Iranian official meets mediators in Pakistan as attacks rage

Key Points:

• Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni began meetings in Pakistan to revive the collapsed interim deal between Iran and the U.S., amid ongoing fighting and diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan.
• Despite 10 consecutive nights of U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites, Iran continued attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S.-allied countries, escalating regional tensions.
• The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas trade, has seen significantly reduced traffic due to the conflict, causing oil prices to rise and increasing economic pressure ahead of U.S. midterm elections.
• Pakistan's military and political leadership have played a key role in brokering the initial June agreement and are pushing for renewed negotiations, though it remains uncertain if Iran will offer terms acceptable to the U.S.
• The U.S. State Department warned of potential Iranian attacks on American interests worldwide, while Iranian forces targeted Gulf allies such as Jordan and Bahrain with missile and drone strikes, heightening regional instability.