Pakistan says US-Iran talks still alive despite fresh wave of US strikes
Pakistan's foreign ministry confirmed that negotiations between the US and Iran are ongoing, even as the US launched heavy strikes on Iran. The region saw further escalation with missile interceptions, attacks in Kuwait and Egypt, and new maritime security measures.
Talks Continue
Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Thursday that negotiations between Iran and the United States are still ongoing, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalation. Pakistan is doing its utmost to bring parties back to technical talks under a previous agreement. Earlier talks after an April truce stalled, and the ceasefire collapsed earlier this month.
US Strikes on Iran
The US military announced it had "successfully completed a heavy wave of strikes against Iran," hitting dozens of Revolutionary Guard targets including military command centers. US President Donald Trump had vowed to hit Iran "hard" after Tehran's previous attack on Jordan. Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Zanjan province said three members were killed in a US attack. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported strikes on several cities in Khuzestan province and on Qeshm island in the Gulf.
Other Regional Developments
Jordan's army reported a new volley of Iranian missiles Thursday morning, saying five were shot down with no casualties. The Guards confirmed the attack, stating the US used bases in Jordan to launch an airstrike that killed residents in Qeshm. Kuwait's defense ministry denounced an Iranian attack that hit a building belonging to a Chinese company in the north, killing one worker and causing severe damage.
Attack on Egypt
Egypt came under fire for the first time on Wednesday when a drone struck a gas import hub, sparking a fire that damaged two ships. The government confirmed Thursday that a drone caused the blaze. No one claimed responsibility; Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi suggested it was an Israeli false-flag operation. Yemen's Houthi rebels denied involvement.
Maritime Security Alliance and Embargo
Saudi Arabia announced it had formed a maritime defense alliance of 14 regional countries to secure navigation around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. This follows the Houthis' announcement last week of a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia and claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
