Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are set to hold their first meeting under the trilateral defence agreement in Istanbul on Monday, with foreign and defence ministers as well as senior military leadership from the three countries expected to participate. The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia and is expected to focus on regional security and closer defence coordination.

Pakistan will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The participation of the countries' senior political and military leadership underlines the importance being attached to the new security framework.

The three countries signed the joint defence agreement in Makkah on August 7. A key provision of the agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack against all three. The arrangement has emerged as an important development in defence cooperation between Islamabad, Ankara and Riyadh.

Regional security likely to dominate discussions

The detailed agenda for the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee has not been publicly disclosed. However, regional security developments, defence cooperation and coordination on emerging threats are expected to figure prominently in discussions.

The meeting is taking place against the backdrop of continuing tensions in West Asia, including developments involving Iran. The three countries could also discuss ways to improve coordination and strengthen their collective response to potential security challenges.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has said Islamabad's participation reflects its commitment to maintaining strong relations with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia as well as supporting efforts aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region.

Three countries bring different strategic strengths

The defence arrangement brings together countries with different military and strategic capabilities.

Pakistan has a large military and is the only nuclear-armed country among the three. Türkiye, a NATO member, has developed significant defence-manufacturing capabilities, particularly in unmanned aerial systems and other military technologies. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has substantial financial resources and has invested heavily in strengthening its defence capabilities.

The agreement therefore provides a framework for greater coordination between the three countries, although the precise mechanisms for implementing their collective security commitments remain important areas to watch.

Bangladesh shows interest in joining

The possibility of expanding the framework has also attracted attention in Bangladesh. Dhaka has indicated that it could consider joining the arrangement if a formal proposal is made.

Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said participation would not necessarily affect the country's relations with other nations and that Dhaka would continue to pursue a balanced foreign policy. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has also indicated that Bangladesh would consider the proposal positively if it receives an invitation.

However, Bangladesh has not yet received a formal invitation to join the defence arrangement.

Separate four-nation meeting also planned

Alongside the trilateral meeting, a separate meeting involving the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt has also been proposed.

The four-country grouping was established in March to increase coordination on regional security and stability. Its previous meeting was held in Amman, Jordan, on August 5, where participants stressed dialogue and cooperation to support regional peace and stability.

India monitoring security developments

India has also been closely watching developments surrounding the new defence arrangement. Asked about the agreement during a weekly briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was monitoring all developments that could have implications for the country's security and would take necessary measures to safeguard its interests.

The trilateral meeting is therefore being held at a sensitive time for the wider region. Pakistan faces its own security challenges along its western border, Saudi Arabia remains concerned about threats emanating from the region, while Türkiye continues to deal with security issues involving Kurdish militant groups and strained relations with Israel.

For Islamabad, Ankara and Riyadh, the Istanbul meeting will provide the first opportunity to translate the political commitment announced in Makkah into a more structured framework for defence and security coordination.

Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir will visit Tehran on Monday as Islamabad continues its efforts to facilitate peace and security talks between Iran and the United States, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Sunday.

According to a statement issued by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Munir’s visit is part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen regional peace and security. The trip comes at a sensitive time as Islamabad attempts to support negotiations between Tehran and Washington aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US.

Munir’s Tehran visit

Baghaei confirmed that the Pakistan Army chief is scheduled to travel to Tehran on Monday but did not provide further details about the duration of the visit or the meetings planned during his stay.

Munir’s visit is significant because Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a potential intermediary between Iran and the United States. Islamabad maintains relations with both countries and has sought to use those diplomatic channels to encourage dialogue.

The visit is expected to focus on regional security and the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the Iran-US conflict.

Pakistan takes mediation role

Pakistan has been working to support negotiations between Tehran and Washington as tensions between the two countries continue to pose wider risks to the region.

Islamabad has repeatedly emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. Its geographical position and longstanding ties with Iran give Pakistan a direct interest in maintaining stability along its western border.

At the same time, Pakistan has strategic relations with the United States, allowing Islamabad to maintain communication with both sides.

Regional security concerns

The conflict between Iran and the US has raised concerns about its potential impact beyond the two countries. Any further escalation could affect neighbouring states, energy supplies, trade routes and overall security across West Asia.

For Pakistan, stability in Iran is particularly important because the two countries share a long border. Islamabad has also faced security challenges in its western regions, making regional stability a major concern.

Munir’s visit therefore comes not only in the context of Iran-US negotiations but also amid broader efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading.

What Pakistan hopes to achieve

Pakistan’s involvement reflects Islamabad’s attempt to play a more active diplomatic role in regional affairs. While it remains unclear what specific proposals Munir will carry to Tehran, the stated objective is to support peace and security talks.

