Islamabad, Mar 30: Pakistan on Sunday announced that it is set to host talks between the United States and Iran, though there was no immediate confirmation from Washington or Tehran, and it remains unclear whether the discussions will be direct or indirect.
“Pakistan is pleased that both Iran and the US have expressed confidence in its role to facilitate talks. We will be honoured to host meaningful dialogue between the two sides in the coming days,” Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said after a meeting with top diplomats from Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad. The diplomats later departed, while the talks were initially expected to continue on Monday.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry did not respond to further queries, and Iran’s mission to the United Nations declined to comment. Islamabad has positioned itself as a mediator, citing weeks of quiet diplomacy and its ties with both Washington and Tehran.
However, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed the proposed talks as a “cover,” following the arrival of around 2,500 US Marines in the Middle East. He warned that Iranian forces were prepared to retaliate strongly against any US ground deployment.
Iran also issued warnings of possible attacks on residences of US and Israeli officials in the region, citing recent strikes on Iranian cities and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would expand its operations in Lebanon, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The ongoing conflict has displaced over a million people in Lebanon and raised fears of further escalation.
The war has disrupted global supplies of oil, gas and fertilisers, while also impacting international air travel. Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and the involvement of Houthi rebels have heightened concerns over key global shipping routes.
Israeli forces reported intercepting drones launched from Yemen, while also carrying out extensive airstrikes in Tehran targeting weapons-related sites. Iran, in turn, reported restoration of power in areas affected by the attacks.
The conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has since expanded across the region, including Lebanon, Iraq and the Gulf, with thousands reported dead and many more displaced.
Efforts for diplomacy continue, with Egypt stating that the Islamabad meetings aim to open channels for direct dialogue, even as tensions remain high and both sides maintain firm positions. (Agency)
