US and Iranian media reported on Saturday that peace talks were continuing in Islamabad, as Pakistan tried to broker a deal between the two sides. The discussions came amid widening regional tensions, with Israel saying it remains committed to fighting Iran.
The talks in Islamabad formed part of a broader diplomatic effort to calm the crisis and address the disruption caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway has been blocked by Iran since the start of the war, heavily affecting the global economy and global shipping flows.
Strait of Hormuz meeting planned in the UK
The UK is set to host a meeting next week bringing together multiple countries that want to restore free movement of ships through the strait. The gathering is expected to focus on ways to reopen the route and reduce the impact of the blockade.
A British official told the Associated Press that the meeting will oppose the idea of tolls being charged for passage through the waterway. Iran has proposed such tolls as part of ceasefire negotiations, according to the report.
Separately, US officials claimed that Iran is unable to find mines it laid in the Strait of Hormuz. The claim comes as tensions remain high over maritime security in the region.
Trump also said the US has begun clearing mines in the strait, adding another layer to the competing claims surrounding the effort to secure the passage. The developments underline how the crisis has moved beyond military confrontation to include diplomacy, shipping security and the wider economic consequences of the blockade.
Pakistan’s role as host for the Islamabad talks reflects the continuing search for a negotiated path forward, even as public positions remain firmly opposed. With Israel insisting it will continue its campaign against Iran, and with the strait still central to the dispute, the situation remains fluid.
Next week’s UK-hosted meeting is likely to be closely watched by governments and shipping interests around the world. Any agreement on the Strait of Hormuz would have major implications for international trade, energy markets and regional security.
For now, the parallel tracks of diplomacy and maritime pressure continue, with negotiations in Islamabad and preparations for the wider international meeting running at the same time.
