Iran vows to resist new US sanctions as Pakistan pushes for renewed peace talks

Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON DC/CAIRO: Iran has vowed to resist newly expanded U.S. economic sanctions aimed at cutting off its financial lifelines, while diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan are seeking to revive stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran and prevent a further escalation of the conflict.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new package of sanctions on Monday targeting about 60 individuals, companies and vessels linked to Iran. Washington said countries and businesses that continue significant dealings with Iran could face restrictions that would threaten their access to the U.S. dollar-based financial system.

Iranian officials quickly rejected the measures and warned that Tehran would respond. Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said the country was prepared for the new sanctions and would use its own economic and other tools to counter the U.S. pressure campaign. Iranian officials have also warned that any further escalation could threaten American interests and critical energy routes in the region.

Pakistan steps up diplomatic efforts

At the same time, Pakistan has intensified efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table. Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, traveled to Tehran on Monday and met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Tuesday that the discussions had made “significant progress” and ended on a highly positive note. He said the talks focused on restoring an interim framework previously mediated by Pakistan and finding a path toward lasting peace.

The Pakistani military said the discussions addressed measures to prevent further escalation, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ways to accelerate an end to the conflict. Iranian President Pezeshkian, however, called on Washington to change its approach toward Tehran.

Iranian state media quoted Pezeshkian as saying that the United States should abandon coercive tactics and change its tone in dealing with Iran, warning that pressure and intimidation could make the diplomatic process more difficult.

Washington signals interest in renewed talks

The diplomatic effort comes as the Trump administration seeks ways to end a conflict that has continued for nearly six months. According to Reuters, Pakistani officials said Munir delivered a message from Washington to Iranian officials after speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump the previous week. The exact contents of the message were not publicly disclosed.

The United States has simultaneously increased economic pressure on Tehran. The latest sanctions target individuals, entities and vessels connected to Iran’s economy and oil trade, while Washington has warned countries that continue doing business with Iran that they could face secondary sanctions.

The administration has so far avoided imposing the most severe measures against major Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iranian oil transactions, reflecting concerns about the broader impact on U.S.-China relations.

China rejects unilateral pressure

China, one of Iran’s most important trading partners and a major buyer of Iranian oil, has criticized Washington’s sanctions campaign. Beijing has said sanctions and unilateral pressure do not help resolve disputes and has indicated that it will take steps to protect its interests. The issue is particularly sensitive as Washington and Beijing prepare for further high-level engagement.

The decision by Washington to give countries and companies time to comply with the new sanctions also suggests that the administration is attempting to increase pressure on Iran without immediately triggering a wider confrontation with major trading partners.

Strait of Hormuz remains central to negotiations

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most urgent issues in the diplomatic efforts. The waterway is a crucial route for global energy shipments, and disruptions since the conflict began have created serious concerns for oil and gas markets.

Pakistan’s discussions with Iranian officials included efforts to reopen the Strait and restore freedom of navigation. Qatar has separately said its officials are speaking with the parties on a daily basis in an effort to revive U.S.-Iran negotiations. Doha has urged Iran to restore normal navigation through the waterway. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the crisis requires a regional solution rather than separate bilateral arrangements for individual countries seeking access through the Strait.

Diplomatic window remains uncertain

Despite the latest diplomatic activity, a breakthrough remains uncertain. The United States continues to demand significant changes from Iran, while Tehran has repeatedly rejected what it considers coercive demands. The two sides also remain deeply divided over security, Iran’s military capabilities and the future of its nuclear program.

Previous Pakistani mediation produced an interim agreement in June, but that arrangement later faltered amid renewed tensions and incidents involving shipping in the Gulf. For now, the combination of intensified U.S. sanctions and renewed diplomatic contacts has created a complicated picture: Washington is increasing economic pressure while simultaneously signaling interest in negotiations, and Pakistan and Qatar are working to create a diplomatic pathway back to talks.

Whether those efforts can produce a durable ceasefire and restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most closely watched questions in the Middle East.