Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has shared a hopeful update on the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Asif noted that signals from the past two or three days suggest both sides are moving closer to some form of arrangement. He added that things appear to be shaping up once again in favor of a peace deal.
This comes at a critical time as the vital Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked. Before the conflict, roughly one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through this narrow waterway. Any breakthrough could ease pressure on global energy markets and shipping routes.
Qatar, another key mediator alongside Pakistan, confirmed that separate talks between Oman and Iran on managing the Strait of Hormuz have reached an advanced stage. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran, though no further details were released.
Earlier, Iran stated it was nearing a final pact with Oman to define new shipping lanes. However, Tehran insists the waterway will not fully reopen unless the United States meets certain conditions. These include compensation and an end to sanctions and military threats, points that largely mirror a June memorandum of understanding between the two sides.
Messages continue to be exchanged through intermediaries, even as direct talks remain off the table. US President Donald Trump responded by raising new demands, saying America will seek reparations from Iran for damages spanning 50 years, covering both civilian and military losses.
Despite the diplomatic signals, risks to shipping persist. Four crew members were killed in a suspected Houthi attack on a cargo vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Separately, a container ship was struck in the Gulf of Oman in what sources described as a possible US response after the vessel ignored blockade warnings.
Oil prices pulled back slightly on the latest deal hopes after earlier gains, though they stay well above pre-war levels. With midterm elections approaching and fuel prices remaining a sensitive issue for voters, pressure is mounting on Washington to find a resolution. Mediators in Pakistan and Qatar continue working to bridge the gap and restore stability to one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
