Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the diplomatic process surrounding the Middle East conflict had entered a “difficult phase” due to US behaviour, but added that Pakistan’s mediation efforts had not collapsed.
Image: The New York Times
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi during a BRICS meeting, Araghchi said Iran had recently received messages from the United States indicating that President Donald Trump’s administration remained willing to continue talks aimed at ending the regional conflict.
He referred to earlier remarks by Trump rejecting Iran’s proposal but said subsequent communication from Washington suggested that diplomatic engagement was still possible.
“But after that we received messages again from the Americans saying that they are willing to continue the talks and continue the interaction,” Araghchi said.
Responding to a question about international mediation, the Iranian foreign minister said Tehran welcomed support from countries capable of assisting diplomatic efforts, particularly China.
He described Iran and China as strategic partners with strong relations and said any Chinese role in advancing diplomacy would be welcomed by the Islamic Republic.
Regional tensions continue
Meanwhile, Israel’s military said it launched strikes on Hezbollah-linked sites in the Tyre area of southern Lebanon after warning residents of several villages to evacuate despite an existing but fragile ceasefire arrangement.
The Israeli military also confirmed that one of its soldiers was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, raising the reported Israeli military death toll in the conflict with Hezbollah to 20 since fighting intensified earlier this year.
Oil prices surge
Global oil prices continued to rise as uncertainty persisted over shipping routes and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with crude prices remaining above the symbolic $100-per-barrel mark.
Analysts warned that prolonged disruptions in the Gulf region could further destabilise global energy markets and increase inflationary pressures worldwide.
China calls for ceasefire
China called for a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East and urged the reopening of shipping lanes “as soon as possible.”
In a statement, China’s foreign ministry said the conflict “should not have happened in the first place” and stressed the need for diplomatic resolution.
Trump comments on Iran
In an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump said recovering Iran’s enriched uranium was partly a matter of “public relations,” although Israel has continued to present the issue as a major objective in the conflict.
Trump also signalled diminishing patience with stalled negotiations, saying Iran “should make a deal” and warning that time for diplomacy may be running out.
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire talks continue
A senior US State Department official said talks between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Washington regarding the future of the ceasefire arrangement were “productive and positive,” with discussions expected to continue into a second day.
IMF warns of economic risks
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that prolonged disruption linked to the Iran conflict could push the global economy toward a more adverse scenario marked by weaker growth and higher inflation.
The IMF said that if elevated oil prices and tighter financial conditions persist, global economic growth could slow significantly below current forecasts.
