Commander of the Pakistan Army Asim Munir said that Islamabad is acting as a neutral mediator in the Middle East and is seeking to establish a durable peace. He emphasized that the country is doing everything possible for the success of the mediation mission and intends to continue doing so. The statement came amid growing anticipation of Tehran's response to a U.S. proposal to end the conflict, which adds tension to regional diplomacy.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope that Iran would reply to Washington’s proposal in the near future. In an interview with a French TV channel he said, “We’ll see it soon.” Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that a response would come within hours, but no clear signs of Iranian action followed. This divergence in timing increased concern among mediators and interested parties.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the response is still under review and will be announced after a final decision is made. Iranian state television quoted a ministry representative who said Tehran is considering the proposal “without regard to timelines or ultimatums,” demonstrating a thoughtful and independent approach to decision-making. Western media report that the U.S. draft includes easing sanctions in exchange for Iran halting uranium enrichment and resuming navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
A representative of the Iranian armed forces warned some regional countries about the consequences of cooperating with the U.S. military, saying: “Any state that takes action against us will receive a harsh response.” He added that countries enforcing U.S. sanctions on Iran will face difficulties when transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran stressed that it retains the initiative despite Washington’s “provocative actions,” and promised a decisive response to any hostile military moves.
Iran denied reports of an actual maritime blockade, calling them a “media and propaganda attempt to weaken control over the Strait of Hormuz.” The representative noted that, according to international organizations’ data, Iran’s maritime trade continues unobstructed, and the country has already been able to prevent the passage of Israeli ships and seize some of them. At the same time, Tehran stated that it does not trust the adversary even during a ceasefire period and continues to strengthen its military potential, updating its “bank of targets,” which indicates readiness for any future threats.
Comments on the News
- Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important for the world economy, and why does Iran often use it as leverage in conflicts? - The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which about 20–25% of the world’s oil passes (roughly 15–20 million barrels per day). By controlling one side of the strait, Iran can threaten to close it in response to sanctions or military actions, creating the risk of a sharp spike in energy prices and a global economic crisis, which makes it an effective lever with minimal military cost.
- What does “bank of targets” mean in the context of Iranian military strategy, and how does it relate to preparing for potential threats? - A “bank of targets” in Iranian military doctrine is a list of pre-reconnoitered and prioritized objects (military bases, ports, oil infrastructure, air defense systems) of a potential adversary (the U.S., Israel) that could be struck. It is an element of asymmetric deterrence: Iran prepares such lists for rapid response in case of armed conflict, demonstrating the ability to inflict significant damage.
- How does Iran justify its statements about preventing Israeli ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz under international maritime law? - Iran refers to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), claiming it has the right to take measures in its territorial waters to ensure security, especially in times of conflict. However, international law generally guarantees freedom of navigation through straits used for international navigation, and it is difficult for Iran to legally justify a complete blockade of vessels flying another state’s flag without evidence of an actual threat. Such statements are often seen as political rhetoric rather than legally grounded positions.
Full version: باكستان تواصل جهود الوساطة وإيران تحذر من التعاون مع الجيش الأمريكي