Pakistan reports progress in Iran talks amid US economic escalation

Pakistan has reported ‘significant progress’ following high-level talks in Tehran aimed at preventing the escalation of the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran and discussing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. During the visit, Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir met with Iranian officials and held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, signaling Islamabad’s attempt to act as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.

Simultaneously, the United States is intensifying economic pressure on Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the US will impose sanctions on a major financial institution by the end of the week due to its dealings with Iran. Bessent stated that these sanctions are part of an escalating economic campaign that will continue until Washington achieves its objectives regarding the Iranian regime.

On the military front, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not ruled out the possibility of resuming strikes against Iran, suggesting that attacks could occur ‘anywhere,’ including the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry warned of ‘strong’ repercussions for new sanctions and stated that the country would not remain idle in the face of American pressure.