A return to negotiations over Iran’s conflict with the United States was discussed yesterday by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir. A Pakistani security official told Reuters that their telephone exchange examined diplomatic options for reducing tensions across all fronts.
The discussion comes amid mounting economic costs for both sides. This week, Brent, the global crude benchmark, exceeded $100 a barrel, while diesel prices reached an unprecedented high. Diesel’s widespread use in farming and transportation means the increases could add to inflation pressures.
Diplomacy has remained stalled since a June agreement broke down shortly after it was reached. The military campaign that Washington and Israel began in February was expected to take only weeks, but an end remains distant. Fighting continues at a lower intensity, and Washington appears to lack a strategy for leaving the conflict.
According to the Pakistani official, Araghchi and Munir also addressed Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia alongside the war and prospects for renewed talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged that elevated gasoline prices will probably persist through the congressional midterm elections.
