Continued from P1

The diplomatic momentum follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who confirmed a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran shortly before a deadline linked to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials have indicated that talks will commence in Islamabad, crediting Pakistan for playing a key mediating role in securing the ceasefire. The planned talks are being closely watched as a potential step toward ending weeks of escalating conflict and restoring stability in the region. With negotiations expected to begin Friday, the spotlight is firmly on Vance’s diplomatic role. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has credited China for helping broker the fragile truce, even as he claims the U.S. still holds untapped leverage over Iran.