Pakistan says US-Iran talks continue despite fresh attacks
Pakistan has stated that negotiations between Iran and the United States are still ongoing, even as the US conducted what it described as a 'heavy wave of strikes' against Iranian targets. The remarks came from Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi, who said the talks were focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalation.
The US strikes were in retaliation for an attack on a base in Jordan. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia joined the US in striking militant groups in Iraq, and Egypt reported a drone attack at a Mediterranean port. Egypt's president warned of a serious escalation in the Middle East conflict.
Jordan reported intercepting Iranian missiles for a second consecutive day, and Kuwait said an Iranian strike hit a building belonging to a Chinese company, killing one person.
Pakistan had helped broker a previous deal between the warring sides, which laid the groundwork for technical talks. However, earlier talks stalled after a ceasefire collapsed earlier this month, and Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas route.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Thursday that two oil tankers attempting to transit the strait with US support turned back after one caught fire. Separately, Saudi Arabia announced the formation of a maritime defence alliance of 14 regional countries to secure navigation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This follows threats from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis to impose a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia.
The US military stated it had successfully completed a heavy wave of strikes against Iran, targeting dozens of Revolutionary Guard sites, including command centers. President Donald Trump had vowed to hit Iran hard after the attack on Jordan. Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed that three of its members were killed in a US attack in Zanjan province. State media also reported strikes in Khuzestan province and on Qeshm island.
Jordan's army reported intercepting additional Iranian missiles on Thursday. Iran's Guards confirmed the attack, stating that the US used bases in Jordan to launch an airstrike that killed residents in Qeshm. Kuwait denounced the attack on the Chinese company's building as 'heinous,' causing one death and material damage.
The conflict, which began in February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has now affected every country in the region. Egypt, previously spared, suffered a drone attack at a gas import hub that sparked a fire and damaged two ships. The government confirmed a drone was responsible, but no group claimed responsibility. Yemen's Houthis denied involvement.
Pakistan continues to urge all parties to return to technical talks, stressing the importance of a permanent resolution.
