Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir traveled to Tehran as Islamabad continues to serve as an active intermediary between Washington and Tehran in nuclear negotiations. Sources familiar with the process told Al Jazeera that Pakistani mediators are cautiously optimistic about a breakthrough on Iran's nuclear programme, signaling that backchannel momentum has not stalled despite public ambiguity from both sides. Pakistan's role as a conduit reflects its unique positioning: a Muslim-majority nuclear state with functional diplomatic ties to both the United States and Iran at a moment when direct engagement between Washington and Tehran remains structurally constrained. The visit follows a broader pattern of indirect talks that have drawn in regional actors to fill gaps left by the absence of formal diplomatic channels. Watchers should track whether Munir's Tehran meeting produces a concrete framework or timeline for the next round of talks, and whether Iran signals any shift in its posture on enrichment limits or inspection access, the two variables most likely to determine whether a negotiated agreement is achievable.
Qatar's foreign ministry said mediators including Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman have reached "very progressive stages" in efforts to end the US-Iran war, pushing Brent crude down more than four percent.
Qatar confirmed it is mediating between the US and Iran but said no direct talks are currently planned. The clarification follows conflicting statements from President Trump, who claimed talks are under way, and Tehran, which denied any dialogue is happening.
Saudi Aramco reported sharply higher second-quarter 2026 profits as the Iran war restricts global oil supply and pushes crude prices up. Other oil supermajors also posted outsized earnings, raising concerns about sustained fuel cost pressure for importing economies.
President Trump called current Iran negotiations the "last chance" to end five months of conflict, pushing oil prices higher. Tehran denied formal talks are taking place, raising the risk of a diplomatic breakdown with direct consequences for global energy markets.
