Pakistan expects ‘positive development soon’ over Hormuz after army chief’s call with Trump: Sources

Pakistan is expecting “positive development soon” regarding the Strait of Hormuz following a call from army chief Gen. Asim Munir to US President Donald Trump, Pakistani government sources told Anadolu on Monday with the request of anonymity.

The intense diplomatic efforts by Islamabad come to smooth the way for the second round of talks between the US and Iran, expected any time soon in the Pakistani capital.

“We expect positive development soon,” sources said, referring to a phone call by Munir with Trump during which they discussed the Pakistani mediation process and the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump had said he would “consider advice” of Gen. Munir, who told the US president that the blockade of the strait by American forces remains a "hurdle" in a possible second round of talks with Iran, Pakistani sources had told Anadolu early Monday.

The waterway has been lying nearly closed since the US and Israel initiated their attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

Tehran declared the strait open on Friday but closed it a day later after Trump announced that the blockade of Iranian ports would continue, and on Sunday, the American forces detained one Iranian cargo ship after they opened fire and boarded it.

However, Trump on Sunday announced that US representatives will fly to Islamabad for talks with the Iranians.

Tehran is yet to officially announce its decision but has demanded the lifting of the US blockade of Iranian ports.

Earlier, Pakistani sources said Iranians are expected to reach Islamabad on Tuesday.