🔴 JUST IN: Trump Orders Navy to Clear Strait of Hormuz as U.S.-Iran Negotiators Exchange Drafts in Islamabad
WASHINGTON/ ISLAMABAD – In a dramatic escalation of both military and diplomatic activity, the first phase of face-to-face peace talks between the United States and Iran concluded on Saturday with the exchange of formal written texts.
As Vice President JD Vance led high-stakes negotiations at the Prime Minister’s House, President Donald Trump announced from Washington that the U.S. Navy has begun the process of "clearing out" the Strait of Hormuz to restore global oil transit.
Naval Maneuvers and the "24-Hour" Ultimatum
While diplomats huddled in Islamabad, President Trump utilized social media to project a hardline stance, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz "will soon be open" for international shipping. He characterized the move as a "favor to Countries all over the World" and claimed that Iran’s naval and aerial capabilities had been significantly degraded during recent hostilities.
This military posture served as the backdrop for the talks, with the President signaling he expects a clear outcome within a 24-hour window. The U.S. delegation, which includes Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff, is reportedly pushing for an unconditional reopening of the waterway without Iranian-imposed transit fees.
Text Exchanges: From Dialogue to Documentation
Following hours of direct discussion—the first of its kind between the two nations since 1979—sources close to the mediation confirmed that both sides have moved past verbal introductions. Expert-level committees focused on military, economic, and nuclear issues are now exchanging written drafts.
These documents are intended to synchronize the two capitals on the technical specifics of the ceasefire. Key developments include:
Asset Unfreezing: Reports indicate that the U.S. may have agreed to release specific frozen Iranian assets to facilitate this round of in-person diplomacy.
Committee Sessions: Legal and nuclear experts are working at the Serena Hotel to finalize the wording of a potential permanent settlement.
The Role of the Mediator
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remains the central figure in the "Islamabad Talks," having held separate bilateral meetings with VP Vance and the Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Sharif, supported by Army Chief Field Marshall Asim Munir, has urged both sides to seize this "make or break" opportunity to stabilize the region.
Persistent Friction: The Lebanon Factor
Despite the exchange of written texts, a significant divide remains regarding the scope of the peace. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported striking over 200 targets in Lebanon within the last day, maintaining that "Operation Roaring Lion" continues regardless of the U.S.-Iran pause.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has signaled that a final agreement is tethered to a ceasefire in Lebanon, a condition that continues to test the limits of the current two-week "Operation Epic Fury" pause.
Current Status
The summit has transitioned into an overnight session as technical teams scrutinize the exchanged texts. While the U.S. Navy maintains its presence in the Gulf, the world's attention remains fixed on the "Red Zone" in Islamabad, where the next few hours will determine if the written proposals can be forged into a lasting peace.
