US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Tehran to accept a 'good, wise deal' as diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war shift to Islamabad. Speaking at the Pentagon on Friday, Hegseth echoed President Donald Trump's stance that Washington is not 'anxious' to reach an agreement, stating, 'We have all the time in the world.'
The comments come as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in the Pakistani capital on Friday night, according to an official source. It remains unclear whether Araghchi will meet US officials for a second round of talks, following a marathon first session on 11 April that ended without a deal.
US Blockade and European Energy Woes
Hegseth confirmed that the US naval blockade of Iranian shipping will continue 'as long as it takes' to eliminate what he called Tehran's threat to global security. US officials claim 34 ships have been turned back, but ship-tracking data from Lloyd's List Intelligence indicates that a 'steady flow of shadow fleet traffic' persists, with 11 tankers carrying Iranian cargo leaving the Gulf of Oman since 13 April.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which began on 28 February, has severely disrupted global energy supplies. European nations, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil, have seen energy prices surge. Hegseth rebuked US allies for 'freeriding,' arguing that Europe needs the strait more than the United States. 'We are not counting on Europe, but they need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do,' he said, mocking a recent European summit in Cyprus as 'a silly conference.'
French President Emmanuel Macron pushed back, stating that Washington cannot complain about a lack of support 'in an operation they chose to undertake alone.' The EU's energy chief has warned of a years-long recovery from the crisis, as detailed in this report.
Pakistan's Mediation Role
Islamabad has emerged as the lead mediator, with heavy security measures in place, including checkpoints and road closures in the 'red zone' near the expected negotiation venue. Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have both played key roles, and Araghchi held phone calls with them on Friday.
However, Tehran has so far declined to send a delegation for a second round. It is also unclear whether US Vice President JD Vance or other senior officials will return to Pakistan, weeks after Vance left without a deal. US logistics and security teams remain in Islamabad, the Pakistani source confirmed.
The standoff has broader implications for European security and energy diversification. The EU has been exploring alternative routes, such as the TRIPP Corridor talks with Azerbaijan, as reported here. Meanwhile, the crisis has also drawn in Israel, whose defence minister has said the country awaits US approval for major strikes on Iran, as covered in this article.
As the diplomatic clock ticks, Hegseth's blunt message underscores Washington's determination to press its advantage, even as European capitals grapple with the economic fallout and question the unilateral US approach.
