Deputy PM Ishaq Dar departs for China amid rising tensions
News Desk
Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has departed for China on an official visit at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to a spokesperson for the Foreign Office.
Dar is scheduled to arrive in Beijing, where both sides will review bilateral relations between Pakistan and China.
The visit is also expected to provide an opportunity to discuss regional developments and key global issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Office said.
Explosions reported in Tehran
Meanwhile, multiple explosions were reported in Tehran, causing temporary power outages in parts of eastern areas of the city.
Iranian media confirmed that electricity supply was later restored. The nature and exact targets of the explosions were not immediately clear.
Separately, US officials claimed that American forces targeted a major weapons warehouse in the Iranian city of Isfahan, reportedly using 2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/president-zardari-makes-unannounced-visit-to-chinese-embassy/
Entry of Iraqi armed groups heightens fears of wider conflict
Amid escalating tensions involving the United States and Israel against Iran, the reported entry of fighters linked to Iraq’s paramilitary network has further raised concerns of a broader regional conflict.
According to Arab media, members of the Iranian-backed group Hashd al-Shaabi entered Iran as part of what was described as a “humanitarian aid convoy.” Iranian outlets portrayed the move as a gesture of solidarity.
Footage shared by regional media showed dozens of pickup trucks carrying food and medical supplies crossing into Iran from the southern Iraqi city of Basra via the Shalamcha border in Khuzestan province, a region that was a key battleground during the Iran-Iraq war.
Reports indicated the convoy carried around 70 tons of aid, while some fighters were seen waving flags associated with Hezbollah alongside Iraqi national flags.
Security tightened across Iran
Security measures have been intensified across Iran, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps deploying its Basij forces to establish checkpoints in several cities.
Authorities have also announced the recruitment of youths above the age of 12 under a “Homeland Defense Campaign,” according to media reports.
Unconfirmed reports circulating on social media suggested the presence of Iraqi fighters in Tehran, though Iranian officials have not verified these claims.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/trump-hints-at-seizing-irans-oil-possibility-of-taking-kharg-island/
Fears of expanded conflict and new fronts
Arab media reports suggest Washington is considering a potential ground operation targeting strategic islands along Iran’s southern coast, viewed as critical to control over the Strait of Hormuz and global energy routes.
There have also been claims that the US and Israel explored opening a new front within Iran through Kurdish fighters in Iraq, although such plans are reportedly on hold.
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for drone and missile strikes on targets linked to US and Israeli interests in Kurdish regions of Iraq, warning of broader retaliation if Kurdish fighters enter Iranian territory.
Ongoing strikes and disruptions
Airstrikes attributed to US and Israeli forces have reportedly continued in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, targeting sites such as nuclear facilities, steel factories and a university.
Temporary power outages have also been reported in parts of Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj following recent attacks.
