Iran foreign ministry says talks covered sanctions and nuclear

At least 16 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, one of the busiest days since the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire on Tuesday, NBC reported.

US Central Command said guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy conducted operations to clear Iranian sea mines.

"MarineTraffic detected USS Michael Murphy after briefly activating its AIS; three crude oil tankers (Chinese, Hong Kong and Liberian-flagged) were allowed through," the report said.

Retired US Vice Admiral Robert Harward said on Saturday Iran should be required to relinquish uranium-related materials and accept strict international oversight as part of any future nuclear agreement, arguing such steps are necessary to prevent weaponization.

Speaking on Newsmax TV’s “Saturday Agenda,” Harward said US negotiators should seek commitments from Tehran that go beyond limiting enrichment, including transferring nuclear material and agreeing to binding restrictions on both nuclear and missile programs.

“Sure they can,” he said when asked whether Iran could give up uranium-related capabilities, adding: “I think that should be part of the negotiations.”

High-ranking members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for “consultation” as part of ongoing Iran–US negotiations in Islamabad, a source told CNN.

The officials reportedly include senior figures from the IRGC, air force, navy, and the Quds Force.

"Flight tracking data indicated the arrival of at least one aircraft operated by Pouya Air, a company sanctioned by the US over its ties to the IRGC. The aircraft landed at Nur Khan airbase outside Islamabad, a restricted facility used for VIP arrivals," the report said.

Pakistan put forward a proposal to regulate navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including joint patrols, during direct US–Iran negotiations in Islamabad, according to a diplomatic source cited by Al Jazeera Arabic.

The source said the talks between US and Iranian delegations were direct, with Pakistani officials participating in the discussions.

Under the proposal, Pakistan suggested a framework for regulating maritime navigation through the strategic waterway, including the establishment of joint patrols in the strait.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday Israel’s continued strikes inside Lebanon are a key source of regional tension as Iran and the United States hold negotiations in Islamabad, according to semi-official Mehr news agency.

Pezeshkian urged the United States and other countries to pressure Israel to halt the attacks.