Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran as diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement between Iran and the United States gained momentum. Pakistani officials are playing a larger role in mediation as regional powers try to prevent the conflict from spreading further. However, Iran has warned that a quick breakthrough is unlikely. Tehran’s Foreign Ministry said the gaps between Iran and the US remain deep and significant, showing that major issues still need to be resolved before any formal deal can be reached.
Iran Says War Must Stop Before Any Deal
Iranian officials said ending the war on all fronts is a necessary step before future negotiations can move forward. Tehran also stressed that a positive diplomatic atmosphere alone is not enough to secure an agreement.
Iran said its talks with the US had reached a decisive stage, but officials refused to share details about nuclear negotiations. Tehran said past discussions had led to conflict and repeated that Iran has the right to develop peaceful nuclear energy.
Hormuz Remains a Major Dispute
The Strait of Hormuz continues to be one of the biggest obstacles in the talks. Iran said fees and tolls linked to ships passing through the strait are part of a “security service” provided to vessels using the strategic waterway.
Tehran also said more than 30 vessels passed through Hormuz under coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy in the past day.
The dispute has drawn wider international attention. France has drafted a United Nations Security Council proposal for an international mission to restore shipping through the strait. A separate US-Bahraini proposal is facing resistance from Russia and China, which may reject the plan.
US Says Some Progress Has Been Made
Washington said there has been some progress in talks with Iran, but serious disagreements remain. Key issues include Iran’s enriched uranium programme and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington still has other options if diplomacy fails. At the same time, analysts say President Donald Trump is facing growing pressure to reduce tensions as oil prices rise and US midterm elections approach.
Tehran appears to believe it can endure long-term economic and security pressure, while the White House faces a tighter political timeline.
Sanctions Not Tehran’s Main Focus
An Iranian official said Tehran’s main priorities are ending the war, lifting the US blockade, and restoring stability in Hormuz.
The official also said sanctions on oil exports and frozen Iranian assets remain important issues, but the immediate focus is stopping the conflict and easing pressure on regional trade routes.
Qatar was also praised for supporting Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
Lebanon Faces New Sanctions and Strikes
The conflict is also affecting Lebanon. The US has imposed sanctions on nine people in Lebanon, including two military officers accused of links to Hezbollah.
At the same time, Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have killed at least 11 people, including healthcare workers and paramedics. The strikes hit areas in the Tyre district, Nabatieh, and nearby towns, putting more pressure on the fragile US-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Israel says it will continue targeting Hezbollah despite the truce.
War Adds Pressure on Lebanon’s Economy
Lebanese business owners say the wider regional conflict is making the country’s economic crisis worse. Rising fuel prices, generator costs, and supply expenses are increasing inflation and hurting daily business.
Economists warn that Lebanon’s fragile recovery could slow further if the fighting continues.
Gaza Aid Flotilla Allegations Draw Outrage
International concern is also growing over Israel’s treatment of Gaza aid flotilla activists. Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said several detainees reported serious abuse after being seized by Israeli forces in international waters.
The allegations have increased scrutiny of Israel’s handling of pro-Palestinian activists and detainees.
Meanwhile, Hamas official Osama Hamdan accused Israel of trying to force Palestinians out of Gaza. He rejected calls for Hamas to disarm and said Palestinians would continue resisting displacement.
Peace Efforts Face a Difficult Road
Day 85 of the Iran war shows that diplomacy is active but fragile. Pakistan and Qatar are trying to push negotiations forward, while the US and Iran continue to disagree on core issues.
The Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme, the US blockade, and regional fighting remain major barriers to peace. For now, Tehran says the differences are still too large for a quick deal, leaving the region facing more uncertainty.