Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that the US blockade on Iran is expanding into a global campaign, and suggested Tehran still has an opportunity to strike a ‘good deal’ with Washington.
‘Our blockade is growing and going global,’ Hegseth told reporters, his remarks conveying a firm US naval posture across critical sea lanes. ‘No one sails from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy,’ he added.
He said that, so far, thirty-four ships had been turned around by the US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Pakistan is preparing for renewed diplomatic activity as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad tonight with a small delegation, amid mounting momentum for a second round of US‑Iran talks.
The anticipated visit comes as Pakistan intensifies its facilitation efforts to sustain dialogue between Washington and Tehran, with indications that Islamabad may once again serve as the venue for negotiations. Government sources say discussions between Pakistan’s mediation team and representatives of both sides have helped lay the groundwork for a possible fresh round of engagement.
The development follows earlier high‑level contacts and continuing back channel coordination, positioning Islamabad as a key facilitator in efforts to de‑escalate regional tensions. A US logistics and security team is already present in the city, underscoring preparations linked to potential talks.