TEHRAN: Pakistan said Thursday that negotiations between Iran and the United States were still ongoing, despite renewed military strikes and a widening regional conflict that has drawn in several Middle Eastern countries.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said talks were continuing, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to reduce tensions. Islamabad has been helping mediate between the two sides and said it was working to bring them back to technical discussions aimed at a longer-term agreement.
The diplomatic efforts came as the United States launched what it described as a “heavy wave of strikes” against Iran, targeting dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, including military command centres. The strikes followed Iranian missile attacks on Jordan, which prompted US President Donald Trump to promise a forceful response.
Iran reported strikes on several locations, including areas in the southwestern province of Khuzestan and Qeshm Island. The Revolutionary Guards said three of its members were killed in the attacks.
The conflict has increasingly spread across the region. Jordan said it intercepted Iranian missiles for a second consecutive day, while Kuwait reported that an Iranian strike hit a building belonging to a Chinese company, killing one person.
Egypt also became involved after a drone attack struck a Mediterranean gas import facility, causing fires and damaging two vessels. Cairo said an investigation was under way, while President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned that the Middle East was facing a dangerous escalation.
Meanwhile, Iran continued restricting access through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments. Saudi Arabia announced a maritime defence alliance involving 14 countries to protect navigation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait after threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The latest escalation follows the collapse of a brief ceasefire intended to restart negotiations. The renewed fighting has disrupted energy security, increased risks to global shipping and raised fears that the conflict could expand further beyond Iran and the United States. – AFP