The success of Pakistan’s mediation efforts will ultimately depend on whether Tehran and Washington are willing to reach a broader understanding. For now, Munir’s planned visit signals that Islamabad intends to remain engaged in efforts to bring the two sides back towards dialogue.

Former Pakistan PM was examined by six specialists at Shifa International Hospital; aide signals no confrontation with Army Chief Asim Munir if Khan is released

Imran Khan returns to jail

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was taken back to Adiala Jail on Friday after undergoing a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

Khan had been brought to the hospital from Adiala Jail late Thursday under heavy security. A team of six specialist doctors examined him and concluded that he did not require hospitalisation at present and could receive treatment while remaining in prison.

Following the medical assessment, Khan was taken back to the jail and returned to his cell.

Security was significantly tightened around Shifa International Hospital during his visit. Reports said hospital lights were switched off, staff members’ mobile phones were confiscated and media personnel outside the facility were moved away.

Aide signals softer approach

Meanwhile, one of Khan’s close aides told Reuters that the former Prime Minister would not seek a confrontation with Pakistan’s military or Army Chief Asim Munir if he were released.

The aide suggested that Munir could extend a “healing hand” following a legal development earlier this week. The remarks are being seen as a possible shift in the rhetoric surrounding Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 and has continued to be at the centre of Pakistan’s political conflict with the military establishment.

Government challenges hospital order

The development came after the Pakistan government filed a fresh review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the decision to move Khan to a private hospital for treatment.

The government had initially indicated that it would comply with the court's order. It later sought reconsideration and withdrawal of the direction.

Reports said an earlier review petition was returned by the court registrar's office because the required set of documents, including paper books, was incomplete.

Lawyer alleges access was blocked

Khan's lawyer, Khalid Yusuf Chaudhry, also alleged that jail authorities prevented him from meeting the former Prime Minister.

According to Chaudhry, he had gone to Adiala Jail to obtain Khan's signature on a contempt petition and power of attorney but was not allowed to meet him.

The lawyer alleged that the restriction was intended to prevent Khan from taking further legal action concerning his medical treatment. He said he would still pursue a contempt petition before the Supreme Court.

Medical concerns raised in court

A medical report placed before the court had raised concerns about Khan's health. The report referred to fluctuations in his blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat and significant mental stress.

His reported blood pressure was 140/80, compared with 120/80 in February. His pulse was recorded at 54 beats per minute.

The Supreme Court has also ordered the formation of a medical board to conduct a detailed assessment of Khan's condition. The panel is expected to include specialist doctors, along with Khan's sister Dr Uzma Khan and his personal physician.

The board will examine his previous medical records and assess the cause of his condition, including concerns related to blood clots, before determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Khan remains behind bars

Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023 after his conviction in the Toshakhana case. He subsequently faced several other cases, including those linked to the cipher, Al-Qadir Trust and the Iddat-Nikah matter.

He received relief in some of those cases, while a sentence in the Toshakhana matter was also stayed. However, he continues to remain imprisoned in connection with other legal proceedings.

Khan and PTI have repeatedly alleged that the cases against him are politically motivated and intended to keep him away from politics and elections. Pakistan's government and investigating agencies have rejected those allegations, maintaining that the cases are proceeding through the country's legal system.

For now, Khan's return to Adiala Jail means his treatment will continue under prison arrangements unless the medical board or the courts decide that hospitalisation is necessary.

Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir could take a prominent role in the emerging defence alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey after Ankara said the military chiefs of the three countries would be part of the alliance's proposed governing structure.

The development follows the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey on August 7. The agreement is aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and establishing a more structured security partnership among the three countries.

Military Chiefs to Join Governing Body

Turkey's Defence Ministry said on Thursday that the mechanisms created under the agreement would involve the defence ministers, foreign ministers and chiefs of general staff or armed forces commanders of the three countries.

According to the ministry, coordination among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey would take place at the highest level.

The announcement potentially gives Munir a significant role in the alliance's military decision-making structure. However, there has been no official announcement naming him as commander of the proposed alliance.

The agreement also provides for joint military exercises involving the three countries.

Similarities With NATO Article 5

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had earlier described the Makkah agreement as technically similar to NATO's Article 5, which establishes the principle of collective defence among NATO members.

Fidan had also said that a committee of ministers would be established to oversee the alliance, along with a general secretariat based in Saudi Arabia.

The latest statement from Turkey indicates that the proposed institutional framework could be broader, incorporating both political and military leadership.

The Turkish Defence Ministry said the fundamental objective was to place defence and military cooperation between the three countries on a more institutional and sustainable footing.

Joint Military Exercises Planned

Under the agreement, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are expected to expand cooperation across multiple military domains.

The Turkish Defence Ministry said planned exercises would involve land, naval and air forces, as well as air defence and unmanned systems.

