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diplomacyApr 10, 2026

Islamabad talks present golden opportunity for peace accord: Experts

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Peshawar - The crucial talks in Islamabad present a rare and timely opportunity for both the United States and Iran to step back from escalating tensions and pursue meaningful diplomacy imperative for lasting peace and stability in the region. After weeks of conflict between Iran and US and a two-week ceasefire reached due to momentous efforts of Pakistan, both sides now have a platform to address core disagreements, including nuclear policy, oil trade through straits of harmuz, regional security, economic sanctions besides turning the two weeks ceasefire into Islamabad peace accord. With global energy markets shaken and instability spreading across the Middle East, constructive dialogue in Islamabad could help rebuild trust and create a pathway toward long-term peace and stability in Middle East. Moreover, Pakistan’s role as a neutral host further strengthens the chances of open communication and balanced negotiations between delegations of both the countries at Islamabad. The experts said if approached with sincerity and flexibility, these talks could mark a turning point in US-Iran relations besides reducing prices of oil and petroleum products in world. For Washington, it offers a chance for smooth opening of Strait of Harmuz and stabilize a volatile region besides preventing further economic and oil disruption, while Tehran can seek relief from sanctions, safeguarding its sovereignty and assert its position through diplomatic means rather than confrontation. However, experts said that deep mistrust and conflicting demands remain major obstacles, making compromise essential for progress and turning fragile ceasefire into Islamabad peace accord. Experts said even a partial agreement would be a significant step forward, signaling that dialogue—not conflict—is still a viable path in resolving one of the world’s most complex geopolitical rivalries. Academicians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday commended Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, terming it a constructive and timely effort toward ensuring regional peace and global stability. Leading scholars from the University of Peshawar emphasized that Pakistan’s evolving role as a mediator reflects its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and multilateral diplomacy at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Professor Dr Z A Hilali, former Chairman of the Political Science Department, highlighted Islamabad’s sustained diplomatic outreach aimed at bringing the two long-standing adversaries to the negotiating table. He said that Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy underscores its intent to promote dialogue over confrontation. “Pakistan has emerged as a credible mediator at a critical juncture when the Middle East is engulfed in instability,” he said, adding that the country’s balanced foreign policy and strong ties with regional stakeholders have enabled it to play a bridging role between Washington and Tehran. Professor Dr Ejaz Khan of the International Relations Department said Pakistan has intensified diplomatic engagement in recent months, facilitating backchannel communications between the two sides following Iran-US conflict. He revealed that Islamabad is hosting crucial interactions involving representatives from the United States and Iran, with the aim of reducing tensions and paving the way for formal negotiations. “All eyes are on Islamabad as delegations from both countries started arriving for the crucial dialogue,” he remarked. Dr Ejaz Khan added that these efforts follow sustained diplomatic initiatives by Pakistani leadership to prevent further escalation and convert two weeks ceasefire to Islamabad peace accord. He stressed that Pakistan’s role demonstrates its increasing relevance in global diplomacy, particularly at a time when traditional communication channels between Washington and Tehran remain constrained. The academicians, however, cautioned that while Pakistan’s facilitative role is commendable, the success of the dialogue ultimately hinges on the willingness of both parties to make meaningful compromises. “Diplomacy is a gradual and delicate process. Pakistan has laid significant groundwork, but lasting peace depends on the commitment of all stakeholders,” he said. The experts reiterated that Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue as the only viable path to resolving complex geopolitical conflicts, emphasizing that confrontation would only exacerbate regional instability. They also lauded the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Gen Asim Munir for their coordinated efforts in advancing Pakistan’s diplomatic agenda and promoting peace in the region.

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    Peshawar - The crucial talks in Islamabad present a rare and timely opportunity for both the United States and Iran to step back from escalating tensions and pursue meaningful diplomacy imperative for lasting peace and stability in the region. After weeks of conflict between Iran…

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Key points: Bitcoin diverges from US stocks as Trump says Strait of Hormuz “open” Data from TradingView showed BTC/USD building on the week’s gains as the S&P 500 bounced from 7,696, its lowest level since Aug. 4. BTC/USD four-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView This came after US president Donald Trump posted a map of the closed Strait of Hormuz oil route to Truth Social where it was labeled “new US territory.

” Both the US and Iran lay claim to control of Hormuz, with Trump threatening US ally Oman with military action over its plans to work with Iran on charging tolls to shipping traffic. In a subsequent post, Trump confirmed that further diplomacy with Iran was not on the agenda.

“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated,” he wrote. S&P 500 one-day chart.

Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView As on Monday, oil avoided major volatility, with WTI crude down 1% at the time of writing at $84 per barrel. US government bonds continued to show strain, with the 30-year yield hitting 5.34%, its highest since January 2007.

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US 30-year bond yields one-month chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView BTC price faces crunch rebound test Updating X followers on BTC/USD, trader and analyst Aksel Kibar eyed the culmination of a potential reverse head-and-shoulders pattern at $62,300.

Related: Bitcoin price spike to $64.5K was ‘low-volume liquidity trap’: Analysis “If $BTCUSD is going to rebound, it has to come from here,” he argued on Monday. Kibar offered a $53,000 target in the event of the head-and-shoulders structure failing, with $76,000 a potential upside target should the rebound sustain.

BTC/USD one-day chart. Source: Aksel Kibar on X.com Previously, Cointelegraph reported that underwater investors were contributing to Bitcoin’s inability to break higher. Its rebound to $64,500 also stopped short of an overhead trend line, the 50-month exponential moving average (EMA).

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Location: Strait of Hormuz
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Trump says no talks underway with Iran, Hormuz blockade remains in place US president says no discussions are taking place or planned with Tehran and reiterates that the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains fully operational Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that no talks are taking place with Iran and that no discussions are currently scheduled between the two countries.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump also said the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains "in full force and effect." The president did not provide further details regarding US policy towards Iran or any potential future diplomatic engagement.

Trump's comments come amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran and renewed focus on security and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.

Location: Tehran
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that Iran had “won both the war and diplomacy,” claiming those who initially sought Tehran’s “unconditional surrender” later sought negotiations. Speaking at an event, Araghchi said Iran resisted for days against what he described as “the world’s largest apparent military,” alongside another army claiming military power and with the support of nearly all Western countries and some other states inside and outside the region, according to the Tasnim news agency.

“Those who were seeking unconditional surrender, shortly after the war began, begged for negotiations,” Araghchi said. He claimed Tehran initially rejected a ceasefire and continued fighting until reaching a point where the other side accepted a ceasefire and negotiations “on Iran’s terms.

” “We fought with strength, and we negotiated with strength,” he said, adding that many foreign ministers had told him: “You won both the war and diplomacy.” Araghchi’s remarks came after US President Donald Trump called on Iran on Monday to give up and “raise the white flag.

Location: Tehran
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- Iran demands US lift sanctions and return frozen assets to reopen Strait of Hormuz - Iran's Parliament Speaker warns closure of Strait continues until US ends military threats - Around 20% of global oil supply passes through the Strait, impacting energy security Iran has warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US meets a set of conditions, including the release of frozen Iranian assets, an end to oil sanctions and what Tehran describes as a US blockade and military threats.

Al-Arabiya English reported that Iran's Parliament Speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the Trump administration must meet the conditions before Tehran considers reopening the strategic waterway. “Until the Trump regime removes the blockade, ends the wars across the region, returns Iran's stolen assets, lifts the oil sanctions, and ceases its military threats, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed,” Ghalibaf said.

Until the Trump regime removes the blockade, ends the wars across the region, returns Iran's stolen assets, lifts the oil sanctions, and ceases its military threats, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed. pic.twitter.com/fl2RrKnT1R— Seyed Mohammad Marandi (@s_m_marandi) August 18, 2026 Ghalibaf also warned that Iran was prepared to respond more forcefully depending on the actions of its adversaries.

ALSO READ: 'We Control Hormuz': Trump To Declare Strait As US Territory? Here's What President Says The comments add a new condition to an already fragile diplomatic environment, with the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of concerns over global energy supplies.

Around one-fifth of global oil supply typically passes through the waterway, making any prolonged disruption a major risk for crude markets, shipping and energy security. Earlier, Press TV reported that Ghalibaf is scheduled to travel to Baghdad on Wednesday at the head of a high-level Iranian delegation for discussions with Iraqi leaders.

The talks are expected to cover regional developments and bilateral cooperation, including border security, counterterrorism, economic ties and implementation of existing agreements. Iraqi media have also reported that the agenda could include a proposal concerning Iraqi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

The visit comes as regional governments grapple with the implications of continued disruption in one of the world's most important energy corridors. ALSO READ: Hormuz Tensions: Another Ship Hit By Unknown Projectile, Says UKMTO Centre The security situation in the waterway has also remained tense.

The UK's Maritime Trade Operations agency, or UKMTO, said a vessel reported being struck by an unknown projectile while conducting an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz. “The Company Security Officer has reported that the vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while conducting an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz,” UKMTO said.

The impact damaged the vessel's engine room and resulted in a crew casualty, the agency said. The remaining crew was being assisted by the Omani coastguard. Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.

Location: Tehran