Global
Pakistani efforts for 2026 have failed to convene a new round of direct talks between Washington and Tehran, despite the White House's prior announcement of a delegation headed by Witkoff and Kushner traveling to the region. Tehran praised Islamabad's efforts in hosting the negotiations but insisted on ending "exaggerated conditions" as a prerequisite for de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. With Araghchi's departure without meeting the U.S. delegation, tension remains paramount in the waterways, amid international anticipation of the results of the Iranian minister's upcoming tour in Oman and Russia to ease the mounting economic and military crisis.
