Iran resumed commercial flights from Tehran’s international airport on Saturday for the first time since the conflict began roughly two months ago, following a ceasefire between the US and Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad, including Army Chief Asim Munir, according to Iranian state media. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei was also present.
Large parts of Pakistan’s capital remained under tight security for over a week as of Saturday, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding a proposed second round of talks between the United States and Iran.
For residents, the uncertainty has been the hardest to cope with. Islamabad is a transient city, where many people stay for work during the week and return to their family homes on weekends.
Iran rules out direct talks with the United States.
Soon after Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan, Tehran made it clear that no direct talks with US officials would take place during the visit.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said in a post on X that “no meeting is planned between Iran and the US,” adding that Pakistani officials would act as intermediaries to convey messages between the two sides.
US President Donald Trump rules out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran.
On Thursday, Donald Trump said he would not use nuclear weapons in the conflict with Iran. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he remarked, “Why would I use a nuclear weapon? We’ve already, through conventional means, decimated them without it.”
The US president also stressed that nuclear weapons should never be used by anyone. When asked how long he was willing to wait for a long-term peace agreement with Iran, he replied, “Don’t rush me.”
The US has imposed sanctions on a China-based oil refinery and 40 shipping companies over their involvement in transporting Iranian oil
The administration of Donald Trump has imposed economic sanctions on a major oil refinery in China, along with around 40 shipping firms and tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil.
The move, announced on Friday and first reported by The Associated Press, follows through on warnings to enforce secondary sanctions against companies and countries doing business with Iran. It is part of a broader US effort to curb Iran’s primary source of revenue – its oil exports.
Karoline Leavitt said JD Vance is open to visiting Pakistan “if we feel it’s a necessary use of his time.”
Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the president had sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner “to hear the Iranians out.”
“We’ve certainly seen some progress from the Iranian side in the last couple of days,” she said, without providing further details on what US officials were being told.
Leavitt added that Vice President JD Vance would not travel, but remains “deeply involved.”