The three countries also intend to deepen cooperation in the defence industry. This could include joint development and production, technology cooperation and maintenance and logistics support.

Unmanned and autonomous systems, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence capabilities are expected to receive particular attention.

Is It Really an ‘Islamic NATO’?

Despite comparisons with NATO, analysts caution against describing the three-country alliance as an established “Islamic NATO” at this stage.

Aishwaria Sonavane, who heads the Pakistan programme at the Takshashila Institution, has previously argued that the three countries do not yet possess the institutional foundations and interoperability required for a NATO-style alliance.

Turkey has extensive experience as a NATO member, while Pakistan's military ecosystem is heavily reliant on Chinese technology. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, continues to depend significantly on US-origin defence systems.

These differences could make the creation of common military standards and integrated operational capabilities a long-term process.

Strategic Defence Partnership

The agreement nevertheless marks a significant step in defence cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

The three countries have different strategic interests and defence relationships, but their proposed framework could provide a platform for greater coordination in military exercises, defence production, technology and security planning.

The inclusion of military chiefs in the governing structure could also give the alliance a stronger operational dimension.

For now, however, Munir's designation as an “Islamic NATO” commander remains speculative. The formal structure, leadership arrangements and decision-making mechanisms of the alliance will determine how far the Makkah agreement develops beyond a defence cooperation pact.

Pakistan has reportedly initiated a major restructuring of its strategic command architecture, with reports indicating that the country's military leadership is moving towards greater centralisation of oversight over its nuclear forces under a new institutional framework.

According to media reports, the changes are linked to Pakistan's proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, under which a new National Strategic Command (NSC) is being established to oversee the country's strategic assets and nuclear arsenal.

The reported restructuring is said to place greater operational authority within Pakistan's military hierarchy, while reducing the traditional role of the civilian-led National Command Authority (NCA) in day-to-day operational oversight.

National Strategic Command to Oversee Strategic Assets

According to a report by CNN-News18, the proposed National Strategic Command would assume operational control over Pakistan's strategic capabilities, including nuclear stockpiles, missile systems and delivery platforms.

The report states that the new framework is being driven by Field Marshal Asim Munir, who currently serves as both Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

While the civilian leadership would continue to receive briefings, the report claims that operational decision-making would become increasingly concentrated within the military command structure.

Lt Gen Aamer Raza Named First Commander

The report further states that Lieutenant General Syed Aamer Raza, formerly Pakistan's Chief of the General Staff, has been promoted to the rank of four-star general and appointed as the inaugural Commander of the National Strategic Command.

The new organisation is expected to coordinate the management of strategic weapons, missile development and related military capabilities through a unified command system.

Report Points to Chinese Influence

According to the report, Pakistan's evolving command structure draws inspiration from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force model.

The proposed system would reportedly integrate the Army, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force and Strategic Command under a joint operational framework while working alongside Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division (SPD), which has long been responsible for managing the country's nuclear programme.

The restructuring is also said to support closer defence-industrial and technological cooperation between Pakistan and China.

Wider Military Reorganisation

The report also highlights broader organisational changes within Pakistan's armed forces.

It claims that senior military promotion boards have remained pending for more than a year during the restructuring process. Routine Formation Commanders' Conferences have reportedly not been held since 2024, while operational authority has increasingly shifted towards the Office of the Chief of Defence Forces.

According to the report, these changes reflect an effort to centralise strategic decision-making within Pakistan's top military leadership.

Strategic Implications

The reported restructuring has attracted attention because Pakistan's nuclear command and control arrangements have traditionally combined military management with formal civilian oversight through the National Command Authority.

While reports suggest the balance of authority may be shifting, there has been no official confirmation from Pakistan's government or military detailing the full operational scope of the proposed National Strategic Command or confirming changes to nuclear command procedures.

Security analysts note that any changes involving nuclear command structures are closely watched internationally due to their implications for regional stability and strategic deterrence in South Asia.

Fresh allegations have emerged regarding Pakistan’s security establishment and its alleged links with extremist networks. According to a report, efforts are underway to politically contain Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman after he publicly criticised Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir and questioned his security policies.

The claims, reported by CNN-News18, centre on a meeting between Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi and Hafiz Talha Saeed, the son of UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. Intelligence sources quoted in the report described the meeting as a strategic discussion aimed at formulating a coordinated response to Fazlur Rehman’s recent remarks against the military leadership.

According to the report, the meeting took place at Markaz Quba and involved discussions on managing the political fallout from Rehman’s criticism. Sources indicated that participants explored ways to reduce his growing influence without triggering a direct confrontation with one of Pakistan’s most prominent religious and political figures.

Strategy to Manage Dissent

Fazlur Rehman has in recent months emerged as one of the most vocal critics of General Asim Munir’s leadership, questioning both security policies and governance decisions. His statements have attracted attention across Pakistan’s political landscape and have added pressure on an establishment that traditionally wields significant influence over national affairs.

