The US Vice President, Mike Pence, has not yet departed for Pakistan to facilitate talks with Iran, according to sources cited by the British news agency. This comes as US President Donald Trump stated that Mike Pence would travel to Islamabad for negotiations with Iran, with the latter scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. However, the US Vice President has yet to depart.
Last week, a White House official stated that US Vice President Mike Pence, along with Secretary of State Steve Biegun and National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, would visit Pakistan to facilitate negotiations with Iran. US President Donald Trump also demanded the release of eight women on death row in Iran.
The US military has conducted a maritime operation in the Indo-Pacific region, according to a Pentagon statement. The operation involved seizing the oil tanker MT TESSA, which was in contravention of sanctions.
In London, anti-terrorism police have arrested eight people in connection with arson attacks. US President Donald Trump claimed that the Iran situation would be resolved through a major deal, with no further extension of the ceasefire. Investors have focused on the Iran-US negotiations and have expressed optimism about a successful outcome.
The Gulf states have maintained regular communication with various factions on a daily basis. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that this crisis is ours and in our region, and that direct communication is essential.
In a separate development, the Secretary of Education in the US State Department, Bridget Brigid, had directed schools to keep mobile phones away from students throughout the day at the beginning of the year. The British government has taken a significant step by refusing entry to US-based anti-Islamic social media personality Valentina Gomez, who was scheduled to attend a contentious right-wing rally in London next month.
The Chief of Defense Staff of India emphasized the importance of improving triservice coordination to counter threats. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas suggested that Iran should engage in constructive negotiations with the US in Islamabad. Iranian state TV reported that the oil tanker had entered Iranian waters, despite US threats.
The Iranian delegation has yet to arrive in Pakistan to engage in US-Iran talks. US President Donald Trump may participate in peace talks in Pakistan, if a possible agreement is reached with Iran.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib condemned Israel’s actions in Lebanon, calling them “unacceptable.” She also criticized the initial attacks by Hezbollah, stating that condemnation is necessary. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that shipping in the Strait of Hormuz would return to normal soon.
US President Donald Trump stated that the Iran situation would be resolved through a major deal, with no further extension of the ceasefire.
