THE current US-Iran war intensified in early April 2026, following direct and indirect confrontations involving the US, Iran and allied actors.

A temporary ceasefire was first agreed upon on April 8, 2026, largely due to the mediation efforts spearheaded by Pakistan. However, the ceasefire remained fragile from the outset. Violations were reported by both sides, while underlying disputes—particularly over Iran’s nuclear program, US sanctions, proxy roles and regional influence—remained unresolved. The US escalated pressure by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which Tehran viewed as a violation of the truce and an act of aggression. These developments created a precarious situation that risked the ceasefire while raising fears of a renewed large-scale conflict.

Even in this paradoxical situation, Pakistan has been undertaking extensive multi-layered preparations for the Islamabad Peace Talks 2.0, reflecting its transparent intent to........

© Pakistan Observer