The US-Israel-Iran conflict entered a new phase on March 24, with Washington mixing evacuation warnings and military pressure with signs of a possible diplomatic opening. The US State Department asked Americans to leave Iraq immediately after reporting widespread attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US-linked targets, while President Donald Trump said there had been “very good” discussions with Iran and temporarily postponed planned strikes on major energy targets.
But the larger picture remains far from settled. Iran has tightened conditions for vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE says it intercepted another barrage from Iran, Russia has stepped up its political backing for Tehran, and Israel says it will keep striking Iran and Lebanon even as talks are floated. The result is a war that still looks hot on the ground, even when diplomacy briefly enters the frame.
Top updates
Pakistan set to host US-Iran peace talks? Trump posts screenshot of Shehbaz Sharif's invitation
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host the US and Iran peace talks. In a social media post on X, Sharif invited leaders of both countries to Pakistan for peace talks.
Trump posted a screenshot of Sharif's invitation, apparently endorsing the idea.
Pakistan set to host US-Iran peace talks? Trump posts screenshot of Shehbaz Sharif's invitation
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host the US and Iran peace talks. In a social media post on X, Sharif invited leaders of both countries to Pakistan for peace talks.
Trump posted a screenshot of Sharif's invitation, apparently endorsing the idea.
Iran wants comprehensive ceasefire, not a temporary one
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday spoke with his Chinese counterpart as diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East.
According to Chinese state media, Araghchi told his Wang Yi that "Iran is committed to a comprehensive ceasefire, not just a temporary one".
He also clarified that the Strait of Hormuz is open for all and ships can sail through safely. However, the Iranian minister said that countries currently at war with Iran are not being allowed cross the Strait of Hormuz.
The Chinese minister reportedly told Araghchi that "talking is always better than fighting" and urged all parties involved to "seize every opportunity for peace and initiate the peace process as soon as possible".
Iran appoints new security chief after Ali Larijani's killing
Mohammad Bagher Zolghar has been appointed the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing late Ali Larijani, according to reports.
Zolghar's appointment follows the killing of Ali Larijani on 17 March. Larijani was the chief of SNSC.
Pak PM offers to host US-Iran peace talks
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday offered to host peace talks between Iran and the US. "Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict," he said on X.
This came hours after Trump spoke to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, with Islamabad has reportedly emerged as a key mediator as the US and Iran explore de-escalation.
PM Modi pushes for dialogue
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India is in continuous contact with key stakeholders, including Iran, Israel, the US and Gulf nations, as it pushes for de-escalation in the West Asia conflict.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he stressed that attacks on commercial ships and disruption of the Strait of Hormuz are “unacceptable,” underlining risks to global trade and energy routes.
The Indian PM said India is working to ensure safe passage for Indian vessels and has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy, adding that threats to civilian lives and infrastructure are “not in the interest of humankind".
PM Modi warns of energy crisis, disruption to India’s trade routes
The Prime Minister said the conflict, now into its fourth week, has triggered a serious global energy crisis and disrupted key trade routes.
He noted that the supply of petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilisers has been affected, adding that the situation is concerning for India and requires a unified call for peace and dialogue.
PM Modi flags concern over Indians in Gulf, ships stuck in Hormuz
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the ongoing West Asia conflict is a matter of serious concern for India, pointing to the large number of Indians living and working in the Gulf.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he said around one crore Indians are in the region, and several ships with Indian crew members are currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that safeguarding their lives and livelihoods remains a top priority.
Iran asserts dominance in Gulf, warns against external interference
Iranian military officials said the country holds the initiative in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters, warning that external powers have no right to intervene in the region.
They reiterated that Iran would use “any means necessary” to secure its interests, even as tensions around shipping routes and energy flows remain high.
Conflicting reports emerge over mining activity in Hormuz
The denial comes amid multiple reports from US and Western media suggesting Iran may have deployed a limited number of naval mines in the strait.
While some officials cited by international outlets indicated a small number of mines could be in place, others, including US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, said there is no clear evidence so far, leaving the situation uncertain.
Iran denies laying mines in Strait of Hormuz
Iran has rejected reports that it is placing naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, saying its armed forces are already in full control of the strategic waterway.
Officials said there is “no need” for mining operations, asserting that Iran is managing the strait “very intelligently and authoritatively” and can ensure security through existing capabilities.
Pakistan calls for collective effort to de-escalate tensions
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the need for coordinated action by regional countries, particularly Muslim nations, to reduce tensions and restore stability.
The message aligns with Pakistan’s broader positioning as a mediator, as diplomatic channels begin to open alongside continued military escalation.
Pezeshkian urges regional countries not to aid US-Israel operations
During the call, Pezeshkian urged Islamic nations not to allow their territory or resources to be used for attacks against Iran.
He said that if regional countries cannot stop the war, they should at least ensure they do not facilitate continued military action.
Iran, Pakistan leaders speak as Islamabad pushes mediation role
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a call on Tuesday, discussing the evolving West Asia situation and the broader security impact of the ongoing war.
