Web Desk/AFP

This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.<hr style="line-height: 2;">Catch up: Yesterday&rsquo;s top developments<ul style="list-style-type: square;"><li style="line-height: 2; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pakistan&rsquo;s CDF arrives in Tehran for mediation talks; Iran calls visit a &#39;turning point&#39;</li><li style="line-height: 2; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Trump skips son&rsquo;s wedding as prospects for talks continue</li><li style="line-height: 2; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">US State Secretary calls Pakistan the &ldquo;primary mediator&rdquo; in the conflict</li><li style="line-height: 2; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Israel carries out five strikes in eastern Lebanon, killing 10</li><li style="line-height: 2; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Stocks rise, oil gains as investors weigh Middle East peace prospects</li></ul><hr style="line-height: 2;"> US excessive demands push NPT into free fall: IranPublished: May 23, 2026 | 03:53 GMT | by Web Desk The Iranian Mission to the UN, in a post on X on Saturday, stated: &quot;The NPT Review Conference failed for the third consecutive time due to obstructionism by the United States and its allies.&quot;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2057996905590784315&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=67e6182b53c08c969d763e97ce417781c3f778d8&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 393px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&quot;Iran&rsquo;s warning: Without nuclear disarmament, no future can be envisaged for the NPT,&quot; the post added. <hr> Qatar discusses Pakistan-led Iran-US mediation with regional partners Published: May 23, 2026 |&nbsp;1:44 GMT | by Web Desk Qatar&rsquo;s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held discussions with the foreign ministers of T&uuml;rkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan regarding Pakistan-led mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, Al Jazeera reported. A statement from Qatar&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry said Sheikh Mohammed&rsquo;s call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan focused on the importance of resolving regional crises through dialogue. It added that the discussions included coordination on diplomatic steps aimed at reducing regional tensions. A Qatari delegation is currently in Tehran in connection with the mediation efforts, as per Al Jazeera. <hr> Iran condemns US-Israeli attack as violation of sovereignty Published: May 23, 2026 | 1:23 GMT | by Web Desk Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the recent US-Israeli attack on Iran should not be treated as simply an avoidable conflict, describing it instead as direct aggression against a sovereign country, according to Iran&rsquo;s state news agency IRNA. Baqaei said the attack amounted to a clear breach of international law and rejected attempts to soften its characterization. The spokesperson also linked the current tensions to the United States&rsquo; withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement. <hr> Pakistan&rsquo;s CDF arrives at Tehran to advance regional mediation efforts Published: May 22, 2026 | 17:04 GMT | by Web Desk Pakistan&rsquo;s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday for an official visit, the military&rsquo;s media wing reported. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the field marshal was received by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni upon arrival. Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also present at the reception.

Pakistan's Chief of Defense Forces arrives in Tehran on Friday, May 22, 2026. (ISPR)

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Field Marshal Asim Munir is expected to discuss Iran-US talks and regional issues during the visit and meet senior Iranian officials, according to security sources.

Pakistan army chief arrives in Tehran for Iran-US talks facilitation

Pakistan’s army chief was received in Tehran by Iranian and Pakistani interior ministers; Israeli airstrikes hit multiple locations in Lebanon after evacuation warnings issued in southern areas.

Middle East roundup, May 22: Pakistan's CDF lands in Iran; Israel airstrikes kill 10 in Lebanon

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday reaffirmed support for sustained diplomacy and regional peace, as Pakistan stepped up efforts to maintain momentum following recent Iran-related negotiations in Islamabad. The 50-minute call comes at a sensitive stage in regional diplomacy, after weeks of conflict between Iran and the United States disrupted energy flows, pushed oil prices sharply higher and rattled global markets. A fragile ceasefire brokered through Pakistan&rsquo;s mediation earlier this month created space for talks aimed at reducing tensions. During the conversation, Pakistani premier thanked Tehran for sending a high-level delegation led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad for talks on April 11-12, and welcomed Araghchi&rsquo;s recent Friday visit to Pakistan for consultations on regional developments. According to Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, PM Sharif said his recent diplomatic outreach to leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and T&uuml;rkiye had helped build &ldquo;broader consensus&rdquo; in support of dialogue and diplomacy, with the aim of securing lasting peace in what it described as a war-affected region. Pakistan has positioned itself as a central mediator in the ongoing diplomatic process, facilitating initial contacts between Washington and Tehran while urging all sides to uphold the ceasefire. The talks have focused on key issues including regional security, sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz and broader stability. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world&rsquo;s oil supply passes, became a major flashpoint during the conflict, triggering sharp rises in oil prices and adding to inflationary concerns globally. Its reopening under the ceasefire helped ease market pressures and renewed hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough. PM Sharif also thanked the Iranian leadership for what the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office described as &ldquo;fruitful discussions&rdquo; with Pakistan&rsquo;s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his recent visit to Tehran, highlighting continued military and diplomatic coordination. President Pezeshkian thanked Sharif, according to the statement, Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their &ldquo;significant contribution&rdquo; to peace efforts and reaffirmed Iran&rsquo;s desire for peace, according to the statement. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination as diplomatic engagement continues.

Foreign Affairs

PM Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed support for diplomacy and peace, praised ceasefire efforts, highlighted Pakistan’s mediation role, and agrees to stay in close contact for continued dialogue.