Sources cited in the report claimed that the gathering focused on adopting a calibrated approach toward Rehman. Rather than openly confronting him, those involved reportedly discussed highlighting positive aspects of his political career while simultaneously discouraging further criticism of the military.

The report alleged that Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked figures advised clerics to maintain a softer public tone while conveying a clear warning against continued attacks on the army leadership. Observers view such an approach as an attempt to manage dissent through informal networks rather than through conventional political channels.

Questions Over Military Links

The allegations have once again raised concerns about the relationship between Pakistan’s military establishment and extremist organisations. Security analysts have long argued that some groups originally cultivated for strategic purposes have gradually become part of broader political calculations within the country.

According to the report, Pakistan’s military establishment views certain religious and militant-linked networks as a mechanism to shield itself from rising political criticism. The alleged use of such actors as a “domestic firewall” reflects concerns about the growing challenge posed by political dissent.

If proven, the claims would further intensify international scrutiny of Pakistan’s handling of organisations that remain linked to designated terrorist entities.

Echoes of Balochistan

The latest controversy also recalls previous allegations involving Balochistan, where activists and rights groups have accused state agencies of using proxy networks to intimidate critics and suppress dissent.

In 2025, reports alleged that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was using Islamic State-linked cells to threaten Baloch activists. Rights campaigners claimed that extremist propaganda circulating at the time closely mirrored narratives promoted by sections of Pakistan’s security establishment.

A Baloch activist, speaking anonymously in those reports, argued that both ISIS-linked groups and state agencies sought to portray peaceful rights campaigners as supporters of militancy. According to activists, such efforts were aimed at undermining growing international awareness of alleged human rights violations and resource exploitation in the province.

Pakistan’s authorities have consistently denied allegations linking state institutions to extremist organisations. However, concerns surrounding civil-military relations and the influence of militant networks continue to attract attention from international observers and policy experts.

In Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, anti-government protests entered their 34th consecutive day this week, having evolved from initial demands over inflation, electricity tariffs and wheat flour shortages into a broader rejection of Islamabad's control over the region altogether. At a gathering in Rawalakot, protest leader Javed Iqbal told the crowd that decades of Pakistani messaging about "liberating" Srinagar had lost all credibility with local Kashmiris. The gathering responded with a slogan declaring the region would never become a Pakistani province, and social media videos have shown large numbers of local women joining marches against what protesters describe as repression and arbitrary arrests. The unrest turned deadly this week when Pakistani security forces opened fire during clashes in Rawalakot, killing six civilians, according to multiple reports. The Joint Awami Action Committee has called for a long march toward Muzaffarabad on July 15, urging widespread participation.

India's Ministry of External Affairs addressed the situation directly at its weekly briefing, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying the protests are a consequence of what he called Pakistan's long-term denial of fundamental rights in the region, and accusing Pakistani authorities of responding with excessive force, supply blockades and communications blackouts. He said India hopes the international community will hold Pakistan accountable.

The unrest in PoK has coincided with a sharp escalation in violence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Pashtun areas. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the region has recorded more than 50 deaths over just two to three days, arguing that Pakistani government authority no longer effectively extends into Balochistan at all. According to data from the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Pakistan has recorded roughly 650 killing incidents so far in 2026, including 487 civilian and 730 security force deaths, alongside close to 1,200 militants killed.

Rehman used the moment to take a direct swipe at Munir's growing political role, telling reporters that if the military wants to do politics, its personnel should retire their uniforms and contest elections instead — a way, he said, of testing how many votes people in uniform would actually receive from the public. He separately accused the military of pushing a new generation of Pakistanis toward violence through its handling of the crisis.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought to shift blame for the violence outward, chairing a meeting with Munir and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti last week where he accused militants of using Afghan territory to stage attacks inside both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Taken together, the three fronts — PoK's sustained street movement, the mounting Balochistan-Pashtun death toll, and a senior political leader publicly challenging the Army's electoral legitimacy — paint a picture of a security and political establishment under simultaneous pressure from multiple directions, with no clear sign from Islamabad of how it intends to address any of them.

Ivanka Trump Faces Alleged IRGC-Linked Assassination Plot: FBI Makes Arrest

Report claims Iraqi national targeted former president's daughter in Florida as Iranian Foreign Minister cites US demands blocking ceasefire talks

US authorities have arrested an Iraqi national allegedly linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in connection with a plot to assassinate Ivanka Trump, according to a New York Post report. The development comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, where Tehran has blamed Washington’s “excessive demands” for stalling progress.

The FBI arrested 32-year-old Mohammed Baker Saad Daoud Al-Saadi for allegedly pledging to carry out the assassination. Investigators reportedly recovered a blueprint of the Florida residence of Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, whose waterfront property is valued at around $24 million. The suspect had also shared a map of the area on the social media platform X, sources familiar with the investigation indicated.

