US ‘hopeful’ as Islamabad tries to prevail on Tehran

Lead

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope on Thursday of progress on ending the war with Iran, as Pakistani mediators prepared to travel to Tehran for talks.

"I believe the Pakistanis will be travelling to Tehran today. So hopefully that'll advance this further," Rubio told reporters in Miami, according to multiple outlets including TASS and The Hindu.

The comments came as Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was visiting Iran for the second time in a week, engaging senior Iranian leadership, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, as reported by Dawn.

Coverage comparison

Reports from Dawn, the South China Morning Post, TASS, and The Hindu all focused on Rubio's statements and Pakistan's mediating role. All four outlets noted that a ceasefire on April 8 halted the war launched weeks earlier by the US and Israel. The Hindu and the South China Morning Post provided additional context, noting that negotiation efforts have so far failed to yield a lasting agreement and that the impasse continues to weigh on the world economy.

Dawn's report was the most detailed, including criticism by Rubio of Nato allies for not supporting the US in the war on Iran. It also reported that Tehran says it is reviewing the latest US proposal, with the future control of the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key sticking point.

TASS, the Russian state news agency, focused on Rubio's remarks about progress and his statement that President Donald Trump's preference is to "do a good deal."

Key claims

• US hopeful for progress: According to Rubio, speaking to reporters on Thursday, "There's some good signs… I don't want to be overly optimistic… So, let's see what happens over the next few days," as quoted by Dawn. He also said, per TASS, "I think we've made some progress."

• Ceasefire holding: All four sources confirmed that a ceasefire on April 8 halted the war launched weeks earlier by the US and Israel. However, negotiations have not yet produced a lasting peace agreement, with multiple proposals exchanged and the threat of renewed conflict looming.

• Pakistan's mediation role: Pakistan has been actively mediating between Washington and Tehran. In April, Pakistan hosted the only direct negotiations between US and Iranian officials to take place since the war began on February 28, as reported by The Hindu. Those talks ultimately failed, with Tehran accusing Washington of making "excessive demands."

• Hormuz blockade: The Hindu reported that Iran imposed a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as part of its retaliation in the war, and that the future of Hormuz remains a key sticking point in negotiations. This claim was not mentioned in the other three articles.

• Potential visit by army chief: Several outlets, citing Iran's ISNA news agency, reported that Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, may travel to Tehran for talks. However, there was no official confirmation from Pakistani authorities, and the reports were based on unnamed sources.

• Trump's "borderline" warning: President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that negotiations are "right on the borderline" between a deal and renewed strikes, as quoted by the South China Morning Post and The Hindu. "If we don't get the right answers, it goes..." he said, leaving the threat implicit.

Perspectives

US perspective: Rubio's statements reflect cautious optimism, emphasizing that the president's preference is to reach a good deal, but acknowledging that success is not guaranteed. The US has been critical of allies, particularly Nato members, for not doing more to support its military actions.

Iranian perspective: Tehran has not publicly commented on the latest developments in the article, but earlier reports indicate it is reviewing the latest US proposal. Iran has previously accused Washington of making excessive demands.

Pakistani perspective: Pakistan appears to be positioning itself as a key mediator, with senior officials shuttling between Washington and Tehran. The potential visit by the army chief, a powerful figure, underscores Pakistan's growing role in the diplomatic efforts.

Regional and global context: The impasse continues to weigh on the world economy, affecting investors and farmers, as noted by The Hindu. The war has also had wider regional consequences, including in Lebanon, where the health ministry reported at least 3,089 people killed, according to a single-source report mentioned in the context of the conflict.