Did 3 identical Iranian planes land in Pakistan to safeguard FM Abbas Araghchi, and US to unfreeze Iran's funds or not? Reports circulating on social media and some outlets claimed that three identical Iranian aircraft landed in Pakistan to provide security cover for Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ahead of expected talks with the United States. However, there is no confirmed official evidence supporting the claim of three identical planes being used as a security tactic. At the same time, conflicting statements have emerged on the issue of frozen Iranian funds. Iranian officials suggested that progress and understandings were being discussed, but a senior US official publicly said Washington has not agreed to release Iran’s frozen assets yet. The developments reflect uncertainty and mixed messaging as both sides prepare for difficult negotiations in Islamabad. Did 3 identical Iranian planes land in Pakistan to safeguard FM Abbas Araghchi?Reports about three identical Iranian aircraft landing in Pakistan to protect Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remain unconfirmed. No credible international or official sources have verified the claim. Such stories are currently circulating mainly on social media and speculation forums. However, strong security arrangements are confirmed around the Islamabad talks venue, showing high-level diplomatic sensitivity and security concerns. US to unfreeze Iran's funds or not?There is no official confirmation that the United States has agreed to unfreeze Iranian funds. The talks in Islamabad involve senior officials including JD Vance and Iranian representatives, and they aim to reduce tensions and explore diplomatic options. Reports indicate that discussions may include sanctions and financial restrictions, but any decision on frozen funds will depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations and formal agreements. Iran delegation arrives and confirms talksIran’s negotiating team arrived in Islamabad before the US delegation. The team was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined the delegation. Iran’s state television later reported that the United States agreed to unfreeze Iran’s funds. This issue became a major demand before formal negotiations could move forward. Iran’s leadership made it clear that talks would only continue if two conditions were met. These include a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s frozen assets. US delegation arrives for ceasefire negotiationsThe United States delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance. The team also included Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. President Donald Trump wished the delegation luck before the talks. Trump said the situation would become clear after negotiations. The meetings marked the first direct diplomatic engagement since the war began more than a month ago. Pakistan plays mediator rolePakistan hosted the talks and worked as mediator between Iran and the United States. Islamabad saw heavy security deployment. Roads were sealed and residents were advised to stay indoors. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met both delegations. He stated Pakistan would continue efforts to promote peace and stability. Iran’s delegation also met Pakistan’s army chief and foreign minister. Iran shared its demands and negotiation terms with Pakistan. Iran presents red linesIran presented its negotiation terms to Pakistan. These included: - Compensation for damage caused by American and Israeli strikes - Release of frozen Iranian assets - Mechanism to reopen the Strait of Hormuz - A lasting ceasefire in Iran and allied regions Iran’s spokesperson described diplomacy as a continuation of war through negotiation. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan defense pactSaudi Arabia warned Pakistan to act against Iran under a defense pact or repay a loan worth 6.3 billion dollars. Soon after, Pakistan deployed military forces to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Defense Ministry confirmed arrival of Pakistani fighter and support aircraft at King Abdulaziz Air Base. The deployment supports joint military coordination and regional security. The defense pact states that an attack on one country is considered an attack on both. Global leaders call for Lebanon ceasefireFrance’s President Emmanuel Macron urged respect for the Lebanon ceasefire. He discussed the situation with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Both leaders called for safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and a long term diplomatic solution. France has been active in pushing for peace in Lebanon. Strait of Hormuz and oil supply pressureIran’s actions have disrupted the Strait of Hormuz. This route carries about 20 percent of global oil supply. The closure pushed energy prices higher. The United States said oil tankers were heading to load American oil and gas. European airports warned of possible jet fuel shortages within weeks. European officials discussed joint fuel purchasing and monitoring supply levels. Fighting continues despite ceasefireIsrael and Hezbollah exchanged fire along the Lebanon border. Israeli strikes in Beirut destroyed buildings and caused casualties. Rescue teams searched for missing people under collapsed structures. In Gaza, airstrikes killed more people after ceasefire tensions continued. Global mediators join Islamabad talksOfficials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China and Qatar joined as third country mediators. Their role was to help indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States. Pakistani analysts expect major developments from the talks. Military leaders in Pakistan played a role in bringing both sides to the table. Iran public reaction to peace talksPeople in Iran said they were hopeful but cautious. Many believe no side benefits from continued war. Others worry any agreement may fail. Officials warned that failure in talks could lead to renewed conflict and higher global costs. Media and security preparations in IslamabadPakistan created a media center at Jinnah Convention Center for global journalists. Visa on arrival was introduced for media and official delegations. The capital city appeared empty due to security measures ahead of negotiations. FAQs Q1. Did Iran really send decoy planes to Pakistan? Reports claim three identical Iranian planes landed in Pakistan. Only one carried officials. The move aimed to protect leaders during travel for negotiations and avoid security risks. Q2. Will the US unfreeze Iran’s funds after talks? Iran says the US agreed to release frozen assets. Iran demands this before negotiations continue. The final outcome depends on ceasefire progress and diplomatic agreements during Islamabad talks. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates.