Security Concerns in Trump Family

This incident highlights persistent security threats surrounding the Trump family even after Donald Trump returned to the White House. Ivanka Trump, who served as an advisor during her father’s first term, has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years but remains a symbolic figure in American politics.

Local authorities in Florida have not issued a detailed public statement, but initial reports suggest heightened vigilance around the property. Security experts note that such plots, whether fully operational or aspirational, often exploit geopolitical tensions for motivation.

Iran Denies Direct Link, Pushes Diplomacy

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on Thursday night. Araghchi reportedly told his Pakistani counterpart that Washington’s “excessive demands” remain the primary obstacle to any potential deal aimed at ending the conflict.

Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in backchannel efforts, joined by Qatar and several Arab nations urging restraint. While some progress was reported in recent days, US officials have indicated that President Trump is still weighing options, including possible fresh military strikes if negotiations fail.

Fragile Ceasefire and Regional Tensions

The assassination plot news surfaces as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Iran’s closure of the critical waterway earlier this year continues to disrupt global oil supplies, pushing prices higher. In India, fuel retailers hiked petrol and diesel prices for the third time this month, reflecting the ripple effects on import-dependent economies.

Arab nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have counselled the US against renewed strikes, warning of wider regional instability. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon and the West Bank, adding layers of complexity to mediation attempts.

Ground Reality and Public Impact

In Iranian port cities like Bandar Abbas, residents report mixed views on the Hormuz blockade. Some see it as leverage in talks, while others point to rising unemployment among dock workers and falling local business. Globally, the conflict has strained diplomatic channels and raised concerns over nuclear non-proliferation efforts, with recent UN talks ending without agreement.

The arrest of the Iraqi national is seen by some analysts as part of broader counter-terrorism operations targeting IRGC-linked networks. US officials have long accused the IRGC of orchestrating threats against American interests abroad.

What Lies Ahead

As diplomatic efforts enter a sensitive phase, the coming days could prove decisive. Pakistan’s continued engagement, along with Qatari support, may help bridge gaps. However, any new military escalation could further complicate the path to de-escalation.

President Trump has previously stated that oil prices would fall once the Iran situation is resolved. For now, markets remain volatile, and families like the Trumps face elevated security risks amid heightened global tensions.

Iranian FM Meets Pak Army Chief as US Pushes Indirect Talks

Islamabad Welcomes Araghchi

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in Islamabad today, greeted by Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Sources indicated the visit centres on regional peace efforts. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry confirmed discussions with senior leaders on ongoing developments. 

Araghchi aims to convey Tehran's "comprehensive" response via Pakistani intermediaries. No direct US talks are planned, despite White House hopes. This follows a fragile ceasefire after weeks of conflict.

US Envoys Arrive

US emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner headed to the Pakistani capital for in-person conversations. The White House sees this as a chance to restart negotiations. Iran, however, insists observations go through Pakistan only.

Tehran dismissed direct meetings outright. Officials stressed bilateral issues dominate Araghchi's agenda. Egypt and Pakistan voiced hopes for a stable truce during recent calls.

First Talks Fail

Pakistan hosted initial Iran-US talks on April 11-12, lasting 21 hours. Disagreements over Strait of Hormuz control and Iran's nuclear programme stalled progress. The US demands secure shipping lanes and nuclear curbs.

Iran defends its programme as peaceful, rejecting curbs. Tensions spiked after the US imposed a naval blockade. CENTCOM reported intercepting 33 vessels since April 13.

Hormuz Blockade Bites

Over 40 container ships remain stranded in the Gulf, hitting global trade hard. Firms like CMA CGM and MSC reroute, driving up costs. Panama Canal slots now fetch up to $4 million in auctions.

Oil prices surge as airlines warn of ticket hikes. British Airways cited jet fuel shortages. EU aviation authorities eye US-grade fuel imports. 

Iran Flexes Muscle

Defence Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik claimed Iran produces over 1,000 weapon types domestically, including missiles and drones. A "significant portion" of capabilities stays unused, he added. Facilities spread nationwide ensure continuity.

Iranian MP Ibrahim Azizi ruled out nuclear talks. Internal rifts emerge, with reports of negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's exit. Hardliner Saeed Jalili may replace him.

Regional Flashpoints

Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon towns, targeting Hezbollah sites despite ceasefire. Lebanon reported six deaths. IDF and Hezbollah trade violation accusations.

IRGC arrested 240 suspects in Kurdistan and Kermanshah raids, seizing arms. Iran hanged an alleged Israeli agent. Airports in Tehran and Mashhad resume limited flights.

