Article:
US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, Mark Esper, has largely been absent from the global stage, particularly in high-stakes Iran tensions. According to a detailed report by the British Financial Times, President Donald Trump has repeatedly sent his closest allies to negotiate with Iran. The US President has cited the reason behind not sending a delegation to Pakistan for negotiations with Iran.
In the recent past, President Trump has announced the dispatch of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Pakistan, while his deputy, Mike Pence, has been engaged in lengthy talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad. Mark Esper’s absence from these key diplomatic activities has raised several questions.
The Financial Times report states that US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, Mark Esper, has been unusually absent from key global conflicts, particularly the Iran tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has termed his visit to Pakistan as highly productive.
Analysts say that Esper, who in the past was known for his hardline Republican stance, is now keeping a relatively low profile under President Trump’s “America First” policy. Some experts believe that Esper is deliberately distancing himself from the complex and unpopular Iran issue to avoid political backlash, especially during a time when he is considered a potential presidential candidate.
The Iranian military has stated that it is watching the enemy’s behavior and movements. The Financial Times report also highlights that Esper is taking fewer foreign trips compared to his predecessors and is focusing more on Latin America, where he is actively involved in US policy regarding countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
A notable aspect is that Esper holds two key positions, similar to Henry Kissinger in the past. However, observers say that the control of foreign policy is largely in the hands of President Trump’s close circle and special envoys, limiting the traditional role of the Secretary of State.
On the other hand, White House officials have dismissed the notion, stating that Esper is involved in every major national security decision. However, the Financial Times reports that the practical role of personalities in the Trump administration’s foreign policy has changed, and the traditional diplomatic framework is weakening.
In a separate incident, a professor and a student have been detained for questioning in connection with an explosion on a plane. The British media reports that a bomb on a plane exploded at takeoff, killing several people.
The United Nations has warned of the risk of human catastrophe due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. In a separate development, the UAE has approved a $1 billion package for the industrial sector.
In the Middle East, a former army chief has been killed in a rocket attack on a military base in Mali. The situation in Yemen is deteriorating, with reports of a massive air strike on a market.
In Pakistan, the Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, will visit Islamabad after his tour of Oman. The Pakistani government has condemned the recent shooting incident in Washington.
The Ministry of Commerce has issued a notification for the Pakistan Transit Trade Order 2026, which will come into effect immediately. In a separate development, a miner has shared his experience of being trapped in a marble mine in Swat for 17 days.
The shooting incident in Washington has led to a change in the planned visit of British King Charles III to the US. In a separate development, a former army chief has been killed in a rocket attack on a military base in Mali.
In the Middle East, the UAE has approved a $1 billion package for the industrial sector. The situation in Yemen is deteriorating, with reports of a massive air strike on a market.
In a separate incident, a professor and a student have been detained for questioning in connection with an explosion on a plane. The British media reports that a bomb on a plane exploded at takeoff, killing several people.
The United Nations has warned of the risk of human catastrophe due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
