Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Sunday that the United States and Iran need to maintain their ceasefire commitments following the unsuccessful conclusion of extended negotiations aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict. He emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to promote communication between the two nations.
Pope Leo XIV entered the global discussion on Saturday, urging an end to warfare and criticizing the arrogance that fuels international disputes during a service in Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington and a key supporter of the Pope, encouraged Catholics to engage politically against what he described as an unjust conflict with Iran. In a recorded speech shared by journalist Christopher Hale, McElroy urged followers to contact officials and advocate for peace, warning that stalled talks could lead to renewed hostilities.
Notably, US Vice President JD Vance, who spearheaded the American team and departed Pakistan shortly after the talks collapsed, became a Catholic in 2019 and has recently discussed his faith in a new book.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency, quoting an anonymous source, indicated that Tehran is not rushing into agreements and that without reasonable US concessions, conditions in the Strait of Hormuz will remain unchanged. The strait, vital for global oil transport, is a key US requirement for peace.
Welcome to ongoing coverage of Middle East developments, where US-Iran discussions in Islamabad ended without resolution on Sunday. After a lengthy initial session lasting 21 hours, Vice President Vance announced the US team’s withdrawal, citing Iran’s refusal to pledge against nuclear weapon development. Iranian outlets attributed the failure to excessive American conditions.
For those catching up, here’s a summary of recent events: The high-level direct talks, the first in years between Washington and Tehran, sought to conclude the recent conflict but disintegrated despite their significance. The US group, headed by Vance, has now exited Pakistan.
Iran’s foreign ministry had previously cautioned that progress hinged on the US avoiding overreaching stipulations. Topics included the Strait of Hormuz, atomic programs, compensation for damages, and economic penalties. The strait continues to be a major sticking point, per Tasnim reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed on Saturday that his country will persist in opposing Iran and its affiliates, though Israel did not participate in the negotiations.
US President Donald Trump commented that the outcome of the talks is irrelevant to him, asserting victory either way.
Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 2,000 fatalities and more than 6,300 injuries from recent Israeli strikes. Iranian representatives had sought a Lebanon truce, financial reparations, and access to seized funds during initial talks with Pakistani intermediaries.
The US military announced preparations to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, with two destroyers passing through. Iran’s armed forces spokesperson rejected these assertions.
