Iran: Araghchi gives Pakistan the answer for the USA. "Hormuz under our control…

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi he handed over to the Pakistan the answer of Teheran to the United States’ proposals, while the United States Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that the naval blockade ordered by President Donald Trump remains fully operational, despite the extension of the ceasefire and the imminent resumption of negotiations in Pakistan.

The US military has released images of the destroyer USS Rafael Peralta engaged in the interception of an Iranian-flagged merchant ship. Since the start of the operations on April 13, at least 29 boats heading to or coming from Iranian ports have been forced to interrupt navigation.

USA: blockade paralyzes 90% of Iranian maritime trade

The toll of confirmed seizures includes a cargo ship, captured by force, and an oil tanker suspected of carrying crude oil. According to the US Treasury Department, the blockade is capable of paralyzing 90% of Tehran’s maritime trade, a measure that the Iranian authorities have equated to a real “attack” on national security. In this climate of extreme tension, the White House special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are expected in Islamabad today to attempt a new mediation. However, the spokesperson of the Tehran Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, cooled expectations by reiterating via social media that “no direct bilateral meeting” with the US delegation is planned. “Foreign Minister Araghchi will meet senior Pakistani officials in line with their ongoing mediation and good offices to end the American-imposed war of aggression and restore peace in our region,” he said.

Media, Araghchi delivers response for USA to Pakistan

As had been announced, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered Tehran’s response to the United States’ proposals for the ongoing negotiations to Pakistan. According to Irib news, Araghchi forwarded the observations to Chief of Staff Asem Munir, mediator between Tehran and Washington. The text is “exhaustive” and contains “all Tehran’s considerations”, explains the state broadcaster.

Security and transport: bomb removed in Yazd and airport reopens

Iranian authorities have defused and removed an unexploded US GBU bomb in the central province of Yazd. The device, known as a bunker-buster, ended up 13 meters deep under a residential area during attacks launched by the United States and Israel during the war. The deputy governor for security affairs of Yazd, Ismail Dehestani, told the ISNA agency that it was a “high risk” operation, given the type of ammunition and the position in which it fell. The GBU weighs over 13 tons and can penetrate up to 60 meters into terrazzo or concrete before exploding. Meanwhile, Imam Khomeini International Airport has resumed international flights. According to state TV, the first passengers have left for Medina, Muscat and Istanbul, and activity is expected to increase in the coming days.

Trump’s “Maximum Pressure” strategy

From the White House, Donald Trump reiterated that he is in no hurry to close a deal, believing that time is in Washington’s favor. The US strategy excludes the use of atomic warheads but focuses on unprecedented military and economic pressure. During a press conference in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated that the top priority remains the denuclearization of the Islamic Republic.