Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command, Iran's "supreme headquarters" for its armed forces, warned today that it would retaliate if Washington continued its port blockade operations against Tehran.

"Should the US military persist in its acts of piracy, it will certainly face retaliation from Iran's powerful armed forces," the command stated. "We are prepared and determined, closely monitoring all enemy actions and movements."

On the same day, Iran's Defense Ministry asserted that the US "is seeking an honorable withdrawal from the quagmire of war it has entered," emphasizing Tehran's continued regional dominance.

Iranians wave flags during a pro-government rally in Tehran on 24/4. *Photo: Reuters*

These statements coincided with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, traveling to Islamabad, Pakistan. Iranian state media indicated Tehran has no plans for direct negotiations with Washington.

Reaching a peace agreement in the Middle East remains challenging, even as the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and liquefied natural gas, intensifies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also arrived in Islamabad today to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, thanking Pakistan for its efforts to promote a ceasefire. Araghchi presented "Iran's principled stance on the latest developments concerning a ceasefire and a complete end to the war."

Iranian state television reported that Araghchi has no plans to meet US representatives, with Pakistan serving as a bridge to "convey" Iran's proposals.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry stated that the Iranian Foreign Minister was in Islamabad to discuss "ongoing efforts to achieve regional peace and stability" with Pakistani officials, but did not directly address potential negotiations with Witkoff and Kushner.

An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that Araghchi would visit Oman and Russia to discuss conflict resolution efforts. Iranian media confirmed on the evening of 25/4 that the delegation had departed Pakistan.

By Huyen Le (AFP)