Pakistan says U.S.-Iran talks on despite fresh strikes; Egypt hit for first time
Islamabad, July 30: Pakistan insisted on Thursday that negotiations between Iran and the United States were still underway, even as Washington launched a “heavy wave of strikes” on its adversary in retaliation for recent attacks targeting Jordan.
The escalation over the past two days has widened the West Asian conflict. Saudi Arabia joined the U.S. in carrying out strikes against militant groups in Iraq, while Egypt came under fire for the first time in the conflict after a drone attack hit a Mediterranean port. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi warned that the situation in the region was facing a serious escalation.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia announced the formation of a maritime defence alliance comprising 14 regional countries. The coalition is aimed at securing navigation around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key waterway for global trade that has come under threat from Houthi attacks.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a deal had been reached for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza. However, neither Hamas nor Israel gave any immediate indication that they had agreed to such an arrangement. The proposed agreement, if realised, would mark a significant step towards ending the war in the Palestinian territory, though several hurdles, conditions, and long timelines remain.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described Iran as a “wildcard” in the equation. The official said that while Tehran had counselled Hamas members not to accept a deal, it was not in a position to offer the group significant support, as it remains preoccupied with its own conflict with the United States.
Diplomatic efforts, including Pakistan’s mediation, have so far failed to produce a visible de-escalation in hostilities. The continuation of strikes and counter-strikes underscores the fragility of the regional security environment. The involvement of multiple state and non-state actors has heightened concerns about a broader war that could draw in more countries.
The drone attack on Egypt marks a new phase in the conflict, as the country had previously remained on the peripheries of direct attacks. The attack at the Mediterranean port raises questions about the safety of maritime routes beyond the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The newly formed maritime alliance, led by Saudi Arabia, is expected to focus on intelligence sharing and coordinated patrols to protect shipping lanes. The exact membership of the alliance has not been officially disclosed, but it is reported to include Gulf and Red Sea nations.
As the situation evolves, there is no clear end in sight. The conflicting signals between claims of ongoing negotiations and continued military action reflect the deep mistrust between the parties. The international community has called for restraint, but with each fresh attack, the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough seems to recede.
