to engage under what it describes as a U.S. naval blockade, while effectively limiting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy flows.
European pressure to reopen the Strait
European Council President António Costa called for the immediate reopening of the waterway without restrictions, stressing the importance of international law and freedom of navigation.
Military buildup and ceasefire extension
The United States continues to reinforce its regional presence, with the deployment of the USS George H. W. Bush.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire by two weeks, aiming to create space for further diplomatic efforts.
European moves to secure navigation
France and the United Kingdom are leading a European initiative to safeguard maritime routes, with discussions involving more than 40 countries on operational mechanisms.
Markets react to uncertainty
Global markets remain on edge, with oil prices fluctuating sharply between supply concerns and hopes for renewed diplomacy.
Gold has retreated under pressure from geopolitical uncertainty, while U.S. equities continue to post gains driven by cautious optimism.
No breakthrough so far
The first round of talks in Islamabad produced no tangible results, and expectations remain low as the second round begins under mounting pressure.
kA/MZ
