Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in separate telephone discussions with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan as Tehran intensified its diplomatic efforts concerning the evolving security situation in the region.
During the conversation with Field Marshal Munir, Araghchi focused on issues of mutual concern, particularly regional developments and the repercussions of ongoing US and Israeli actions against Iran. Both officials emphasized the significance of enhancing regional cooperation and pursuing political solutions to resolve the current crisis.
In a notable development, Araghchi also held a second call within 24 hours with his Saudi counterpart. The two ministers reviewed ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at maintaining regional security and stability, reaffirming the importance of dialogue and coordinated regional engagement.
Earlier the same day, US President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran were scheduled to begin Monday afternoon, though he did not specify a deadline for reaching an agreement. Preferring diplomacy over further conflict, Trump refrained from disclosing the venue or whether talks would be direct or through intermediaries.
This announcement followed Trump’s decision to postpone a planned military strike after requests from Iran and regional countries for additional time to finalize a deal. He reiterated that any agreement must guarantee the “immediate, complete and total” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and eliminate what he described as Iran’s nuclear threat.
Both Pakistani and Saudi officials underscored the importance of leveraging regional cooperation frameworks and political initiatives to ease tensions and foster stability.
The renewed diplomatic push comes after weeks of heightened tensions triggered by US and Israeli military actions against Iran, which prompted Tehran to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial passage for about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. This disruption initially drove energy prices higher, although oil prices dropped more than 4% on Monday amid hopes for progress in negotiations.
Iranian authorities also indicated that talks with Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz were nearing completion, while stressing that these discussions were separate from any decision regarding the reopening of the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, Israel maintained a firm stance, warning it would continue targeting Iran if it resumed its nuclear program or expanded ballistic missile capabilities, regardless of diplomatic outcomes. Tehran continues to deny any intention of developing nuclear weapons.
