Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain major sticking points, despite mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope Thursday that a visit by Pakistan’s army chief to Iran will advance diplomacy on ending the war, saying there

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Tehran meeting could help advance stalled negotiations.

The conflicting statements on key issues left it unclear if the two sides were any closer to a deal after renewed threats of escalation in recent days