Pakistan is looking to end the U.S.'s blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz and facilitate Tehran's return to the negotiating table, according to a new report.
Citing an Iranian official, Retuers detailed that Pakistan is making positive efforts towards that end, with Field Marshal Asim Munir telling President Donald Trump that it was an obstacle to talks. Trump promised to consider the advice and, a s a result, Tehran is "positively reviewing" its participation in new talks, the outlet added.
The Trump administration, in turn, is signaling that talks are taking place. In fact, CNN cited a person familiar with U.S. plans saying that Vice President JD Vance is expected to head to Pakistan on Tuesday for a round of negotiations on Wednesday.
The White House said there are no definitions on timing. "We expect the delegation to be on the road soon but unclear when." It is now unlikely that negotiations take place before the ceasefire between the countries end on Tuesday night.
Tensions remain high despite Trump saying last week that hostilities were close to an end. He made a series of remarks claiming that Tehran had agreed to several of Washington's demands, including giving up its nuclear stockpile.
However, Iran rejected this during the weekend. Moreover, forces rejected a claim from Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about the Strait of Hormuz being open throughout the duration of the ceasefire and fired at vessels attempting to cross.
The U.S. also said it is maintaining its blockade of the key waterway as well. And seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship after attempting to bypass the blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
The development marks the first seizure of such a vessel since the U.S. blockade went into effect last Sunday. Trump said U.S. Marines disabled and seized the Touska after the "Iranian crew refused to listen."
The Iranian military, in turn, accused the U.S. of "maritime piracy" and vowed to "soon respond."
Tehran has also said it's begun rebuilding its stockpile of weapons and munitions during the ceasefire.
Brig. Gen. Seyed Majid Mousavi, commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Aerospace Force, said missile and drone launchers have been repaired since April 8, when the cessation of hostilities began.
"Our speed in updating and refilling missile and drone launch platforms is even greater than before the war," Mousavi claimed.
Trump, in turn, threatened to strike infrastructure used with civilian purposes like power plants if talks are unfruitful or don't take place at all.
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