Pakistan, Iran reaffirm diplomacy as regional peace efforts intensify

ISLAMABAD: Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty expressed his gratitude to Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for the hospitality shown during the recent meeting of foreign ministers in Islamabad. He also welcomed the Pakistan-China five-point initiative, which aims to promote dialogue and help resolve conflicts, as stated by Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Office in a post on X. The conversation highlighted Islamabad&rsquo;s efforts to build support for a diplomatic, negotiation-led approach amid heightened instability in the region.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2039620873490227229&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=ae7ddec59798bc7abb6eee7d2c7b3f942873f552&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 746px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp;Egypt&rsquo;s positive response to the five-point proposal suggests that Pakistan&rsquo;s outreach is resonating with key regional actors seeking de-escalation rather than further confrontation. Both ministers reaffirmed the close fraternal relations between Pakistan and Egypt and agreed to remain in close contact.&nbsp;The exchange underscored the importance both governments attach to sustained engagement as the regional situation continues to evolve. The call also reflects Pakistan&rsquo;s broader diplomatic position as an advocate of dialogue, political settlement and peace while strengthening coordination with influential partners in the Muslim world.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, spoke by telephone with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Wednesday night, with both sides reaffirming close bilateral ties and continued diplomatic coordination amid wider regional tensions.

 Pakistan-Egypt FMs reiterate support for peace initiatives

ISLAMABAD: United States (US) President Donald Trump is prepared to end US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/us-israel-war-on-iran-day-32" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">military operations</a>&nbsp;against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, administration officials told The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. According to the American publication, Trump&#39;s team determined that forcing the waterway open would push the conflict past his four-to-six week target. The focus stays on crippling Iran&#39;s navy and missile stocks. The strait&#39;s fate gets handed to diplomacy &ndash; or to US allies. Should that fail, Washington will press European and Gulf partners to lead any reopening effort, officials told the WSJ. The world has been reeling from rising oil prices since the start of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/netanyahu-says-iran-war-goals-achieved-beyond-halfway-point" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">conflict</a>. Brent crude has surged from roughly $67 a barrel before the conflict to above $115 by March 31, a rise of approximately 72%, according to market data. Bloomberg attributed the increase to a &quot;near-halt&quot; of shipping through the waterway, which carries one-fifth of global oil supply. Yet Trump administration officials have sent conflicting signals on the Middle East War. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Al Jazeera that military objectives would be met &quot;in weeks, not months,&quot; while separately vowing the strait would reopen &quot;one way or another.&quot; Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the &quot;Department of War will continue negotiating with bombs,&quot; then insisted the conflict is not a &quot;regime change war,&quot; as reported by the AFP. Diplomatic efforts are running parallel to the military campaign. On March 25, the US presented a 15-point peace framework to Iran through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-sharif-briefs-european-council-president-on-pakistans-mediation-efforts" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistani mediator</a>s, according to AFP. The plan calls for a ceasefire, nuclear dismantlement, and a full reopening of the strait. Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on March 26 that &quot;indirect talks are taking place,&quot; with Islamabad relaying messages between Washington and Tehran. The war entered its 32nd day on Tuesday. A handful of non-hostile vessels, primarily Chinese, have begun transiting the waterway, according to AFP.

US President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on March 29, 2026. (AFP)

Trump's team reportedly determined that forcing the waterway open would push the conflict past his four-to-six week target. The focus stays on crippling Iran's navy and missile stocks, with the strait's fate gets handed to diplomacy – or to US allies.

Trump ready to end Middle East War with Hormuz Strait still closed: Reports

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, said Thursday that India is experiencing &quot;extreme frustration&quot; over Pakistan&#39;s increasing diplomatic relevance on the global stage, as Islamabad positions itself as a key mediator in the ongoing Middle East war. Speaking at a press conference, the information minister said the purpose of the briefing was to address ongoing international developments and Pakistan&#39;s role in resolving them. He said that Pakistan was a responsible actor whose mediation efforts have drawn broad international acknowledgment. &quot;There is extreme frustration, extreme anxiety,&quot; he said of India&#39;s reaction to Pakistan&#39;s rising profile. &quot;As they become irrelevant, they have been incensed at Pakistan&#39;s enhanced role, at Pakistan&#39;s relevance and significance.&quot; He attributed the diplomatic gains to &ldquo;a strong partnership&rdquo; between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Tarar credited their efforts at the international level, which the entire world has acknowledged. The minister said even India&#39;s own media has criticized its government over the contrast. He noted that Indian commentators there have acknowledged that Pakistan has emerged as a stronger and more relevant voice in world affairs in comparison to India. Tarar said the international community has accepted and recognized Pakistan&#39;s efforts at every level, a reality he said is now beyond dispute. He stated that Pakistan&#39;s engagement at the United Nations Security Council would be remembered, citing the country&#39;s vocal stance on Palestine and its role with regards to Iran. He said Pakistan had navigated those positions carefully; by protecting strategic ties while engaging allied nations, Pakistan demonstrated a balanced foreign policy. The minister also pointed to Pakistan&#39;s economic recovery as part of its broader resurgence. He described the turnaround from near-default as a &quot;phenomenal&quot; reversal, one the entire world had taken note of. He said Pakistan&#39;s Federal Board of Revenue transformation model was presented at a World Bank meeting as a successful case study.

Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan Attaullah Tarar holding a press conference on March 26, 2026. (PTV News)

Attaullah Tarar says Pakistan is a responsible country whose mediation efforts have drawn broad international acknowledgment.

Articles tagged with "Pakistan mediation"

Pakistan army chief arrives in Tehran for Iran-US talks facilitation

Middle East roundup, May 22: Pakistan's CDF lands in Iran; Israel airstrikes kill 10 in Lebanon

Pakistan, Iran reaffirm diplomacy as regional peace efforts intensify

Pakistan-Egypt FMs reiterate support for peace initiatives

Trump ready to end Middle East War with Hormuz Strait still closed: Reports

India ‘extremely frustrated’ by Pakistan’s rising diplomatic role on world stage: Information minister

Pakistan army chief arrives in Tehran for Iran-US talks facilitation