Iran’s state-run IRNA reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Pakistan for a brief visit to Islamabad, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks and convey Tehran’s position on a proposal that could be relayed to the United States. Araghchi is also scheduled to visit Oman and Russia as part of ongoing diplomatic outreach.
The developments come amid escalating rhetoric and military activity across the region. Iran on Thursday criticised US President Donald Trump after he referred to India and China using derogatory language. Responding via social media, Iran’s embassy in Hyderabad said the two nations are “cradles of civilization” and hit back at what it described as threats against Iran.
Fresh strikes despite ceasefire extension
Israel launched new airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Friday, hours after Trump announced a three-week extension of a ceasefire between the two sides. According to local media cited by Al Jazeera, strikes hit areas including Touline and Khirbet Selm.
The ceasefire extension followed talks at the White House involving Israeli and Lebanese representatives. Trump said discussions had gone “very well,” though he acknowledged the influence of Hezbollah in the situation.
US ramps up military presence
The US military has deployed a third aircraft carrier to the region, with the USS George H. W. Bush joining the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln already operating in nearby waters. According to US Central Command, the Bush is currently in the Indian Ocean within its area of responsibility.
The deployment comes during a fragile ceasefire that paused a US-Israeli air campaign against Iran launched earlier this year.
Trump rules out nuclear option
Speaking at the White House, Trump said he would not use nuclear weapons against Iran, stating that US forces had already caused significant damage through conventional means. He added that nuclear weapons “should never be allowed to be used by anybody.”
Trump also claimed that while Iran may have attempted to rebuild some military capabilities during the ceasefire, US forces could neutralise them quickly if needed.
Talks in limbo
Meanwhile, proposed peace talks in Pakistan appear uncertain, with no clear timeline for resumption. Iran has reportedly declined to participate in a second round of negotiations, insisting on conditions including recognition of its nuclear rights.
The ongoing tensions continue to centre around key strategic zones such as the Strait of Hormuz, where instability has raised global concerns over energy security and the risk of wider conflict.
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