Ishaq Dar pops up in talks as Pakistan’s deputy PM and ex-foreign minister, a Sharif ally steering finance and diplomacy stints. Biography: born 1950, Pakistani accountant and politician, PML-N.
As of March 13, 2026, intense fighting continues along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border following Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory starting February 26. Both sides report heavy casualties and territorial gains amid ongoing military operations. The conflict has displaced over 115,000 people, with civilian deaths reported on both sides. International calls for restraint remain unheeded, and no ceasefire negotiations are underway.
The US delays a ceasefire deadline as Iran rejects negotiations, while regional tensions escalate with missile strikes and military movements. Diplomatic talks brokered by Pakistan are ongoing, but trust remains low. Oil prices and global markets are volatile.
As of April 5, 2026, Pakistan continues to lead diplomatic efforts to mediate peace between the US and Iran amid ongoing Middle East conflict. Pakistan hosted regional foreign ministers and proposed direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad. Despite challenges, Iran and the US have expressed confidence in Pakistan's neutral role, with China supporting the mediation initiative.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for missile attacks targeting southern Israel, marking their first direct engagement since the conflict escalated. The group also threatened continued operations until Israel ceases its attacks. The attacks raise concerns about regional escalation and potential disruption of vital shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The conflict in the Middle East has intensified, with the Houthis potentially threatening to block the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key global shipping route. Iran's threats and US military actions heighten fears of wider regional disruption and rising oil prices. The situation remains volatile as diplomatic efforts continue.
Pakistan is actively mediating in the US-Iran conflict, proposing negotiations and regional peace initiatives. It has hosted regional talks and offered to facilitate direct US-Iran negotiations, amid escalating tensions and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The effort aims to de-escalate regional conflict and restore maritime traffic.
Negotiations between the US and Iran have broken down after Iran refused to commit to abandoning its nuclear program. Both sides blame each other, with no clear path forward. The ceasefire expires on April 22, and Pakistan is mediating efforts to restart dialogue amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has facilitated indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. following a ceasefire in the Iran-U.S. conflict. Pakistani military leader Field Marshal Asim Munir has traveled to Tehran to support ongoing diplomatic efforts, with a second round of talks expected in Islamabad. The ceasefire remains fragile amid regional tensions.
US and Iranian officials have ended 21 hours of peace talks in Islamabad without reaching an agreement. The talks have focused on Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has refused US demands for a long-term nuclear weapons ban. The fragile ceasefire remains in place but faces uncertainty amid rising tensions and a US naval blockade.
The US has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following failed ceasefire talks with Iran in Islamabad. Both sides blame each other for the breakdown, with tensions rising as the two-week truce is set to expire on April 22. The US insists Iran still seeks a deal, while Iran signals continued resistance.
Iran has resumed control of the Strait of Hormuz, firing on a tanker and blocking transit, prompting the US to enforce a naval blockade. Despite Iran's claims of control, tensions remain high as negotiations continue. The situation threatens global oil supplies and regional stability.
A two-week ceasefire has been maintained amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the US, with talks held in Islamabad. Despite progress, no agreement has been reached, and the future of regional stability remains uncertain. The US signals potential for further negotiations, while Iran emphasizes continued contacts.
U.S. and Iranian officials have held their first direct talks in over a decade in Islamabad. The negotiations have not resulted in a breakthrough but remain active, focusing on Iran's nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions. Both sides show signs of cautious progress amid ongoing tensions.
US President Donald Trump has stated that Washington and Tehran are very close to reaching a peace agreement, with Iran agreeing to hand over its enriched uranium. Meanwhile, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is in effect, and diplomatic efforts continue to extend negotiations. The US is discussing a potential second round of talks in Pakistan.
A fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has been maintained, but negotiations have stalled. The US has canceled diplomatic visits, citing Iran's refusal to participate under current conditions. Iran blames US naval blockades and threats, while indirect diplomacy continues through regional mediators. The situation remains volatile with potential for escalation.
Pakistan is actively mediating between the US and Iran to facilitate a new round of negotiations amid ongoing tensions. Pakistani officials are working to ease regional standoffs, including in the Strait of Hormuz, while balancing its diplomatic ties with both sides. The effort aims to prevent escalation and promote regional stability, with potential high-level visits expected if talks succeed. Today’s developments reflect Pakistan’s strategic push to increase regional influence and global stature.
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad this week to convey Tehran's proposals to Pakistani mediators; the Iranians have said they will not hold direct talks with US envoys. The White House has planned to send Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, but Washington has withdrawn some security staff and Trump has publicly paused the envoys' visit while saying Iran sent an improved proposal.
Iran has presented proposals via Pakistan for indirect talks with the United States, with Tehran conveying its positions to Islamabad. A U.S. team led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff is traveling to Islamabad to hear Iran’s latest offers, while White House officials describe “some progress” in recent days. The talks come amid ongoing regional conflicts and a broader push to end hostilities and reach a ceasefire, though concrete commitments remain uncertain.
Iran's top diplomat has left Pakistan after talks with Pakistani officials, while US President Trump has ordered his envoys to cancel planned negotiations, citing internal Iranian leadership confusion. Tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing war efforts continue to escalate, with both sides signaling no immediate progress.
Iran's foreign minister has been traveling between Oman, Pakistan, and Russia, seeking to keep peace talks alive amid ongoing conflict. The US has rejected direct negotiations, while Iran maintains its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Escalations continue in Lebanon and Israel, with no clear resolution in sight as global economic impacts persist. Today is Tue, 28 Apr 2026.