Pakistan Steps Forward as Mediator in Iran–US Tensions
- Muhammad Ikmal Fahmi Bin Che Mohamood
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
ISLAMABAD/TEL AVIV, March 29, 2026 (REUTERS) — Pakistan announced it is preparing to host “meaningful talks” aimed at ending the escalating conflict with Iran, even as Tehran warned it is ready to respond if U.S. ground forces are deployed.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said discussions with regional counterparts — including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt — explored ways to secure a permanent settlement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route disrupted by Iran’s blockade.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, accused Washington of signaling interest in negotiations while simultaneously preparing for military action. “As long as the Americans seek Iran’s surrender, our response is that we will never accept humiliation,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Israel intensified its campaign, launching more than 140 airstrikes across Iran in the past 24 hours, hitting missile sites and infrastructure. Iranian media reported strikes on Tehran’s Mehrabad airport and a petrochemical plant in Tabriz.
The conflict has already spread across the region:
Lebanon: WHO reported another health worker killed amid Israeli operations.
Israel: Missile debris struck a chemical plant near Beer Sheva, injuring 11.
Gulf States: Aluminium plants in Bahrain and the UAE were damaged; the UAE is seeking reparations.
Yemen: Houthi forces joined the war, launching drones at Israel.
The U.S. has dispatched thousands of Marines to the Middle East, with reports suggesting the Pentagon is considering weeks of ground operations. President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure, with protests erupting across American cities and political leaders divided over strategy.
Oil prices have surged to $100 a barrel, underscoring the global economic fallout. Despite Washington’s 15-point ceasefire proposal, Tehran has rejected it, offering alternatives instead.
As Pakistan positions itself as mediator, uncertainty remains over whether both Washington and Tehran will agree to attend talks.
Soiurce: Reuters
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