Pakistan Army Chief Arrives in Tehran as US-Iran Talks Continue
TEHRAN, May 22, 2026: Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Friday with a senior-level security delegation as efforts continue to mediate between the United States and Iran over the escalating regional conflict.
Iranian media reports said the visit is part of ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at helping Washington and Tehran move towards a possible peace agreement and restore stability in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Limited Progress in US-Iran Negotiations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that discussions with Iran have shown only limited improvement so far.
Speaking on the negotiations, Rubio said there had been “some progress” but stressed that significant disagreements remain unresolved. He described the talks as challenging, noting that negotiators are still working to bridge major gaps.
One of the main sticking points involves Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Washington will not allow Tehran to maintain such nuclear materials under any future deal.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Central Issue
The future control and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz continues to be another major concern in the negotiations.
Rubio said the United States is considering alternative options in case Iran refuses to fully reopen the strategic waterway, which is considered one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that 35 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz during the last 24 hours with Iranian permission, underscoring Tehran’s continued influence over maritime traffic in the region.
Israeli Strike in Lebanon Kills Six
Meanwhile, regional violence continued as Lebanese health authorities reported that an Israeli strike on the town of Deir Qanoun en-Nahr killed six people, including two rescue workers and a Syrian child.
The latest attack came amid continuing cross-border tensions despite previous ceasefire efforts.
EU Suspends Fertiliser Tariffs Amid Supply Concerns
In a separate development, the European Union announced a temporary suspension of tariffs on nitrogen fertiliser imports and key raw materials such as urea and ammonia.
EU officials said the one-year measure aims to reduce pressure on farmers and agricultural producers as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect global supply chains and increase prices.
However, the tariff suspension will not apply to Russia or Belarus due to existing sanctions connected to the Ukraine war.
