Pakistan pushes US-Iran talks as Tehran offers Hormuz deal

Pakistan has called for renewed dialogue to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, as Tehran rejected American pressure while keeping its proposal to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on the negotiating table.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the evolving regional situation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a telephone conversation on Sunday, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

The two diplomats also exchanged views on the ongoing Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad, where regional security and diplomatic efforts remain key concerns.

Dar stressed that continued dialogue and diplomacy were essential to addressing regional challenges. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact as tensions surrounding the US-Iran conflict continued.

The diplomatic outreach came as Tehran signalled that it remained willing to negotiate, but would not accept what it considers coercion or intimidation from Washington.

Iran Keeps Hormuz Reopening Offer on Table

Addressing the OIC meeting in Baghdad, Araghchi said Iran would not surrender its sovereign rights under pressure but remained open to negotiations based on mutual respect and credible guarantees.

Speaking to the media, the Iranian foreign minister said Tehran’s seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remained available, adding that Iranian officials were reviewing comments received from the United States.

Araghchi indicated that an agreement could pave the way for reopening the strategic waterway within six days, followed by the resumption of negotiations the next day.

However, Tehran has attached several conditions to the proposal, including lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports, removing sanctions on Iranian oil exports and ending hostilities across regional fronts.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international shipping route for global energy supplies, making its reopening a significant issue for oil markets and regional stability.

Araghchi said the path towards reopening the waterway would be clear if Washington demonstrated sincerity in negotiations.

Iran’s New Defence Minister Issues Warning

Despite the diplomatic signals, Iran’s newly appointed Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi issued a stern warning against renewed American military action.

Speaking after receiving parliament’s vote of confidence, Akhlaghi said any fresh US attack would inflict enormous damage on Washington and its regional allies.

His remarks underscored the continuing risk of escalation even as diplomatic channels remain open.

Pakistan, Egypt Condemn Houthi Attacks

Separately, Dar held talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, during which the two ministers condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

They also discussed coordination under the Regional Four (R-4) framework, comprising Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, and expressed anticipation for the group’s next meeting.

Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts highlight Islamabad’s push for dialogue and regional coordination at a time when tensions involving Iran, the United States and Yemen threaten wider regional stability. Whether Tehran’s proposed Hormuz arrangement can translate into renewed negotiations will depend on the positions adopted by Washington and Tehran in the coming days.