The United States announced sanctions on Friday against a small independent refinery in China accused of purchasing Iranian oil valued at billions of dollars, as preparations continue for another phase of discussions between Washington and Tehran this weekend. The Treasury Department designated Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery as a major buyer of Iranian crude and petroleum. Additionally, the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned around 40 shipping firms and vessels linked to Iran’s covert transport network. China has criticized these unilateral measures as unlawful. Its embassy in Washington stated that legitimate commerce should remain unaffected and urged the US to cease using sanctions against Chinese entities.
Welcome to our ongoing coverage of developments in the Middle East. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Trump, are en route to Pakistan to initiate a fresh series of talks with Iran during a tentative truce, though the likelihood of face-to-face meetings is unclear. The White House indicated that Witkoff and Kushner plan to hold an in-person dialogue with Iranian officials, but Iranian reports denied any direct engagement.
Key updates include: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reached Islamabad late Friday. In a social media post earlier, he described the visit as centered on bilateral issues and regional matters, without naming specific contacts. Soon after his arrival, Pakistan’s authorities confirmed no direct talks with US delegates would occur. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmael Baqaei posted on X that no encounter between Iran and the US is scheduled. Instead, Pakistani intermediaries will relay communications between the groups. Baqaei expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s continued facilitation in efforts to resolve the conflict initiated by US actions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned in a Fox News appearance that Witkoff and Kushner intend to confer with Araghchi. She expressed optimism for constructive outcomes that could advance toward an agreement. Leavitt noted Vice President JD Vance’s involvement from afar, adding he would join if deemed essential.
Scheduled for Saturday, these discussions occur amid global anxiety over a conflict disrupting vital energy shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, impacting the world economy and causing thousands of fatalities in the region. International voices condemn the resulting humanitarian issues. European Council President António Costa emphasized on Friday the critical need for unrestricted access to the Strait of Hormuz. A World Food Programme official also warned that prolonged closure could lead to food shortages and malnutrition for 45 million individuals.
Pakistan has worked to reconvene US and Iranian parties following President Trump’s decision this week to prolong the ceasefire indefinitely, responding to Islamabad’s call for additional diplomatic time. Tensions persist in the strait, a key route for one-fifth of global oil and gas in normal times. Iran maintains control over passage, having targeted three vessels earlier this week, while the US enforces a blockade on Iranian harbors and Trump has directed forces to eliminate threats from small boats suspected of mine-laying.
