Ceasefire Holds Amidst Stalled US-Iran Peace Talks

Kathmandu. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Monday that although the peace talks held between the United States and Iran last weekend did not achieve immediate objectives, the ceasefire remains in effect and efforts to reach an agreement are still ongoing.

“The ceasefire is still in place, and full efforts are being made to resolve the remaining issues,” Sharif said in brief televised remarks.

US Claims Deadline Has Passed

Meanwhile, the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a naval blockade of Iranian ports expired on Monday. Following the conclusion of weekend peace talks with Tehran without an agreement, Trump had announced a blockade of the strategically vital 'Strait of Hormuz' for fuel shipments. The US military stated it would begin the blockade of all Gulf ports on Monday, Greenwich Mean Time. The military noted that ships not originating from or heading to Iran would be permitted to transit through the Strait.

Qatar Urges Iran to Remain Open to Dialogue

On Monday, the Prime Minister of Qatar urged the Iranian Foreign Minister to engage positively in mediation efforts between Iran and the United States, warning that maritime routes should not be used as a 'bargaining chip.' Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as Qatar's Foreign Minister, emphasized in a phone call with Abbas Araghchi that all parties must respond positively to ongoing mediation efforts. A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said, “He emphasized that maritime routes must be opened, freedom of navigation must be ensured, and they should not be used as tools for pressure or bargaining.”