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Efforts to bring Tehran and Washington on the negotiating table are once again gathering momentum with Egypt and Pakistan are stepping in to help save
the stalled peace talks between the US and Iran. Tensions between the two countries have kept rising since their 60-day deadline to reach a deal expired without an agreement. Earlier today, US President Donald Trump shared an image on his social media platform, Truth Social, describing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as "NEW US Territory." Meanwhile, Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Mohsen Rezaei, said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and will not reopen until the United States fulfils its commitments and changes its behaviour.
US Is Planning Economic Squeeze on Iran
As the war with Iran drags on with no talks in sight, the US has been increasingly threatening economic tactics to exert pressure on Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged economic measures that have "never been seen" last week and President Donald Trump promised an "ECONOMIC D-DAY."
Bessent even threatened secondary sanctions on nations and companies conducting business with Iran. Meanwhile, Iran has rejected the US' economic threat, saying that such "failed policies" will stir more hostility among Iranians and "bring more failures." One of the most powerful figures in Iran has said that the US campaign of maximum economic pressure will fail — in a further sign that Iran's hardline leadership is unwilling to compromise despite a deepening economic crisis.
The Supreme National Security Council secretary also warned Gulf neighbours against joining US efforts to impose economic pressure on Tehran, saying Iran would retaliate by targeting their interests. "If the countries surrounding Iran join the Americans in their economic war, not a drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz," Rezaei said on Sunday, according to Iran's Tasnim news agency. "We will also target other oil export routes from the Persian Gulf," he added.
Egypt Tries To Revive US-Iran Negotiations
Egypt's foreign ministry said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty discussed efforts to bring Tehran and Washington back to the negotiating table.
The two diplomats also touched on the ongoing Iranian-Omani talks, though the ministry did not elaborate further on the specifics discussed.
Araghchi briefed Abdelatty on "Iran's view of ongoing developments, the course of negotiations and their challenges," the ministry said.
Munir To Visit Tehran On Monday
Araghchi also held talks with Pakistan's Army chief Asim Munir. Munir will visit Tehran on Monday, said Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, as reported by Fars news agency.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that Munir's visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and continuing what he described as Pakistan's "sincere efforts" to help promote peace and security in the region.
Qatar Hopeful, Says Draft Being Circulated
Earlier this week, Qatar said the efforts to resolve the conflict between the US and Iran are in "very progressive stages", noting that the drafts of a potential agreement are "being circulated".
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said, "We can confirm that the efforts are still ongoing with all the parties. We are looking towards a diplomatic resolution as we are speaking right now."
