US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday took a tough stance on Iran, urging Tehran to agree to a ‘good deal’ to help end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying the ball is now in Tehran’s court. Hegseth said Iran has a historic opportunity to reach a deal before time runs out. The US is not anxious to reach any agreement. Along with this, he reiterated President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington has all the time in the world. “All I want is for them to stop making nuclear weapons in meaningful and verifiable ways,” Hegseth said.
However, the US Defense Secretary did not show any leniency regarding the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and said that it will continue as long as necessary. This is an attitude that iran Talks with Iran are likely to be more complicated, as Iran has made lifting the blockade a condition for resuming talks.
He said, “The scope of our blockade is expanding and it is becoming global. No ship can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, anywhere in the world, without the permission of the United States Navy.” He also said that since the start of this campaign on April 13, the routes of 34 ships have been changed.
US vs NATO regarding Hormuz
The Pentagon chief has also warned that any attempt by Iran to lay mines in this waterway will be considered a violation of the ceasefire. “Iran’s use of weapon-laden, high-speed boats has made passage through the Strait of Hormuz more limited and more risky than usual,” he said.
Following in the footsteps of President Trump, Hegseth also urged NATO allies in Europe to help the US secure the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is responsible for one-third of the world’s oil supply.
He took a dig at those allied countries which have so far refrained from joining the blockade. Hegseth said, “Europe needs the Strait of Hormuz more than the US. The era of countries merely taking advantage of US protection without making a substantial contribution is over.”
Since the war began on February 28, President Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies. The President has called him a ‘coward’ and a ‘paper tiger’ because he did nothing to help reopen this vital waterway. At the same time, the US has also warned that if these countries do not come forward and help, then Washington may reconsider the support given to them in future.
Also read: Tension increases in Hormuz, pressure on global market increases due to rise in oil prices!
Talks in Islamabad…
Iran and America There remains uncertainty regarding the second round of talks between. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit Islamabad to discuss proposals to restart peace talks with the US. However, he has no plans to meet American negotiators. Nevertheless, Pakistani sources said that in view of the possibility of talks, a US logistics and security team is already present in Islamabad.
The first round of talks between the two countries broke down on April 11 after a 21-hour long discussion, for which both sides held each other responsible.
Araghchi said in a post on ‘X’ that he will visit Pakistan, Oman and Russia to coordinate with his colleagues on bilateral matters and discuss regional developments. He also said that Iran’s neighboring countries remain Tehran’s priority.
Two sources in the Pakistan government said that this short visit of Araghchi will focus on Iran’s proposals, which Pakistan, playing the role of a mediator, will later convey to Washington.
Also read: Iranian team may reach Islamabad, signals for second round of talks with America intensify!
‘Agreement only if Iran’s interests are protected…’
A top official of Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the main focus of peace talks should be on ending the war in a way that protects Iran’s interests and demands. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bagai further said that now nuclear weapons cannot be their main issue. He said, “The main issue is to end the war in a way that protects our interests and demands. We accepted this ceasefire because it can serve as a basis and prelude to completely ending the war on all fronts.”
He also linked Iran’s desire to continue talks to the US lifting the blockade, which he described as an ‘act of aggression’. He said, “Attacks on ships are also a violation of the ceasefire and contrary to international law. This proves that the American side not only lacks goodwill, but actually also has bad intentions.”
In fact, neither side is showing any signs of compromise, so the prospects for talks still remain uncertain.
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