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Pakistan says US and Iran close to 'some sort' of deal despite attacks on shipping

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Pakistan and Qatar report that the United States and Iran are nearing a deal to manage the Strait of Hormuz, despite recent attacks on shipping.
  • Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that signals indicate an arrangement is close, while Qatar noted advanced talks on managing the vital waterway.
  • The potential deal aims to ease tensions and ensure the flow of oil and natural gas through the strait, though U.S. President Donald Trump has made new demands for reparations.

Pakistan and Qatar have offered a glimmer of hope in the escalating tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, reporting that the United States and Iran are close to reaching "some sort" of deal. These statements come despite recent attacks on shipping in the region, which have threatened the vital waterway through which a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas is transported.

things are shaping up again in favor of a peace arrangement or a deal.

โ€” Khawaja AsifPakistani Defence Minister, speaking to Bloomberg News about the potential deal.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif expressed optimism, telling Bloomberg News that "signals in the last two three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement." This sentiment was echoed by Qatar's Foreign Ministry, which stated that discussions with Iran over the management of the Strait of Hormuz were at an advanced stage. These diplomatic efforts, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, aim to de-escalate the conflict that has seen thousands killed and disrupted regional stability.

The signals in the last two three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement.

โ€” Khawaja AsifPakistani Defence Minister, expressing optimism about negotiations.

Prospects for a resolution had appeared dim following recent remarks from both sides. Iran had indicated it was nearing a pact with Oman to define new shipping lanes, but stressed that this would not fully open the waterway without U.S. conditions being met. These conditions largely align with a previous memorandum of understanding that included compensation and an end to sanctions. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced new demands, seeking reparations from Iran for alleged damages over the past 50 years, potentially complicating the ongoing negotiations.

We're going to ask for money for the damage they've done over a 50-year period.

โ€” Donald TrumpU.S. President, stating new demands for reparations from Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.