DUBAI, April 16: Tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate as Iran’s joint military command warned it could disrupt trade across the Gulf region if Washington does not lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The threat highlights the strategic importance of Gulf shipping routes, particularly for global energy supplies.
Despite the heightened rhetoric, US President Donald Trump said in an interview aired Wednesday that the war in Iran was “very close to over,” suggesting a possible shift toward de-escalation.
At the same time, the US is preparing to increase economic pressure. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to impose secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions that conduct business with Iran, describing the measure as the “financial equivalent” of a bombing campaign.
The move signals Washington’s intent to intensify non-military tools to weaken Iran’s economy and force concessions.
Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation are ongoing. Mediators have made progress toward extending a ceasefire between the US and Iran, with another round of negotiations expected soon.
However, a senior US official cautioned that Washington has not formally agreed to extend the truce.
In a parallel effort, a Pakistani delegation has arrived in Tehran, underscoring growing regional involvement in attempts to defuse tensions.
Elsewhere in the region, conflict continues. Israel is pressing ahead with its military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite the two sides holding their first direct talks in decades in Washington, which ended without a deal.
Trump said leaders from Israel and Lebanon were expected to speak again in a renewed push for a ceasefire, though specifics remain unclear.
China has also entered the diplomatic arena. Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a shared international priority.
While affirming Iran’s sovereignty and rights as a coastal state, he stressed the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted navigation through the critical waterway. He described the situation as being at a “critical juncture” between war and peace.
Meanwhile, violence persists on the ground. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed four medics and injured several others during consecutive attacks on rescue teams. Israel said it is reviewing the incident.
Pakistan: Iran-US talks pending, no date fixed
Pakistan has said that no date has been set for a second round of talks between the United States and Iran, although the possibility of further negotiations remains open.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that “no dates have been set as yet,” while emphasizing that decisions about delegations and participation will be made by the parties involved.
Andrabi declined to share further details, noting that the negotiations are confidential and based on mutual trust.
He confirmed that Iran’s nuclear programme is among the key issues under discussion but stressed that Pakistan will not comment on the positions of either Tehran or Washington.
He also urged the media to avoid speculation, adding that maintaining secrecy is essential for the success of the talks.
He further noted that peace in Lebanon is important for broader regional stability. The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic activity by Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently on a multi-country tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye, while Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is leading a high-level delegation in Iran.
Pakistani officials say these efforts reflect the country’s longstanding approach of promoting dialogue and cooperation to achieve lasting peace.
According to Andrabi, the recent talks held in Islamabad between US and Iranian officials were extensive, lasting about 21 hours, or roughly 30 hours including breaks and logistical movements.
Despite their intensity, the discussions ended without any agreement.
Since then, communication between the US and Iran has continued indirectly through Pakistan.
Reports suggest Islamabad is helping facilitate message exchanges and laying the groundwork for future negotiations.
US President Donald Trump had earlier indicated that another round of talks could take place soon, possibly in Islamabad, but no schedule has been confirmed.
The initial round of talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials, stalled due to major disagreements, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress. (Agencies)
