Iran's foreign minister is expected to arrive in Pakistan—a key mediator between Tehran and Washington—though it remains unclear whether he will meet with U.S. officials. According to informed Pakistani officials, Abbas Araghchi will arrive in Islamabad on Friday, with a second round of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran anticipated. However, officials did not specify when the talks would take place or at what level they would be conducted. Iranian media reported that Araghchi is on a "regional tour" and will also visit Oman and Russia. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether a second round of talks is imminent, nor is there any indication that Vice President JD Vance, the chief U.S. negotiator, is preparing to travel to Pakistan. The news comes as the U.S. increases pressure on Iran through a maritime blockade, aiming to force Tehran into negotiations, while Israel and Lebanon appear set to extend a ceasefire by three weeks. After U.S. forces intercepted two supertankers attempting to bypass restrictions on traffic to and from Iranian ports, President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to fire on any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The move is part of the White House's effort to cut off Iran’s oil exports, using economic pressure to secure concessions and bring an end to the war. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hagheses said on Friday that a second aircraft carrier will join the blockade within days. Trump posted on Truth Social, "I have plenty of time, but Iran does not—time is running out!" Allies of Trump suggest the blockade could force Iran to begin shutting down crude production—its main source of foreign exchange revenue—within about two weeks. JPMorgan analysts, however, believe it may take nearly a month for the U.S. to achieve this goal. The U.S. maritime operation has already led many Iran-linked vessels to turn around rather than transit the Strait of Hormuz. Still, ship-tracking firms indicate that some vessels continue to pass through, potentially allowing Iran to withstand the restrictions for a longer period. A sanctioned supertanker carrying Iranian oil appeared to halt its passage through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. Shipping through the waterway remains largely stalled; roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through it. This has heightened market concerns about further increases in fuel prices and a drag on global economic growth. Oil prices rose for a fifth consecutive session on Friday, with Brent crude trading around $106 per barrel. The global benchmark has climbed 17% this week and 46% since the outbreak of the war. The White House extended a shipping exemption for 90 days, making it easier to transport oil, fuel, and fertilizer within the United States—the latest measure to address supply disruptions linked to the war with Iran.
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