By Gloria Ogbonna
Pakistan convened a high-level diplomatic meeting in its capital, Islamabad, on Sunday in an effort to “de-escalate” the intensifying conflict involving Iran. Notably absent, however, were representatives from the primary parties engaged in the war.
Instead, the talks brought together the foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia for a two-day session hosted by Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar.
According to Dar, the goal was to explore ways to lower tensions and encourage a negotiated process between Iran and the United States to prevent what he described as the risk of “comprehensive chaos” across the region.
Dar said Pakistan hopes to serve as neutral ground for “meaningful talks” involving the United States, Iran, and Israel in the coming days. However, neither the U.S. State Department nor the White House confirmed whether formal invitations had been extended or accepted.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump stated on Monday that his administration is in discussions with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament. Trump described Ghalibaf as part of what he called “a new, and more reasonable, regime” and indicated he expects to determine within about a week whether Ghalibaf could serve as a viable partner for extended negotiations.
Ghalibaf’s public remarks on Sunday, however, struck a far more combative tone. In a televised address, he accused the United States of speaking insincerely about ceasefire efforts while allegedly preparing for expanded military action. He warned that Iranian forces were prepared to confront any U.S. ground presence, using fiery rhetoric to signal defiance.
“Our men are waiting for the arrival of American soldiers on the ground,” he declared, adding that Iran’s missile strikes remain active and its resolve has strengthened. He dismissed reports of a U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan as diplomatic maneuvering designed to achieve through negotiation what Washington had not secured militarily.
“As long as Americans seek the surrender of Iran,” Ghalibaf said, “we will never accept humiliation.”
He further claimed that Iran is gaining the upper hand in the conflict, asserting that global energy markets are destabilized, food inflation is looming, and key symbols of American military strength — including advanced aircraft and regional bases — have suffered damage. He also described Iranian strikes against Israel as “effective, precise, and foundational.”
Framing the broader confrontation as a historic struggle, Ghalibaf said, “We are in a great world war and must prepare ourselves for the difficult and winding path ahead.” He vowed that Iran would make the United States “regret” initiating hostilities.
Economic concerns have become a central theme of the unfolding crisis. Speaking at an energy conference in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi issued a direct appeal to President Trump to intervene and bring the fighting to an end before global markets spiral further.
“I tell President Trump: nobody can stop the war in our region in the Gulf but you,” Sisi said. “Please, Mr. President, please help us stop the war.”
Sisi warned that attacks on energy infrastructure — including oil production facilities and refineries — could have severe global consequences. He cautioned that oil prices could exceed $200 per barrel if the conflict escalates, stressing that such a spike would not be an exaggeration under current conditions.
Beyond energy, Sisi noted disruptions to food and fertilizer supply chains, warning that middle-income and fragile economies could face destabilizing effects. While wealthier nations might absorb higher fuel and commodity costs, he said, developing countries would bear the brunt of the economic fallout.
As diplomatic efforts unfold in Islamabad without the direct participation of the main warring parties, uncertainty remains high.
Pakistan’s initiative signals a desire among regional powers to prevent a broader conflagration, but the sharp rhetoric from Tehran and the ongoing strategic calculations in Washington suggest that a breakthrough remains far from guaranteed.
Source breitbart
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