Tehran/Islamabad, April 25: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will convey Iran’s considerations regarding the end of the war with the United States and Israel in his visit to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

Heading a diplomatic delegation, Araghchi is scheduled to visit Pakistan, Oman and Russia, the report said, adding the visits are aimed at ensuring close coordination with Iran’s partners regarding bilateral issues, and holding consultations on the latest regional developments.

Araghchi will not hold any negotiations with US officials during his visit, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting Tasnim.

According to Tasnim, in the Omani capital Muscat, the Iranian foreign minister will discuss regional issues as well as the war, and in Russia, he will hold consultations on the latest developments pertaining to bilateral, regional and international developments.

Commenting on his tour in a post on social media platform X on Friday, Araghchi said, “Embarking on a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments. Our neighbours are our priority.”

Tasnim also reported that Iran currently has no plans to negotiate with the United States, and that Araghchi’s visit to Islamabad is not for talks with the US side.

Iran’s state-run IRIB TV reported that while Araghchi does not have a plan to meet with the Americans, “Islamabad, as a bridge of communication, will ‘convey’ Iran’s considerations for ending the conflicts.”

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Iranian delegation led by Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday night.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US bases and assets in the Middle East.

A ceasefire was achieved between the warring parties on April 8, which was followed by lengthy talks between the Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. After the peace negotiations in Islamabad collapsed, the United States imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, preventing ships travelling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway.

The Iranian and US delegations were reportedly expected to hold another round of peace talks in Pakistan this week, but Iran refrained from attending, citing the US’ continued naval blockade and “excessive” demands as main reasons.

New Delhi, April 24: As India and New Zealand prepare to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Monday, both sides are expected to benefit from expanded trade ties and improved market access, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said.

Taking to the social media platform X, Luxon said, “We will sign a Free Trade Agreement with India on Monday.”

In a video message, Luxon said the agreement would improve market access for New Zealand exporters, particularly manufacturers of marine jet systems used in boats and exported to over 70 countries.

He added that the deal would help reduce trade barriers and strengthen commercial engagement between the two countries.

He also noted that certain exporters currently face tariffs while accessing the Indian market, and said the agreement would gradually ease such duties, improving competitiveness and supporting higher trade flows.

Luxon said the FTA would support increased business activity, employment opportunities and economic growth in New Zealand, while also strengthening bilateral trade linkages with India.

He added that the agreement would bring ‘more jobs, higher wages and more opportunities,’ highlighting the broader economic impact of the deal.

Once signed, the FTA is expected to expand trade and investment ties between the two countries and enhance export opportunities on both sides in a large and growing global market environment.

Earlier this month, legal verification of the New Zealand-India FTA was completed, with both countries agreeing to sign the pact on April 27 in the presence of a large contingent of business representatives, New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said.

In a statement, McClay described the agreement as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” saying it would strengthen bilateral trade relations and provide improved access to each other’s markets.

He said that amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, strengthening trade partnerships remains important for long-term economic stability.

McClay added that signing the FTA would allow New Zealand to formally initiate parliamentary treaty examination, enabling public scrutiny of the agreement.

Tehran, April 23: South Korea’s special envoy to Iran has met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, an Iranian social media post showed on Thursday, as Seoul seeks to ensure the safety of its vessels and seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia tensions.

Chung Byung-ha, special envoy for South Korea’s foreign minister, expressed hope in his meeting with Araghchi that diplomatic efforts would bring a definite end to the conflict and lead to peace and stability in the region, a Telegram post by Iran’s foreign ministry showed.

Chung also noted the importance of developing bilateral relations between Seoul and Tehran, reports Xinhua news agency.

Echoing Chung’s remark on their ties, Araghchi expressed Iran’s readiness to cooperate in that regard.

Regarding Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi defended the measure as an effort to safeguard its national security and interests, saying that “responsibility for any resulting consequences lies with the parties carrying out the aggression,” according to the post.

Twenty-six South Korea-related ships and 173 Korean crew members remain stranded in the vital waterway blocked by both Iran and the United States.

South Korea has been in talks with Iran and neighbouring countries to ensure their safety, sharing details of the vessels and crew with relevant parties, including Iran and the US.

The tensions in West Asia escalated after the US and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran. The joint military strikes killed the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a large-scale military operation by Iran against Israel and the US bases in the Gulf nations.

The conflict also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered a global energy crisis.