Abbas Araghchi Begins Urgent Diplomatic Tour Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Rising US-Iran Tensions

Earlier, Araghchi demanded that the US defreeze Iran's $1.1 trillion in assets frozen in various countries. He gave a 48-hour ultimatum for this and threatened to end the ceasefire. He also stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain completely closed until the assets were released. In the past 24 hours, only five cargo ships have been able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

US CENTCOM has said that it has intercepted two Iranian ships attempting to secretly cross the Strait of Hormuz. According to PTI, Araghchi held discussions with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir before embarking on a three-nation tour.

While the Iranian side did not share details of the talks, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry stated that the two sides discussed regional developments, the ceasefire, and efforts to advance US-Iran dialogue.

Dar emphasized continued dialogue and cooperation to resolve outstanding issues as essential for regional peace and stability. According to the Dawn newspaper, Araghchi will be accompanied by a small negotiating team. However, Iranian Parliament Speaker M.B. Ghalibaf, who leads the peace talks, will not be present.

Araghchi warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Iran's approximately $1.1 trillion in frozen assets is released. He said in a video message on X that if no concrete proposals are made within the next 48 hours, the current ceasefire could collapse. This signals a sharp escalation of tensions in West Asia.

According to media reports, due to sanctions on Iran, $50 to $100 billion in funds received by various countries in exchange for Iranian oil and gas exports is frozen in those countries' banks. Iran has also stipulated the release of this money as a condition for a peace agreement. Iran has been under economic sanctions for many years due to its nuclear program and regional activities.

According to the New York Times, US President Donald Trump has only six days left to continue the Iran war. According to the US Constitution, any war requires congressional approval within 60 days. He notified Congress of the war, which began on February 28th, on March 2nd, and the 60-day period expires on May 1st. He must obtain approval before then.

According to media reports, Trump's position in Congress regarding the war is considered weak. Trump's Republican Party has 53 members in the 100-member Senate, while the opposition Democratic Party has 47 members. Approximately 10 lawmakers from Trump's own party have already voiced their opposition to the Iran war.

However, Trump has another option. The president can take a one-time extension of 30 days, but this is only for the safe withdrawal of troops, not for continuing the war.

According to Reuters, amid rising tensions in the Gulf, the US has further strengthened its military presence by deploying a third aircraft carrier. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed this, saying that this is the first time since 2003 that three US aircraft carriers have been simultaneously active in the region.

According to Hegseth, this combined deployment includes approximately 200 fighter jets, a fleet of warships, and thousands of naval personnel. He said that Iran knows it still has a window of opportunity for a deal. If it wishes, it can make wise choices at the negotiating table. All it needs to do is give up its nuclear weapons in a meaningful and verifiable manner.