Iran's Foreign Minister Visits Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow; U.S. Navy Deploys Three Aircraft Carriers in Middle East for First Time in Over 20 Years
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi will embark on a diplomatic visit this Friday, with stops in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan; Muscat, the capital of Oman; and Moscow, the capital of Russia. IRNA stated that "the purpose of this visit is to hold bilateral consultations, discuss the current regional situation, and review the latest developments regarding the war launched by the U.S. and Israeli regimes against Iran."
A Pakistani official source said Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad late Friday, though the source did not disclose whom he might meet. Pakistan has been preparing for the upcoming second round of U.S.-Iran talks, but it remains unclear whether Araghchi and his delegation will meet with American officials to discuss the Middle East war.
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in efforts to end the U.S.-Iran conflict. However, after marathon first-round talks held on April 11, Tehran has so far refused to send a delegation to Islamabad for the second round. It is currently unknown whether U.S. Vice President Vance or other senior American officials will return to Pakistan.
A Pakistani official source revealed that American logistical and security teams have already arrived in Islamabad. AFP reporters saw several U.S. military aircraft land at an airbase near Rawalpindi earlier this week.
On Friday, Tehran confirmed that Araghchi had spoken by phone with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Darban, both of whom played pivotal roles in previous mediation efforts.
On Thursday, CNN cited multiple informed sources reporting that if the current ceasefire with Iran collapses, U.S. military officials are drafting new plans to strike Iran’s military capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz.
Among the various target types under consideration are dynamic strikes aimed specifically at Iran’s military assets in the Strait of Hormuz, southern Arabian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman. The sources described potential operations targeting fast-moving attack craft, minelaying vessels, and other asymmetric warfare assets—capabilities that have enabled Iranian authorities to effectively block this critical waterway and leverage it as a bargaining chip against U.S. pressure.
Although the U.S. military has already designated Iran’s navy as a target, the initial bombing campaign focused primarily on targets distant from the Strait of Hormuz, allowing for deeper strikes into Iran’s territory. The new plan calls for more concentrated bombing operations around this strategic waterway.
CNN previously reported that most of Iran’s coastal defense missile systems remain intact. Iran also possesses a large number of small vessels that can serve as attack platforms, launching assaults on ships—making U.S. efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz significantly more complex. Multiple sources, including a senior shipping broker, indicated that military strikes solely near the Strait of Hormuz are unlikely to immediately reopen the waterway.
According to sources speaking to CNN, the U.S. military may also carry out Trump’s prior threats to target dual-use infrastructure and civilian-military facilities—including energy installations—to force Tehran back to the negotiating table. Trump had previously stated that if diplomacy fails to resolve the war, the U.S. would resume military action.
One source noted that another plan being developed by U.S. military planners involves targeting Iran’s military leadership and other “obstructionists” within the regime, whose recent actions U.S. officials have implied are actively undermining negotiations. This includes General Ahmad Vahidi, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
A Defense Department official, when asked about target planning, stated: "Due to operational security considerations, we do not discuss future or hypothetical operations," adding that "U.S. forces will continue providing the President with a range of options, all of which remain under consideration."
Following U.S.-Israel joint operations that killed dozens of high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Khamenei, Trump repeatedly claimed the Iranian regime is now experiencing internal divisions. On Thursday, Trump posted on social media that there is a clear rift between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and government members who previously engaged in negotiations with the U.S.—a major obstacle to reaching a diplomatic agreement.
The sources added that subsequent U.S. strike operations could also target Iran’s remaining military capabilities, including missiles, launchers, and production facilities that either survived the initial U.S.-Israel attacks or may have been relocated to new strategic positions since the ceasefire began.
On Friday, U.S. Central Command announced via social media platform X: "For the first time in decades, three aircraft carriers are simultaneously operating in the Middle East. These include the USS Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Ford (CVN 78), and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), each equipped with carrier air wings comprising over 200 aircraft and more than 15,000 sailors and Marines." Analysts note this marks the largest number of U.S. carriers deployed to the region in over 20 years.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863371467600003/
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