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In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump has praised the leadership of Pakistan, particularly Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for their role in the Islamabad talks. In a social media post, Trump said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley had kept him fully informed about the talks, which were led by “the most wonderful, talented, and compassionate Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.” Trump added that the talks were “very good” and that numerous points of agreement were reached, but one key point remained unresolved – the Iranian nuclear program.
According to Trump, the talks began in the morning and lasted for nearly 20 hours, and he could have gone into great detail about what was discussed, but one thing that was not agreed upon was the Iranian nuclear program. Trump emphasized that the points of agreement were better for the United States than continuing military operations, but they did not involve giving control of nuclear power to unstable individuals.
Trump also praised his three envoys for being unexpectedly friendly and respectful towards their Iranian counterparts, but criticized Iranian negotiators for being inflexible on the most important issue. Trump has been saying for years that Iran cannot be trusted with nuclear power.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that Iranian forces might fire on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz during the naval blockade. Meanwhile, a new European law to regulate food imports is causing concerns for Pakistani exports, particularly those that contain bee-friendly pesticides banned in Europe but still used in many countries, including Pakistan.
In a separate development, Trump claimed that Iran’s navy had been destroyed and 158 warships had sunk in the Gulf. Trump also attacked Pope Francis, calling him “a disaster” in foreign policy. The US military announced that it would stop and board any ships entering or leaving the naval blockade area without permission.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Germany would cut taxes on petrol and diesel for two months to help ease the energy crisis caused by the war. The US military warned that any ships without permission would be stopped, turned back, or seized.
The US announced that it would impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz starting today, following a statement by Trump last night. According to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides had discussed the upcoming talks in Islamabad during their negotiations.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged that no stone be left unturned in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Iranian officials have been negotiating with the US and other world powers to ease sanctions and restore international trade.
Multiple buildings in Iran have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict, including the Fahadan Palace, the Shams Palace, the Kakh Palace, the Qasr Jail, the Marble Palace, the Ahmad Razavi Palace, and the Rifa’i Nea Synagogue.
In other news, Spain has announced that it will reopen its embassy in Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has appointed a new head of the Mossad intelligence agency. Lieutenant General Avivi Kohl will take over as the new Chief of the Army in July. Pope Francis has said that he does not want to get involved in the conflict, but will speak out against war.
