Pakistan Hosts US-Iran Talks Amid Escalating Middle East War

Pakistan, with good ties to both nations, emerged as a mediator after weeks of quiet diplomacy, though neither Washington nor Tehran immediately confirmed the discussions. The conflict has intensified, with Iran threatening U.S. and Israeli officials' homes and universities, citing Israeli strikes on Iranian residential areas and academic institutions.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an expanded invasion of Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, displacing over 1 million Lebanese. The war has killed over 3,000 people in Iran, 1,200 in Lebanon, 19 in Israel, 80 in Iraq, 20 in Gulf states, 4 in the West Bank, and 13 U.S. service members.

The conflict threatens global supplies of oil, natural gas, and fertilizer, disrupting air travel and impacting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb strait due to Houthi rebel involvement. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed the meetings aim for direct dialogue, while Iran has rejected a U.S. 15-point peace proposal but drafted its own five-point plan, including reparations and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran eased some shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing 20 more Pakistani-flagged vessels, signaling openness to business if the U.S. abandons coercion, according to Pakistan's former ambassador Asif Durrani. The UAE called for clear guarantees against future Iranian attacks and compensation for infrastructure damage.