Did 3 identical Iranian planes land in Pakistan to safeguard FM Abbas Araghchi, and US to unfreeze Iran's funds or not? Reports circulating on social media and some outlets claimed that three identical Iranian aircraft landed in Pakistan to provide security cover for Iranian Fore…
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A tanker identified as the Kaifan was struck by an unknown projectile northeast of Oman’s Limah in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a July 21 report from UK Maritime Trade Operations. No ships were observed transiting the strait that day. Attribution of the strike and links to prior incidents have not been confirmed by the vessel’s owner.
Goldman Sachs has projected Brent crude averaging $80 per barrel in the fourth quarter and $75 in the following year, conditional on reduced Middle East tensions, while noting upside risks from potential shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz or Red Sea.
Brent prices rose above $91 per barrel amid recent U.S.-Iran exchanges and Houthi threats to Saudi shipments before edging lower on Tuesday. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that mediators had proposed a 10-day ceasefire to preserve an interim agreement.
Opening summary: Iran claims attacks on strait of Hormuz ships amid fresh US strikes Welcome to our live coverage of the latest developments in the Middle East crisis. Iran attacked a tanker in the strait of Hormuz early on Tuesday, forcing its crew to abandon the ship, as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis announced they were imposing an immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea after the two sides traded fire last week for the first time in years.
A Houthi official said the Bab al-Mandeb strait – at the southern end of the Red Sea, through which about 12% of the world’s trade usually passes – would be closed to the Saudis in response to the kingdom’s “unjust blockade on Yemenis for over 10 years”.
Saudi Arabia said it would take “all necessary measures to protect its vessels in accordance with international law”. A 10 consecutive night of US airstrikes has not compelled Tehran to loosen its grip on the strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.
But even as Iran’s president said the country had returned “full-scale war”, the Iranian interior minister travelled to Pakistan – a key mediator in the conflict – for talks. In key developments: The latest US strikes came hours after Donald Trump said Iran would pay “many times over” for killing US soldiers after multiple service members were killed in action over the weekend.
A tanker came under attack early Tuesday in the Hormuz strait off Oman, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the attack as well as two other attacks on ships in the waterway on Monday.
The US military’s Central Command said its latest airstrikes were to “degrade” Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the strait and included hitting military command centres and missile and drone launch sites. Iranian media reported strikes in parts of the country including Bandar Abbas, Tabriz and Bushehr, home to the country’s only operational civilian nuclear power.
Iran’s launched attacks in response against Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, which all host US forces. Oil prices softened after hitting their highest levels in more than a month in the previous session. Brent crude futures eased 0.4% to $88.87 a barrel by 0052 GMT on Tuesday while US West Texas Intermediate crude for September delivery was steady at $82.
47 a barrel. Democrats have seized on the deaths of three US troops killed in Iranian strikes to urge Trump to urgently reverse his resumption of the war with Iran amid widespread anxiety over climbing casualties. The Lebanese army began taking charge of security in three southern villages, the US said, as a deal to secure an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah faced its first test on the ground.
US forces struck the tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman on June 10, killing three Indian crew members when munitions hit the engine room and adjacent areas. Maritime tracking data indicate the vessel had transported Iranian oil under US sanctions for several years and conducted offshore transfers prior to the strike.
The US military described the action as a precision operation, while reports note the ship was stationary at the time.