Pakistan proposes new US-Iran peace talks as Vance, Trump hint at ceasefire progress

Pakistani officials indicated on Tuesday that Islamabad has proposed a second round of talks to the United States and Iran, while US Vice President JD Vance earlier said negotiations with Iran "did make some progress" and US President Donald Trump said earlier "we've been called by the other side" and "they want to work a deal."

Trump hinted at the second round talks saying Iran talks 'could be happening over next two days' in Paistan, as quoted by Reuters, citing NY Post. He said that Washington was more 'inclined' to go to Pakistan for the peace talks that coukd possibly bring an end to the nearly seven week-long war in the Middle East.

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The Pakistani officials spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter with the press.

Washington's blockade of Iranian ports that began Monday and Iran's threatened retaliation paved way for an extraordinary showdown posing serious risks for the global economy.

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the resumption of negotiations between Washingotn and Tehran as he had phone calls with Trump and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Also read: PM Modi speaks to Trump on importance of keeping Strait of Hormuz "open and secure"

"It is essential, in particular, that the ceasefire be strictly respected by all parties and that it include Lebanon," Macron said in a post on X Tuesday, calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz "without restrictions or tolls."

Macron stressed France and the UK will also host a conference in Paris this Friday, bringing together non-belligerent countries by video conference ready to contribute to a mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait when security conditions allow.

(With inputs from AP)