TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD: In a major shift within Iran’s leadership, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has stepped down as the head of the country’s negotiating team following internal disputes. While Saeed Jalili is being considered as a potential successor, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is reportedly seeking full control over the ongoing negotiations. Araghchi is set to begin a regional diplomatic tour on Friday, visiting Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow.
At a Pentagon briefing, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that Iran has an “important choice” to secure a “good deal” if it agrees to verifiably abandon its nuclear program. He further noted that the naval blockade on Iran is expanding in scale and will be extended globally. Sources in Pakistan indicated that talks between the US and Iran could potentially take place in Islamabad during Araghchi’s visit, keeping the city under a state of lockdown in anticipation of high-level meetings.
In terms of transportation, Iran announced the resumption of some international flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport to Istanbul and Muscat starting Saturday. However, the domestic situation remains grim as the national internet blackout reaches its 56th day. With international connectivity severed for over 1,300 hours, this remains the longest recorded national shutdown in history, severely impacting conditions amidst the ongoing conflict.
With input from Iran International.
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