Pakistan stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy, with both sides agreeing to remain in close contact. The outreach comes amid reports that Islamabad is positioning itself as a potential venue for talks between the US and Iran, though no confirmation has been issued so far.
Report claims Iran leadership open to talks even as Tehran publicly denies negotiations
A report citing Israeli outlet Yedioth Ahronoth said Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had approved contacts with US intermediaries, suggesting a possible opening for negotiations.
The report referred to a conversation between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US intermediary Steve Witkoff, cleared at the highest level in Tehran. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has publicly rejected claims of any talks with Washington over the past 24 days of the conflict.
Hospital evacuated in Iran after reported strikes
Iranian state media reported that Imam Ali Hospital in Andimeshk has been evacuated following direct attacks attributed to US and Israeli forces.
Tel Aviv hit, six injured as Iranian missile strikes city
At least six people were lightly injured after an Iranian missile struck central Tel Aviv, according to Israeli police cited by local media.
The impact damaged multiple buildings and vehicles, with additional debris falling in nearby areas.
Human Rights Watch flags possible ‘war crimes’ over attacks on ships
A new Human Rights Watch report has raised serious concerns, saying Iranian forces may have deliberately targeted at least two civilian commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month.
The report cited data from the International Maritime Organisation, which recorded 16 attacks damaging 17 vessels between March 1 and 17, resulting in deaths, injuries and missing crew members. It noted that attacking civilian ships could amount to violations of international humanitarian law.
Diplomatic push still at early stage, say officials
Officials familiar with the developments described the current outreach as preliminary messaging rather than structured negotiations.
While multiple countries appear to be exploring mediation, including Pakistan, there is no clear framework yet for formal talks, keeping the diplomatic track uncertain.
Iran acknowledges indirect messages, denies direct talks with US
Even as Trump speaks of “productive” discussions, Iran has denied any direct negotiations with Washington, saying no formal talks have taken place.
However, Tehran confirmed receiving messages through “friendly states”, indicating that communication channels remain open, though still informal and indirect.
Trump speaks with Pakistan Army chief as Islamabad pitches mediation
US President Donald Trump has spoken with Pakistan Army Chief General Asif Munir as diplomatic efforts continue in the background of the conflict.
Pakistan has indicated that Islamabad could host talks between US and Iranian officials, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with Iran’s President, calling for de-escalation, dialogue and regional unity.
Top US defence official visits India as crisis impacts supply chains
US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby has arrived in India for high-level talks, in a visit that comes as the West Asia conflict begins to affect energy and supply chains.
The discussions are expected to focus on advancing defence cooperation under the US-India partnership framework, even as disruptions in crude oil, gas, and fertiliser flows begin to impact Asian economies.
Kuwait reports power outages after interception debris damage
In Kuwait, falling shrapnel from air defence interception operations has damaged seven overhead power transmission lines, causing partial outages in several areas.
Authorities said emergency teams are working to restore electricity, with technical teams set to assess damage once sites are secured. Officials urged residents to rely only on verified information amid the evolving situation.
Dimona hit again, IRGC warns of ‘swift retaliation’
The IRGC said Dimona, near Israel’s nuclear reactor complex, has been struck again in recent days, claiming earlier attacks caused heavy casualties in the area.
It added that many of its combat units and Basij forces have not yet been deployed, cautioning that any attempt to shift the course of the war would invite a “heavy blow” in “less than an instant.”
IRGC launches 78th wave, targets Israel and US bases
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it has carried out the 78th wave of its retaliatory campaign, “Operation True Promise 4”, targeting key Israeli locations and several US military bases in the region.
According to Press TV, the strikes included missile and drone attacks on sites in Dimona, Tel Aviv and Eilat, using Emad and multi-warhead Qadr systems. The IRGC described the latest phase as a “distinct record” in the timeline of the war and warned of further escalation.
US asks its citizens to leave Iraq ‘now’ after attacks by Iran-aligned militias
The US State Department has issued one of its bluntest warnings yet, saying Iran-aligned militias have carried out widespread attacks on US citizens and American-linked targets across Iraq, including the Kurdistan region. It has told US nationals not to travel to Iraq for any reason and to leave immediately if they are already there.
Washington said the embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil remain open in limited mode to assist Americans, but routine consular services are suspended.
Trump says Iran wants peace, claims there is a ‘very good chance’ of a deal
President Donald Trump said the US has had productive preliminary discussions with Iran over the past two days and claimed Tehran has agreed it will not possess a nuclear weapon. He said there is now “a very good chance” of reaching a deal that would also satisfy US allies in the region, including Israel.
In a notable move, Trump said he had ordered a temporary five-day pause on planned strikes against major Iranian energy and electricity targets to see whether a broader agreement could be reached. He framed it as Iran’s “one more opportunity” to end threats against the US and its allies.
Tehran rejects Trump’s negotiation claim, calls it market manipulation
Iranian Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf pushed back sharply on Trump’s assertion that talks are under way, saying no such negotiations had taken place. He accused the US President of making the claims to manipulate the oil and financial markets, which have been on edge since the conflict disrupted shipping and energy flows.
