Capitals, March 28 (SANA) – The U.S.–Israeli–Iranian conflict entered its fifth week on Saturday, with intensified regional tensions, expanding military operations, and mounting economic repercussions affecting global trade and energy markets.
Reports indicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis, though developments on the ground suggest no immediate breakthrough. Yemen’s Houthi group announced its direct involvement, launching what it described as its first strike on Israel since the conflict began on February 28.
Israeli authorities reported that 12 ballistic missiles were fired from Yemen toward southern Israel and were successfully intercepted, with no casualties.
International de-escalation efforts
Pakistan is set to host a four-party meeting on March 30 with the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia to discuss regional developments. Islamabad has also emerged as a key diplomatic intermediary, conveying a 15-point peace proposal reportedly presented by Washington to Tehran.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on X that indirect communications between Washington and Tehran are currently taking place through messages relayed by Islamabad.
European pressure on Washington
European foreign ministers, meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the G7 summit in France on Friday, urged Washington to clarify its objectives in the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to await Iran’s response to the 15-point proposal. U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said he expects Tehran to eventually engage in talks with Washington to end the conflict, now stretching beyond a month.
Moves to secure passage through Hormuz
Amid rising tensions, countries are working to secure oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, to maintain energy flows and limit disruptions to global markets.
Thailand announced on Saturday that it had reached an agreement with Iran allowing Thai oil tankers to transit the strait safely, a route Tehran had effectively restricted since the conflict began. Thai officials said the arrangement would ease concerns over fuel supplies.
G7 foreign ministers, in a joint statement, emphasized the need to guarantee freedom of navigation in the strait, prevent broader economic fallout, and call for an end to attacks targeting civilians and Iranian infrastructure.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Malaysian tankers would also be permitted to transit the strait following discussions with regional leaders.
Kh.A
