A preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend a fragile ceasefire, offering hope for regional stability and easing pressure on global energy markets.

HARARE – High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran have ended without a breakthrough after nearly 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, raising fresh fears over the collapse of a fragile ceasefire and a possible return to conflict. The marathon discussions, hosted by Pakistan, ran from Saturday into early Sunday and were aimed at resolving escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.