In a climate of extreme tension and mutual distrust, it is turning into the focus of global diplomacy as crucial negotiations begin between the US and Iran to end the war in . After six weeks of fierce clashes, delegations from the two countries arrived in Islamabad, which resembles a “ghost city” due to draconian security measures.
The arrival of the delegations and the role of Pakistan
Pakistan’s foreign ministry announced the arrival of the Iranian delegation, led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi. Accompanied by a team of 70, Ghalibaf appeared restrained: “We have good intentions, but we don’t have confidence,” he said, recalling past broken US promises.
On the other hand, US Vice President Jay D. Vance, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, is on his way to the Pakistani capital. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who acted as the key mediator, stressed that the meeting was in response to his own sincere invitation to both sides.
Trump’s “ultimatum” and the issue of Hormuz
Despite diplomatic efforts, Donald Trump maintained bellicose rhetoric. In an interview with the New York Post, he warned that the US military is preparing for further strikes if the talks fail. “We load the ships with the best weapons ever made. If there is no agreement, we will use them,” he said.
At the same time, the American president sent a clear message for the restoration of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz, which remains restricted by Iran. “We will open the Gulf with them or without them,” he said, arguing that the opening would happen “automatically” as Tehran needs the revenue. On his part, and the release of his assets.
“Black Wednesday” and new negotiations
While a solution to the wider conflict is sought in Islamabad, the situation in Lebanon remains dire. The Lebanese presidency announced a scheduled meeting with Israel in Washington next Tuesday (April 14), under the auspices of the US. However, Israel has made it clear that it refuses any talks with Hezbollah, which it describes as a terrorist organization.
The attacks continue unabated. After the so-called “Black Wednesday”, where Israeli bombardment caused the death of at least 357 people, the casualties in Lebanon have now reached 2,000 since the beginning of the expansion of the war in March. Hezbollah is responding by firing rockets at Israeli targets, such as the Ashdot naval base, while its leader, Naim Qassem, is calling on the Lebanese government not to make “concessions”.
Uncertainty and social discomfort
Inside Iran, the situation is suffocating, with authorities cutting off internet access for more than 1,000 hours. , with some questioning the soundness of his decisions.
At the same time, international pressure is mounting on Israel from Europe and the Arab world to end the bombing of Beirut, especially after evacuation orders affecting hospitals and critical infrastructure. The WHO director has appealed for the protection of civilians and health workers as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
