Iran has rejected any suggestion that it is engaging in mediation efforts hosted by Pakistan, insisting it has not taken part in any such diplomatic initiative even as pressure mounts to end the escalating conflict in the region.In a statement posted by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai, Tehran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said there were “no direct talks” with the United States, accusing Washington of making “excessive, unreasonable demands via intermediaries”. The spokesperson added that Pakistan’s diplomatic forums were “their own” and made clear: “We didn’t participate.”The remarks come as Pakistan positions itself as a potential mediator in the widening conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. Islamabad had announced plans to host talks in the coming days, but there has been no formal confirmation from either Tehran or Washington. Iran’s response appears to cast doubt on the credibility of those efforts, even as regional calls for de-escalation grow louder.The diplomatic confusion has unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying military action. The United States and Israel have continued strikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran has expanded its retaliation across the region. Missiles and drones have targeted key infrastructure, including energy and water facilities in Gulf states, as well as sites in Israel.In northern Israel, a fire broke out at a major oil refinery in Haifa following a strike or falling debris, though it was quickly contained. Elsewhere, Iran struck a power and desalination plant in Kuwait, killing one worker and injuring several soldiers. Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have also reported intercepting incoming missiles.Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has signalled both openness to negotiations and the possibility of further escalation. He said talks with Iran were progressing “extremely well”, but warned that military options remained on the table, including the potential seizure of Iran’s strategic Kharg Island oil terminal.The conflict has already triggered sharp volatility in global energy markets, with oil prices surging amid fears over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.
