The 2026 conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has moved into a stage characterised less by sustained open warfare than by a protracted contest of endurance alongside active diplomatic positioning.

Following the joint U.S.–Israeli strikes of 28 February under Operation Epic Fury, reportedly aimed at Iranian military installations, nuclear-linked infrastructure, and senior leadership that included the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the region has experienced extensive fatalities, large-scale displacement, and significant disruption to global energy flows.

A conditional ceasefire emerged around 8 April, with mediation largely conducted through Pakistani channels. Implementation, however, remains partial: the Strait of Hormuz is largely closed, and a reciprocal U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports has been in effect since mid-April.

By late April 2026, direct negotiations had not resumed in Islamabad, although indirect communication continued.

The recent travel pattern of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s meetings in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Army Chief FM Asim Munir, followed by visits to Muscat and Moscow, illustrates a shuttle-style process.

Pakistan functions as the primary conduit, transmitting positions in the absence of face-to-face leader-level engagement. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner did not make the anticipated visit after President Trump cited insufficient Iranian movement.

Iran has reportedly conveyed proposals, including a three-stage framework that prioritises cessation of aggression and resolution of the Hormuz situation before turning to nuclear questions.

Pakistan’s mediation is consequential in light of its long border with Iran, its management of Afghan refugee flows, and its reliance on Gulf shipping for energy supplies, which together give Islamabad a direct interest in containment.

This context also reflects Pakistan’s regional leverage and the practical value of its diplomatic channels.

The military phase reportedly opened with nearly 900 strikes in the initial hours, targeting command structures, missile-related facilities, and air defences.

Iranian retaliation included missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets, U.S. bases in Gulf states, and locations in Lebanon, where exchanges involving Hezbollah further increased casualties.

Strikes occurring during putative diplomatic windows further strengthen Iranian interpretations that leverage, rather than negotiation, drives U.S. behaviour

Strikes occurring during putative diplomatic windows........

© The Friday Times