US-Iran talks in Islamabad stretch on as Hormuz stand-off fuels duelling claims
US sends destroyers for mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran and US hold high-stakes talks in Pakistan
US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad stretched into the early hours of Sunday as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz sparked duelling claims from Washington and Tehran, underscoring the fragile balance between diplomacy and military escalation.
A senior White House official confirmed the talks were still ongoing, with efforts to resolve the conflict extending over 15 hours.
Earlier, the Iranian government said on social media that negotiations would continue despite persistent differences.
As Pakistan-mediated talks began on Saturday, US Central Command said it had begun “setting conditions” for mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, with two US Navy guided-missile destroyers transiting the key passage.
“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.
CENTCOM said the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy were operating in the area, adding that additional US assets, including underwater drones, would join the effort in the coming days.
