Tensions simmer in the Gulf as the U.S. and Iran clash over maritime blockades, while Pakistan struggles to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

US and Iran in blockade standoff as Pakistan pushes for talks
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S. President Donald Trump suggests that the ceasefire involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which was set to expire on Wednesday, is still holding.
However, instead of direct fighting, the conflict has shifted into what can be described as a “war of blockades” in the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides are intercepting and seizing commercial vessels.
The situation in one of the world’s most critical shipping routes remains highly volatile, with a real risk of escalation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to await delegations from both Iran and the United States for peace talks in Islamabad.
Parts of the city remain under tight security, and preparations for negotiations are still visible. The hotel designated for the talks stands ready but empty, reflecting fading expectations after days of intense anticipation.
Earlier optimism—fueled by speculation about U.S. officials traveling from Washington and the arrival of C-17 Globemaster aircraft at a nearby military base—has now given way to disappointment.
There is growing concern that Pakistan may have missed an opportunity to demonstrate its diplomatic strength by mediating between the long-time adversaries.
Despite the setback, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to dialogue, stating that efforts toward a negotiated resolution will continue.
President Trump has indicated to at least one journalist that a breakthrough could still be reached in the coming days. Whether this reflects genuine progress or urgency on his part remains unclear, especially with a planned visit by King Charles III to Washington and a subsequent trip to China on his schedule.
Iran has rejected claims that it has been given time to form a “unified position,” but it is also unlikely to abandon the ceasefire given the damage it has already sustained and the risk of further military action.
Questions also linger over why the Iranian delegation has yet to travel to Islamabad for talks.
Trump’s mixed messaging—alternating between threats of severe retaliation and offers of diplomacy, while asserting that Iran has made concessions—has added to the uncertainty.
Iran, for its part, insists it has previously engaged in negotiations, only to be attacked by Israel and the United States.
In his announcement extending the ceasefire, Trump described Iran’s leadership as “seriously fractured,” a notable shift in tone. This raises questions about whether Washington is struggling to identify clear negotiating counterparts.
The suggestion of internal divisions has also intensified debate among analysts about who currently holds power in Iran, especially after significant changes within its leadership.
This uncertainty may be complicating diplomatic efforts further, making an already difficult negotiation process even more challenging.
**[BBC