Global Reactions Mount

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted on Hormuz control for world security. Treasury froze $344 million in Iran-linked crypto. Sanctions hit 40 Chinese shippers in Tehran's shadow fleet.

Germany deploys minesweepers for potential Hormuz ops. Russia accused US interventions of oil grabs. Shipping delays signal wider economic pain.

Future Talks Uncertain

Araghchi plans Oman and Russia visits next for coordination. Pakistan eyes a second round to ease escalation. Yet Tehran signals no compromise on core issues like nuclear rights or Hormuz influence.

Munir in Suit for Vance, Uniform for Iranians

Strategic Attire Shift

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir received the Iranian delegation in full combat uniform but greeted US Vice President JD Vance in a black suit during high-stakes talks in Islamabad. Sources indicated the contrast carried deliberate messaging as a fragile two-week ceasefire holds.

The delegations arrived at Nur Khan airbase on Sunday, marking a pivotal diplomatic push after recent cross-border strikes.

Vance Leads US Team

JD Vance headed the American side, landing hours after Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi touched down. Munir, bypassing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, personally welcomed both at the military facility.

Analysts called it a clear power play, with the army chief asserting centre stage.

Uniform Signals Strength

Munir donned his military uniform for the Iranians, projecting institutional muscle and security alignment. The choice echoed Pakistan's firm stance amid lingering mistrust from 2024 Balochistan clashes.

Iran had targeted Jaish al-Adl militants inside Pakistan; Islamabad hit back in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province.

Suit Projects Diplomacy

Later, Munir switched to formal attire for Vance, mirroring past US engagements linked to Donald Trump. Observers noted the statesmanlike look signalled diplomatic parity with Washington.

"Pakistan's military often blends protocol with projection," a regional expert remarked.

Munir's Central Role

The army chief's airport presence underscored his de facto authority, reminiscent of past leaders like Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf. Domestic audiences saw it as reinforcement of the military's grip on foreign policy.

Talks kick off Monday at the secure airbase, with separate huddles for Sharif.

Tense Regional Backdrop

Friction peaked last year when Tehran struck first, prompting Pakistan's retaliation. China mediated a truce, but ties stayed frosty. These negotiations test that calm amid broader Middle East strains.

US officials seek de-escalation; Iran pushes border security guarantees, as per reports.

Domestic Power Message

Munir's high visibility reassures allies at home while eyeing global watchers. The dual attire—warrior for Tehran, diplomat for Washington—layers the narrative before words are spoken.

Future Talks Outlook

Delegates huddle amid deep suspicions, with outcomes unclear. Success could ease regional flashpoints; failure risks renewed strikes. Pakistan Iran US talks remain a litmus test for fragile peace, per latest updates from this English News Portal India.

What next hinges on Nur Khan breakthroughs—watch for joint statements by Tuesday.

Pakistan Steps Up as US-Iran War Mediator — Can Islamabad Broker Peace?

As the US-Iran war enters its fourth devastating week, an unlikely diplomatic heavyweight has stepped into the spotlight — Pakistan. With over 2,000 lives lost, millions displaced, and global oil prices threatening to cross $120 per barrel, the window for diplomacy is narrow. And Islamabad may be the only city in the world that both Washington and Tehran trust enough to sit across the table.

Why Pakistan Is the Right Mediator Right Now

Pakistan's emergence as a US-Iran war mediator is no accident. It sits at a rare geopolitical sweet spot — trusted by America, not hostile to Iran, deeply embedded in the Muslim world, and experienced in back-channel diplomacy.

Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir spoke directly with President Trump over the weekend, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held multiple calls with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar coordinated with counterparts in Turkey and Egypt, quietly assembling the diplomatic groundwork for a potential peace summit.

Pakistan's Foreign Office put it plainly: "If the parties desire, Islamabad is always willing to host talks."

What a Potential Islamabad Summit Could Look Like

Reports from Axios, the Financial Times, and The Times of Israel suggest a high-level in-person meeting could take place in Islamabad soon. The US side may include envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and possibly Vice President JD Vance. Iran could send Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf along with senior officials.

However, the White House has not confirmed any such meeting, stating it will not negotiate through the media. Iran's Foreign Ministry has also officially denied direct talks, dismissing reports as "psychological warfare."

Yet, denials in diplomacy often mean the exact opposite is quietly happening.

Trump's Five-Day Window: A Fragile but Real Opportunity

President Trump announced a temporary pause on planned strikes against Iran's power infrastructure following what he called "very good and productive" conversations. He gave diplomacy a five-day window — short, but significant.

This breathing room is crucial. Every additional day of conflict risks:

• Further closure of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global energy supply
• Wider regional escalation pulling in Saudi Arabia and Gulf states
• Irreversible humanitarian damage inside Iran

The five-day clock is ticking.

