Pakistan and Oman Intensify Diplomacy in Tehran to Ease US-Iran Tensions and Secure Strait of Hormuz

Pakistan and Oman are stepping up diplomatic engagement with Iran, sending senior officials to Tehran as efforts intensify to ease the conflict with the US and address the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

The diplomatic push comes as the Trump administration has threatened to impose tough new sanctions on countries that continue to conduct business with Iran, in the latest effort to punish the Islamic republic. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures on Monday but stopped short of the most punishing sanctions, saying countries that continued trading with Iran risked being forced out of the dollar-based financial system.

Mr Bessent did not identify the countries that would be targeted or reveal when the penalties would take effect, saying he would instead offer time to comply with the directive. The US also announced new sanctions targeting almost 60 Iran-linked individuals, entities and vessels, aiming to cut off Iran's economic lifeline.

Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran on Monday for talks with Iranian leaders, with Islamabad saying the discussions were focused on preventing escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and bringing the conflict to an end through talks. Mr Naqvi noted that Pakistan made significant progress in the latest discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Separately, Badr Albusaidi, Oman's Foreign Minister, arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to maintain political consultations and strengthen regional peace and security, particularly concerning the vital oil and gas shipping route.

Despite mounting economic pressure, including a weakened Iranian currency and high annual inflation, Iranian officials remain defiant, with Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh stating that Tehran is fully prepared for the new US sanctions.