Peace talks between US and Iranian representatives were continuing in Islamabad on Saturday, according to reports in both US and Iranian media, as Pakistan worked to broker a deal between the two sides.
The discussions come amid a wider regional and international effort to reduce tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where the waterway has been blocked by Iran since the start of the war, causing significant disruption to global trade and damage to the world economy.
US officials have also claimed that Iran is unable to locate the mines it laid in the strait. Separately, Trump said the US had begun clearing mines in the waterway, further underscoring the scale of the security and shipping crisis around one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
UK to host meeting on freedom of navigation
The UK is due to host a meeting on the Strait of Hormuz next week, bringing together multiple countries in an effort to restore free movement of ships through the waterway.
According to a British official cited by AP, the meeting will oppose the idea of tolls being charged for passage through the strait. That proposal has been raised by Iran as part of ceasefire negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a central flashpoint in the conflict, with access to the narrow shipping lane carrying major implications for regional security and global energy flows. The planned meeting is expected to focus on practical steps to reopen the route and reduce the economic strain caused by the blockade.
Israel says it will continue fighting
At the same time, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel remains committed to fighting Iran. His remarks signal that, despite the diplomatic efforts under way in Islamabad and elsewhere, the conflict remains unresolved.
The latest developments point to a mixed picture: active peace talks on one side, and continuing military and political pressure on the other. With Pakistan attempting to play mediator, and the UK preparing to convene a multinational meeting, diplomacy appears to be advancing even as the broader confrontation continues.
The situation remains fluid, with negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz now tied closely to the wider war and its impact on international shipping, energy supplies and regional security.