Why This Matters Beyond the Middle East

This war isn't just a regional conflict — it's a global economic shock. Oil near $120 per barrel means higher fuel prices, inflation pressure, and supply chain disruption across Asia, Europe, and beyond. India, heavily dependent on Gulf oil, is watching Islamabad's diplomatic moves very closely.

For everyday people from Mumbai to Manchester, how this diplomatic gamble plays out in the next 72 hours will matter at the fuel pump and the grocery store.

Can Pakistan Actually Deliver?

Pakistan has every strategic incentive to succeed. A prolonged US-Iran war destabilises its western neighbour, raises sectarian tensions domestically, and spikes inflation in an already struggling economy.

But mediation is never simple. Iran is humiliated, the US is emboldened, and neither side wants to appear weak. Pakistan must walk a razor-thin line — pushing both parties toward de-escalation without being seen as taking sides.

The coming days will define whether Islamabad rises to this historic moment — or whether the window closes before anyone walks through it.

"Walking on a Very Thin Line With a Deep Abyss on Both Sides"

That is how Pakistani journalist and anchor Asma Shirazi described her country's position in the Iran-Saudi Arabia-US-Israel war that has consumed the Middle East since February 28, 2026. It is perhaps the most precise summary possible of an impossible strategic situation — one that Pakistan signed itself into with a single pact in September 2025, without quite imagining it would be tested this fast, this hard, or in these circumstances.

In one corner: Iran — a 900-kilometre shared border, millions of Pakistani Shia citizens who venerate the Khamenei they just watched be assassinated, a Balochistan province already a tinderbox, and a neighbour that can stoke separatism, sectarian violence and proxy activity with considerable experience and incentive.

In the other corner: Saudi Arabia — four million Pakistani workers whose remittances keep a structurally fragile economy from collapsing, decades of petrodollar lifelines, a nuclear defence pact signed just six months ago that explicitly states any aggression against either country is aggression against both, and a relationship described by one analyst as placing Pakistan "under the nuclear umbrella."

Pakistan cannot stand with both. It cannot afford to abandon either. And time is running out to avoid being forced to choose.

The Pact That Changed Everything

When Pakistan signed a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia in September 2025, it likely did not expect a US-Israel war against Iran to test it so soon. Now Islamabad's credibility could be on the line.

The crisis represents the first serious geopolitical test of the pact, signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's state visit to Riyadh. Although the agreement was presented as a framework for defence cooperation, its core clause carries potentially far-reaching implications: aggression against one is treated as aggression against both.

The ambiguity was deliberate. Both Riyadh and Islamabad wanted a pact strong enough to deter Iranian aggression, but flexible enough to avoid locking Pakistan into a military commitment it could not honour. As Joshua White of the Brookings Institution observed: "You can't have deterrence without some constructive ambiguity." The pact was engineered precisely so that both parties retained room to manoeuvre.

Then Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spent that ambiguity in a single press conference.

The Dar Press Conference: When Words Became a Tripwire

On March 3, Dar publicly told reporters that Islamabad might have to join the Iran war because of the Saudi mutual defence pact — warning Tehran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi directly not to attack Saudi Arabia and invoking the agreement explicitly: "I made them understand that we have a defence agreement."

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif went even further, appearing to confirm that Pakistan's nuclear capabilities "will be made available to Saudi Arabia according to this agreement" — before walking the statement back entirely to Reuters the following day. That contradiction is not a diplomatic mishap. It is a window into the impossible position Islamabad now occupies.

Dar's public invocation of the defence pact was intended to raise the cost of Iranian aggression against Saudi Arabia. Instead, it has raised the cost of Pakistani inaction to a level Islamabad may be unable to pay. He sounded less like a man laying down a tripwire than one hoping no one would test it — and in doing so may have ensured someone will.

The Iran Problem: A Border Pakistan Cannot Afford to Inflame

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre long and porous border with Iran in its southwest. The two countries maintain significant trade ties and have recently stepped up diplomatic engagement — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Islamabad as recently as August 2025.

The domestic dimension is equally urgent. Members of Pakistan's large Shia community took to the streets to protest against Khamenei's killing — among them Nida Afzal, a political activist from Lahore who described Iran as "one of the very few countries that does not believe in American hegemony."

Security analyst Amir Rana of the Pak Institute of Peace Studies warned: "Iran has significant influence over Shia organisations in Pakistan. And then you have Balochistan, which is already a highly volatile area. If there is any confrontation, the fallout for Pakistan would be severe.

Analysts warn that fighters hardened in Syria's civil war could, if Iran's conflict with Pakistan's Gulf partners deepens, shift from a defensive to an offensive posture on Pakistani soil — adding a militant dimension to the already combustible sectarian and separatist pressures in Balochistan.