That denial leaves a familiar gap between public messaging from Washington and Tehran. For now, the diplomatic opening Trump is talking about looks more like a contested signal than a confirmed breakthrough.
Netanyahu says agreement may be possible, but strikes will continue
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had spoken with Trump and that the two believed it may be possible to turn battlefield gains into an agreement that protects Israel’s vital interests. But he made equally clear that Israel is not stepping back militarily in the meantime.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces are continuing to strike in both Iran and Lebanon, while also claiming further blows against Iran’s missile and nuclear infrastructure.
White House stays non-committal on reports of US-Iran meeting in Islamabad
With speculation swirling around a possible meeting in Pakistan involving senior US officials and Iranian representatives, the White House refused to treat any such report as settled. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said these were sensitive discussions and should not be treated as final unless formally announced.
UN Security Council discusses draft on Hormuz as Bahrain pushes stronger action
A new diplomatic front has opened at the UN, where the Security Council is reportedly discussing a Bahrain-backed draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz. The text would authorise states to use “all necessary means” to secure freedom of navigation and prevent interference with commercial shipping in and around the strait.
The proposal also seeks sanctions against those who undermine navigation rights.
Iran tightens shipping conditions in Hormuz, says ‘non-hostile’ vessels need coordination
Tehran has now formalised a harder position on shipping, with the Iranian Defence Council saying transit by “non-hostile vessels” through the Strait of Hormuz will depend on prior coordination with Iranian officials. It warned that any further strikes on Iranian power plants or energy infrastructure would trigger an immediate and destructive response.
The council also raised the prospect of mining major shipping routes if Iranian coasts or islands are attacked.
UAE says it intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 16 UAVs
The UAE said its air defence systems intercepted a fresh barrage launched from Iran, including seven ballistic missiles and 16 drones. It also gave a cumulative picture of the scale of fire it has faced since the conflict began, saying hundreds of missiles and more than 1,700 UAVs have been engaged so far.
The ministry said the attacks have killed two armed forces personnel and six civilians, while injuring 161 people.
Russia backs Iran diplomatically, warns about conflict spreading into the Caspian
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and condemned US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, including Bushehr. Moscow said such strikes create unacceptable risks not only for Russian personnel but for the wider region because of the possibility of catastrophic environmental consequences.
The two sides also expressed concern about the conflict expanding toward the Caspian region. Russia said it would continue to push for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a political settlement that takes Iran’s interests into account, including at the UN Security Council.
Zelenskyy says Russia is helping Iran with intelligence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there is growing evidence that Russia is providing intelligence support to Iran, helping it strike more accurately and prolong the war. He described that role as destabilising and said it was making fuel pressures worse for countries already struggling with the economic fallout of the conflict.
Markets rally as oil eases on talk of a temporary pause
After days of severe energy anxiety, financial markets showed cautious relief when Trump announced the five-day postponement of strikes on Iranian power plants and spoke of productive conversations. Brent crude fell sharply to just under USD 100 a barrel after touching much higher levels earlier, while US stocks posted one of their strongest days since the war began.
Former diplomat KP Fabian says pause should be welcomed, warns Hormuz capture would have been disastrous
Former diplomat KP Fabian said the US decision to step back, at least temporarily, should be welcomed because a move to militarily seize the Strait of Hormuz would have put the world in a far worse position, including India. He said the avoided scenario would have had serious global consequences.
Iran’s consul in Mumbai says Tehran wants diplomacy, blames aggressors for global crisis
Iran’s Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, said countries should pressure those who initiated the war to stop it and act in line with international law. He said Iran was acting in self-defence and insisted that the global economic crisis triggered by the conflict should be blamed on those who attacked Iran, not on Tehran itself.
On the Strait of Hormuz, he said Iran had not shut it for the wider world and had restricted access only for hostile countries and linked companies. He also said Iran remains open to negotiations, but only if the right conditions are met and the risk of repeat attacks is addressed.
US Democrats intensify pressure on Trump over costs, strategy and endgame
In Washington, senior Democrats have stepped up criticism of the administration’s handling of the war, saying the US is sliding deeper into a costly conflict without a clear strategy. Chuck Schumer, Peter Welch, and other lawmakers questioned the lack of clarity, the economic burden at home, and talk of a possible huge new war funding request.
Some Democrats said the original military goals may already have been met and warned strongly against any expansion, especially ground involvement. Their argument is simple: the longer the war drags on without a defined endgame, the higher the political and economic cost at home.
Rubio speaks with India, Canada and Kenya as US widens diplomatic outreach
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held calls with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, and Kenyan President William Ruto as Washington tried to line up support and coordination on Iran and regional stability. The call with Jaishankar focused on the Middle East situation, while the Canada and Kenya conversations were more explicitly tied to US action on Iran and Operation Epic Fury.
The outreach shows that while the battlefield remains active, the US is also working to shape the diplomatic environment around the war. India, in particular, remains central given its stakes in West Asia, shipping, and energy.