Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a phone call with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday ahead of a peace meeting in Islamabad on Sunday. The phone call between Sharif and Pezeshkian lasted over an hour. Both Iran and the U.S. have spoken with Pakistan's government ahead of the talks. Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected mediator to help bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table amid escalating tensions after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Islamabad is not often used as a mediator in high-stakes diplomacy, but has taken on the role this time for several reasons, including relatively good relations with both Washington and Tehran and high stakes in resolving the conflict.
The United States and Israel launched a military attack on Iran on February 28, 2026. The US aim in the attack was regime change in Iran. The US and Israel targeted Iran's nuclear program sites, oil and gas sites including Kharg Island and South Pars. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed with up to two hundred senior military and civilian figures and two generations of his family.
Human Rights Activists in Iran reported 3,220 people killed in Iran as of 20 March, including 1,165 military, 1,398 civilians, and 657 unclassified. Iran accused the US and Israel of attacking a girls' school on 28 February, killing 168 people including around 110 children. Israeli authorities said 15 civilians were killed by Iranian missile fire as of 19 March. More than 1,800 people have been killed overall, including 8 US service members and at least 175 students killed by a reported US strike on an Iranian elementary school.
The US-Israeli attacks cannot be legally justified under international law, according to an expert analysis. BBC Verify reported expert video analysis shows a US Tomahawk missile hit a military base near the school. An Iranian warship was sunk by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka on 4 March, killing at least 87 people.
Mojtaba Khamenei was named as successor to Ali Khamenei. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Mojtaba Khamenei was injured and likely disfigured, a claim denied by Iran.
High-ranking Iranian officials killed include Ali Larijani, Esmail Khatib, and Gholamreza Soleimani.
The U.S. is increasing readiness in the Middle East, with the amphibious ship USS Tripoli and its force arriving in the area since Friday. USS Tripoli is normally stationed in Japan but received orders about two weeks ago to head to the Middle East. There are about 2,500 Marines aboard the USS Tripoli. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that Washington can achieve its goals in Iran without any ground troops. Rubio also said that President Donald Trump must have readiness for a range of situations and that U.S. forces are available to give the president maximum flexibility to adapt to eventualities that could arise.
Iran has retaliated by targeting US military facilities and energy and civilian infrastructure in Gulf states. Iranian missiles caused serious damage and casualties in Israel. Israel stepped up air strikes in Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in support of Iran.
Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey are expected to attend the peace meeting in Islamabad, but no one will represent Iran or the U.S. on-site. Pakistan will host foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt from March 29-30, 2026 to discuss de-escalation in the Middle East. Pakistan offered to host peace talks between Iran and the US/Israel, with US President Donald Trump acknowledging the offer but the White House downplaying it.
The hostilities forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting 20% of global oil supply. The International Energy Agency released four hundred million barrels from its strategic reserve due to the Strait of Hormuz closure.
At least three US jets have been shot down in the first two days of fighting, with the US claiming they were shot down by friendly fire. Iran has received MiG-29 Su-35 fighter jets and Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters from Russia.
International reactions to the conflict have varied, with some countries condemning the attacks while others express concern over regional stability. Expert analysis suggests the conflict could lead to prolonged warfare if diplomatic efforts fail.
Regional stability is at risk as the conflict spills over into neighboring countries, with potential for broader Middle East involvement. Future conflict scenarios include possible escalation involving other regional powers or further U.S. military deployments.
Key unanswered questions include the specific terms or conditions being discussed in the peace talks, the effectiveness of Iran's retaliatory attacks in terms of military damage versus civilian casualties, and the current status of the Strait of Hormuz—whether it is still closed, and for how long.