Pakistan Emerges as Diplomatic Hub for Peace Talks on “Day 57”
News Desk
Islamabad: Diplomatic activity surrounding the Iran crisis intensified on “day 57” of the ongoing tensions, as the United States and Iran moved their envoys to regional capitals, with Pakistan emerging as a key venue for backchannel engagement amid stalled negotiations.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to travel to Pakistan for talks related to Iran, according to the White House.
The development comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also arrived in Islamabad with a small delegation for high-level meetings.
The overlapping diplomatic visits highlight renewed efforts to revive stalled US–Iran negotiations, which remain deadlocked over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Despite uncertainty over whether Iran will return to formal talks, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tehran still has an “open window” to reach a verifiable agreement and abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Pakistan in Mediation Role
Diplomatic sources and regional observers describe Pakistan as cautiously engaged in facilitating communication channels between the two sides, even as direct negotiations remain uncertain.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/pakistan-advances-peace-diplomacy-through-iran-engagement/
Officials in Islamabad are reportedly viewing the situation with “cautious optimism,” though no formal dialogue session has been confirmed.
Escalating Pressure on Iran
In parallel with diplomatic activity, the United States has intensified economic pressure on Tehran. The US Treasury announced the freezing of $344 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to Iran, alongside sanctions targeting a China-based refinery and nearly 40 shipping firms and vessels involved in Iranian oil transport.
Washington has also signalled a tougher energy stance, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that waivers for Iranian oil exports will not be renewed.
The US military presence in the Middle East has also expanded significantly, with reports confirming the deployment of three aircraft carriers in the region, the largest buildup since the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Tensions have also spilled into neighbouring regions. Kuwaiti authorities reported that drones launched from Iraq struck border posts in northern Kuwait, causing damage but no casualties. Iraq has opened an investigation into the incident.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/backchannel-diplomacy-builds-as-iran-pakistan-hold-key-talks/
Lebanon, Gaza, and Israel
In the broader regional theatre, Israel reported killing six Hezbollah fighters during an exchange of fire in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah claimed it had downed an Israeli drone using a missile.
In Gaza, at least 12 Palestinians, including six police officers, were killed in Israeli strikes, according to local officials and medics.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also accused Hezbollah of attempting to “sabotage” what he described as a potential historic peace process with Lebanon.
Energy Markets React
The ongoing conflict continues to affect global energy markets. The International Energy Agency warned that liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets will remain “tight” through 2026–2027 due to sustained geopolitical disruptions.
Oil prices showed mixed movement, with Brent crude rising above $105 per barrel while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate fell by 1.5 percent. Meanwhile, US stock markets reached record highs, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.8 percent. Input from Al Jazeera.
