Pakistan revealed on Sunday that it will soon be the host for talks between the U.S. and Iran. The talks, aimed at resolving the ongoing month-long war, are set to take place in the coming days. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate the discussions following a meeting of diplomats from Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad.
The talks, which were initially scheduled to continue on Monday, saw the departure of the diplomats back to their respective countries. Pakistan, acting as a mediator, has established positive relations with both Washington and Tehran, positioning itself as a key player in the peace negotiations.
However, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, dismissed the talks in Pakistan, labeling them as a diversion tactic after the arrival of U.S. Marines in the Middle East. Tensions escalated with Iran threatening to target U.S. and Israeli officials and homes in the region, further complicating the already fragile situation.
In other developments, Israel announced an expansion of its military operations in Lebanon, targeting the Hezbollah militant group. The war, which has claimed over 3,000 lives and disrupted global supplies, shows no signs of abating as both sides continue to engage in combative actions.
Egypt, in a bid to foster direct communication between the U.S. and Iran, emphasized the importance of moving towards a peaceful resolution. However, Iranian officials have rejected certain peace proposals put forward by the U.S., underscoring the complexities of the negotiations.
As the conflict intensifies, concerns are growing over the potential for further casualties and damage. The death toll continues to rise, with significant losses reported in Lebanon, Iran, Israel, Iraq, and other Gulf states, underscoring the devastating impact of the war on the region.
Magdy reported from Cairo and Anna from Lowville, New York. Contributions were also made by Associated Press writers in various locations.
