Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, made this statement following discussions with regional colleagues, noting that ways to quickly and definitively end the conflict in the region were considered, as well as the possibility of negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad.
Ongoing Attacks
The conflict, now in its second month, shows no signs of abating. Israeli military reported over 140 airstrikes on central and western areas of Iran, including the capital, in the past 24 hours. The strikes targeted warehouses and positions for launching ballistic missiles.Iranian state media reported strikes on Mehrabad Airport and a petrochemical plant in Tabriz.
The head of the World Health Organization stated that the escalation of Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon has resulted in the death of another medical worker, adding to the previously recorded 51 casualties. Israel claims that Iran-backed militants from "Hezbollah" are using medical facilities as cover, a claim denied by the group.
As a result of a missile strike or its debris, a chemical plant near Be'er Sheva was damaged, prompting authorities to warn residents to stay away due to "hazardous materials." In another incident, a missile fell in a residential area, injuring 11 people.
The war has affected the lives of thousands and has spread across the Middle East: airstrikes damaged major aluminum plants in Bahrain and the UAE over the weekend.
The UAE is demanding compensation from Iran for attacks on civilian facilities and guarantees that such incidents will not happen again, as stated by a presidential advisor.
The Houthis in Yemen, backed by Iran, have also begun their attacks on Israel. This has heightened fears that they may target the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, an important maritime route. Israeli authorities reported intercepting two drones launched from Yemen.
Arrival of U.S. Marines in the Region
The U.S. has sent thousands of Marines to the Middle East, with the first group arriving on a landing ship on Friday, according to American military sources.According to The Washington Post, the Pentagon is preparing for prolonged ground operations in Iran, although it is unclear whether President Donald Trump will receive approval for these actions.
It was previously reported that the Pentagon is considering various military options, including the use of ground forces.
President Trump faces a difficult choice between a diplomatic solution and military escalation, which could lead to a protracted crisis and further decrease his low approval ratings.
Last week, Washington proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on Iran's nuclear program, but Tehran rejected this proposal and offered its alternatives.
Israel Continues Strikes on Iran
Israeli officials stated that the country will continue its attacks on Iran targeting so-called military objectives, with no intention of scaling back its operations even amid potential negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.On Sunday, it was reported that a building housing the Qatari television channel Al-Araby in Tehran was damaged as a result of a missile strike. The channel's operator, Mohammadreza Shademan, stated: "The missile hit. The ceiling collapsed... There was no military target here."
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that the heavy water production plant in Khondab, which was allegedly attacked on Friday, was severely damaged and is no longer operational, although the facilities did not contain the claimed nuclear materials, as noted by the UN nuclear watchdog in its social media post.
Reaction in the U.S.
The conflict, which is becoming increasingly unpopular among Americans, is putting pressure on Trump's Republican Party. Various cities across the U.S. saw demonstrations against the war last Saturday.Opinions among American politicians regarding the duration of the conflict and its objectives vary widely.
Republican Senate candidate Andy Barr stated on Fox News Sunday: "This is a matter of weeks before all objectives are achieved."
"This will not be an occupation of Tehran."At the same time, Democratic lawmakers argue that the current strategy is failing, pointing to U.S. casualties and ongoing Iranian attacks on neighboring countries. Democratic Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey noted on NBC's Meet the Press: "This president is pulling us deeper into conflict with no visible exit."
