Capitals, March 29 (SANA) The U.S.-Israeli–Iranian war continued to escalate in its fifth week as military operations expanded across the region while diplomatic efforts intensified to prevent a wider conflict.
On the ground, Israeli forces launched new airstrikes on sites in Iran, including locations linked to military production. Iranian media reported casualties in several areas, including an attack on a port facility in Hormozgan province and another strike on a residential area in Gilan province.
Israel said it intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran, while Israeli media reported material damage and injuries west of Jerusalem. Hezbollah also launched rockets and drones toward Israeli positions from southern Lebanon, according to Israeli military reports.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of possible retaliation against U.S. targets in the region after an attack on Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran.
Pakistan mediation efforts
Diplomatic activity has intensified in parallel with the military escalation, with Pakistan emerging as a key mediator between Washington and Tehran.
Islamabad hosted a series of diplomatic meetings, including consultations involving the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reducing tensions and exploring options for de-escalation.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said dialogue and confidence-building measures remain the only path forward, while Pakistan has reportedly facilitated indirect communication between U.S. and Iranian officials.
According to reports, Islamabad conveyed a 15-point proposal from Washington to Tehran, while Iran responded with its own set of conditions.
Pakistan has also taken practical steps to ease tensions, including arrangements allowing oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under Pakistani flags and a temporary easing of trade restrictions with Iran.
Military options under discussion
At the same time, U.S. officials are reportedly considering expanding military options in the region.
The Washington Post cited U.S. officials as saying the Pentagon is studying the possibility of a limited ground operation targeting Iran’s strategic Kharg Island, through which much of the country’s oil exports pass.
Reports also suggested that up to 10,000 additional U.S. troops could be deployed to the region as part of contingency planning.
However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told counterparts in the Group of Seven that Washington currently has no plans for a ground invasion of Iran.
Vice President J.D. Vance said the objective of the ongoing military campaign is to neutralize Iran’s military capabilities for an extended period rather than establish a long-term presence in the country.
Regional tensions widen
The conflict has also expanded across the Gulf and neighboring countries.
Kuwait reported intercepting missiles and drones, while the United Arab Emirates said it had dealt with similar attacks targeting its territory. Bahrain reported injuries after an attack on industrial facilities, while Oman said a drone strike targeted the port of Salalah, causing limited damage.
In Iraq, two police officers were killed and five others wounded in a strike on a security post in Mosul, while militia groups reported casualties after airstrikes targeting positions in Kirkuk.
In a further sign of widening confrontation, Yemen’s Houthi group launched a ballistic missile toward Israel, marking its first direct attack since the conflict began.
Despite growing diplomatic activity, analysts say the combination of escalating military actions and unresolved disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and regional role continues to complicate efforts to reach a ceasefire.
kh.R / Kh.A
