Iran's foreign minister leaves Islamabad

Iranian state television had said before Araghchi's departure that he had no plans to meet with the Americans, and that Islamabad would serve as a bridge to 'convey' Iranian proposals

Washington and Tehran are at an impasse as Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz

It remains unclear, however, whether the Iranian side would meet directly with the US envoys

Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday and US envoys headed to the Pakistani capital in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations amid a fragile ceasefire.

US envoys Kushner and Witkoff to meet Araghchi in Pakistan

Only five ships, including one Iranian oil products tanker, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, shipping data showed yesterday, after Iran seized two container ships this week and the US continues to blockade Iranian ports.

Hope for renewed peace talks between the United States and Iran rose yesterday as reports said Donald Trump was sending his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to Pakistan for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Oil prices had climbed earlier on fears of stalled talks and Hormuz closure

US logistics and security team is already in Islamabad for talks

Hezbollah wants truce to continue, says Israel must comply

Iran showcased its tightened grip over the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, releasing footage of commandos storming a large cargo ship and announcing its first proceeds from tolls imposed on vessels transiting the waterway.

Vows continued maritime enforcement against vessels supporting Iran 

US President ramps up pressure on Iran to reopen strait

Iran proven resilient to past oil revenue declines, regime unlikely to concede quickly 

Deputy Hajibabei confirms first proceeds from shipping tolls collected 

Six crude carriers transited with AIS data switched off

Food insecurity expected to peak in coming months

Aid shipment sent via Red Crescent after decision of PM Tarique Rahman

Her employer, the Lebanese daily newspaper Al-Akhbar, also announced her death.