Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed ongoing international efforts to end the war in the Middle East. He expressed Pakistan’s full support for all initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region and beyond.
In a statement posted on X regarding the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is honored to facilitate meaningful and result-oriented negotiations for a comprehensive resolution of the current conflict, pending consent from both the United States and Iran.
He emphasized that such efforts are vital for peace and stability in the Middle East and the wider international community. Pakistan is committed to its longstanding policy of seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Persian Gulf through diplomacy and dialogue, the Foreign Office spokesperson also added.
The spokesperson added that diplomatic processes often require certain matters to be handled discreetly. He urged the media to avoid speculation and await official announcements regarding any decisions or outcomes.
Turkey’s Anadolu news agency reported, citing sources from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, that a US delegation is expected to arrive in Pakistan within one or two days for potential talks.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke on the phone on Tuesday evening with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty.
The two leaders reviewed the evolving situation in the region. Ishaq Dar stressed the urgent need for negotiations to end the current tensions and ensure peace and security.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked the country’s armed forces, expressing his admiration for their defenders.
In a post on X, Pezeshkian wrote: “I kiss the hands and arms of the armed forces and the enthusiastic guardians of the homeland.” He added that the nation’s bright future and a secure, peaceful tomorrow for its children depend on the people’s resistance, steadfastness, and unity with Iran’s defenders.
However, the report stated that Iran remains hesitant due to a lack of trust. Pakistani sources indicated that back-channel diplomatic efforts continue to encourage Iran to engage in talks, with Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt jointly leading these initiatives.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stated on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to vessels from countries not involved in aggression against Iran, but it is closed to ships linked to adversarial nations. He attributed the current regional tensions directly to the war initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran.
During a phone call with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun, Araghchi emphasized that instability in the region and security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz stem from American and Israeli attacks. He reaffirmed that Tehran will take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Iranian foreign minister noted that the strikes occurred while nuclear negotiations were ongoing, highlighting what he described as the duplicitous behavior of the aggressors.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes, has been severely disrupted since the US-Israeli attacks that began in late February. Hundreds of vessels remain stranded in the area. Major international shipping companies and oil exporters have halted operations due to security risks, causing a noticeable rise in global energy prices.
Separately, Iran’s armed forces headquarters warned US President Donald Trump that any American strikes on Iranian power plants could lead Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely.
In the same call, the South Korean foreign minister expressed regret over civilian casualties in Iran and concern over the regional situation. He noted the negative impact of the ongoing tensions on the global economy, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in West Asia.
Iranian state media reported on Tuesday the arrest of 466 people accused of trying to destabilize the country through online activities. Citing the Iranian police, the official news agency IRNA said these individuals allegedly attempted to create public discord, instill fear and anxiety in society, promote insecurity, and spread propaganda in favor of the enemy.
The agency did not provide details on the specific nature of the online activities or the dates of the arrests.Iranian authorities have maintained a complete internet blackout since the outbreak of the war on 28 February. Internet monitor NetBlocks noted on Tuesday that Iran’s internet blackout has lasted 25 days after 576 hours. For nearly a month, only a limited number of authorized individuals have had access to the global internet.
Iranian media reported on Tuesday that two gas facilities and a pipeline were hit in a US-Israeli attack, just hours after US President Donald Trump announced that energy infrastructure would not be targeted.
According to Fars News Agency, the gas administration building and a gas pressure regulation station in Isfahan were struck during the ongoing Israeli and American attacks. Iranian media reported partial damage to the facilities in central Iran.
Foreign media noted that Fars was the only agency reporting the incident. The agency added that a gas pipeline in Khorramshahr was also targeted.
Israeli police reported that Iran’s latest missile barrage on Tuesday hit multiple locations in Tel Aviv, causing damage.
According to media, Israeli rescue workers said six people were injured in the Iranian attack. Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency medical service stated that six individuals sustained minor injuries across four different sites
Iranian state television announced on Tuesday morning that another wave of missile strikes had been launched against Israel, following an earlier attack on a building in the north and reports of a powerful explosion heard in Jerusalem.
According to media, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB posted on Telegram: “Iran has fired a new wave of missiles towards the occupied territories.” Moments later, it added that several Iranian missiles had bypassed Israeli defense systems.
Magen David Adom released video of a destroyed building in northern Israel, stating that there were no fatalities. The Israeli military later confirmed detecting incoming Iranian missiles and made attempts to intercept them.
