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In brief
- Pakistan said it was preparing to host “meaningful talks” to end the conflict over Iran in coming days.
- As the conflict enters its second month, it shows no signs of slowing.
Pakistan has extended an invitation to host peace discussions in an effort to de-escalate the intensifying conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. This initiative emerges as tensions mount across the Middle East, casting doubt on the likelihood of successful negotiations.
Following consultations with foreign ministers from the region, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed Islamabad’s readiness to mediate dialogue between the US and Iran.
“Pakistan stands ready to facilitate and host significant discussions between the parties in the upcoming days, aiming for a comprehensive and enduring resolution to the current crisis,” he stated on Sunday (local time).
However, it remains unclear if either of the involved parties has accepted the invitation to engage in talks.
Despite the initiative, the diplomatic endeavor faces hurdles due to the starkly conflicting stances held by the US, Israel, and Iran on resolving the issue. These differences could complicate efforts to find common ground.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Washington of sending mixed signals, alleging it was discussing negotiations while simultaneously preparing for possible ground invasion.
“As long as the Americans seek Iran’s surrender, our response is that we will never accept humiliation,” he said in a message to the nation, warning Tehran would respond if US troops were deployed.
The Washington Post reported on Sunday that the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran. The plans could involve raids by special operations and conventional infantry troops, the Post reported, citing US officials.
Washington has dispatched thousands of marines to the Middle East, with the first of two contingents arriving on Friday aboard an amphibious assault ship, the US military has said.
Fighting continues as war enters its second month
Regional powers, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, have also discussed measures to ease global economic pressure caused by the conflict, with early proposals focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has effectively blocked oil and gas shipments through the strait since the US and Israeli attacks began on 28 February, disrupting global energy markets.
Fighting has intensified as the war enters its second month. Israel said it carried out more than 140 air strikes on central and western Iran, including Tehran, within 24 hours, targeting missile infrastructure and storage sites.
The conflict has also spread beyond Iran. In southern Israel, near the city of Beer Sheva, a chemical plant was struck by a missile or debris, prompting warnings over “hazardous materials.” Another missile hit open ground near homes in Beer Sheva, located near several military bases, injuring 11 people.
The World Health Organization said Israeli operations in southern Lebanon had killed another health worker, bringing the total number of dead to 51.
Israel claims that Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters operate from medical facilities, an accusation the group denies.
The war has killed thousands and damaged infrastructure across the region, including aluminium plants in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has called for reparations and guarantees against further attacks.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have entered the conflict, launching attacks on Israel and raising concerns about potential disruption to another key shipping route, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, further threatening global trade.
An Israeli official said Israel would continue carrying out strikes against Iran on what were described as military targets, adding there was no intention to scale back the campaign ahead of any possible talks between Washington and Tehran.
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