The Saudi Problem: An Economy That Cannot Survive Without Riyadh

The financial dimension of Pakistan's dilemma is as binding as the military one.

More than four million Pakistanis work in the Gulf and remit billions of dollars annually — providing a vital cushion for Pakistan's depleted foreign exchange reserves. Beyond these transfers, Saudi Arabia has frequently stabilised Pakistan's recurring economic crises with central bank deposits, deferred oil payments, and ambitious investment pledges.

In 1998, when then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif needed cover to conduct a nuclear bomb test in the face of certain Western sanctions, it was Saudi Arabia that provided 50,000 barrels of oil a day, free of charge, to cushion the blow. Pakistani troops guarded Saudi Arabia's northern border during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. A former Pakistani army chief commands a Saudi-led counterterrorism force in Riyadh today.

This is not an alliance of convenience. It is decades of deep structural interdependence — military, financial and strategic. Abandoning it would not just damage a relationship. It would destabilise Pakistan's economy at its most vulnerable point.

The Quiet Diplomacy That May Be Working — For Now

Amid the public contradictions, Pakistan has been playing a quieter and arguably more effective role as a backchannel between the two sides.

On March 6, Saudi Arabia confirmed it had intercepted three ballistic missiles targeting Prince Sultan Air Base. Hours later, Field Marshal Asim Munir was in Riyadh meeting Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, where they discussed Iranian attacks and "measures needed to halt them within the framework" of their mutual defence pact.

Ayesha Siddiqa, a London-based Pakistani defence analyst, argued that Saudi Arabia appeared "reluctant to become directly involved in the conflict despite Iranian strikes on its territory" — and therefore has been asking Islamabad to convey the message to Tehran not to attack Saudi soil, as the kingdom is not involved in the conflict.

On March 5, Iran's ambassador to Saudi Arabia welcomed the kingdom's pledge not to allow its airspace or territory to be used during the ongoing war — a pledge that Pakistani back-channel diplomacy reportedly helped to secure and formalise.

Dar himself pointed to this: "You can compare that the least attacks from Iran are against Saudi Arabia and Oman," he said, suggesting that Pakistan's diplomatic engagement has already shaped Iranian targeting decisions.

The Two-Front Problem: Afghanistan Makes Everything Worse

Pakistan's strategic position is not just a bilateral Iran-Saudi dilemma. It is a multi-front crisis.

Pakistan's government, already mobilised due to the 2026 Afghanistan-Pakistan war, has been deeply concerned about cross-border clashes in Balochistan, spillover effects, sectarian tensions, or proxy and terrorist activity from its western borders with Iran becoming unstable — which would risk a two-front war it cannot afford and that could negatively affect its eastern border with India.

Pakistan's military is already busy dealing with terrorism related to Afghanistan. Managing military attention across multiple fronts simultaneously — Afghanistan, a potential Iranian border flare-up, domestic Shia unrest and the permanent India border commitment — creates a resource and strategic challenge of extraordinary complexity.

What Pakistan Will Actually Do

The honest answer is: as little as it can for as long as possible.

Most analysts view limited support to Saudi Arabia — intelligence-sharing, naval patrols in the Arabian Sea, or technical air defence cooperation — as far more realistic than a full military deployment. Some suggest a full deployment is possible only in the most extreme circumstances. Dainikjagranmpcg

Professor Ilhan Niaz of Quaid-e-Azam University said that if Saudi Arabia feels sufficiently threatened to formally request Pakistani military assistance, "Pakistan will come to Saudi Arabia's aid" — adding that "to do otherwise would undermine Pakistan's credibility." But the complicating factor, he acknowledged, is that Pakistan cannot afford to treat Iran simply as an adversary.

As journalist Asma Shirazi concluded: "It is like a bridge that Pakistan must cross. Pakistan is walking on a very thin line with a deep abyss on both sides."

What This Means for India

Pakistan's dilemma has direct implications for India. A Pakistan dragged into an active military commitment in the Gulf diverts military attention and resources westward. A Pakistan with an inflamed Balochistan and Shia unrest creates instability on India's northwestern flank. A Pakistan caught between two major Muslim powers while simultaneously managing an Afghanistan war is a Pakistan less capable of maintaining the controlled confrontation that defines the India-Pakistan relationship.

None of these scenarios are straightforwardly good or bad for India's strategic position — they are simply the landscape of a region in which every crisis connects to every other.

Bottom Line

Pakistan signed a defence pact with Saudi Arabia in September 2025 assuming it would serve as a deterrent that would never need to be activated. Six months later, Iran is firing missiles at Aramco refineries, Field Marshal Munir is in Riyadh, and Islamabad's Foreign Minister is invoking the pact in public press conferences.

The tightrope is real. The abyss on both sides is real. And Pakistan's room to keep walking without falling is narrowing with every Iranian missile that crosses a Gulf border.