Araghchi Arrives in Beijing
US Announces Closure of Consulate in Pakistan
Office of U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan. File Photo.
The US administration has closed the US Consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, citing security concerns for its staff.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reached Beijing, China, for the first time since the outbreak of war in the Middle East.
The US State Department announced that it is phasing out its Consulate General in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The department stated that the responsibility for Washington's diplomatic engagement with the province will be transferred to the US Embassy in Islamabad.
They also noted that missions in Karachi and Lahore remain operational.
In a statement, the State Department said this decision was made to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel and the efficient management of resources.
The announcement comes at a time when Islamabad is playing a key role in mediating peace talks for a lasting agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Araghchi Arrives in Beijing
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reached Beijing, China, for the first time since the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Since the beginning of the conflict, he has spoken with his Chinese counterpart at least three times on phone.
Two main issues will dominate the agenda in Beijing: maintaining the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, Beijing has adopted a balanced policy toward both sides. While condemning US sanctions on Iranian ports, Beijing has also criticized Iran's role in keeping the strait closed.
Sources indicate that Tehran will seek to confirm what kind of support it will receive from Beijing if it agrees to reopen the waterway.
The discussions will also include whether China will continue to support Iran at the UN if pressure arises from additional US sanctions. (Source: Al Jazeera)