Iran’s ‘Set On Fire’ Warning To US Troops As Mediators Gather In Pakistan To End West Asia War

Last Updated:March 29, 2026, 23:41 IST

Pakistan is playing a pivotal role in acting as a go-between between Iran and the United States.

The Iran-US-Israel war, which began on February 28, has now entered its second month, showing no signs of easing as the conflict continues to escalate across the region.

The war has also involved several regional powers, intensifying existing tensions, with countries like Lebanon and Israel emerging as central battlegrounds. Here are some key developments from today:

Pakistan Hosts Diplomatic Talks To Ease Tensions

On Sunday, foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey held a meeting in Islamabad, discussing efforts to de-escalate the ongoing war. Pakistan is playing a pivotal role in acting as a go-between between Iran and the United States.

Islamabad noted the four-way talks was focused on addressing the evolving regional situation and exploring avenues for peace, with officials working to bring all parties to the negotiating table.

Iran Warns US Against Ground Assault

While diplomatic efforts continue, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of “secretly" planning a ground attack despite publicly advocating for a peaceful resolution.

Iran’s military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari also issued a stark warning to US President Donald Trump against any “ground operations and occupation of some islands" in the Persian Gulf, saying American forces would “become good food for the sharks of the Persian Gulf" if they attempted an occupation.

Israeli Strikes Hit Qatari TV Office

In an escalating wave of strikes, an Israeli missile hit the building housing the Al Araby TV office in Tehran. The attack caused significant damage and resulted in injuries to at least 10 people.

The Qatari news channel condemned the strike, calling it an attack on a civilian facility. The channel in a statement said that it “condemns this attack on a civilian commercial building and affirms that endangering journalists or considering them targets runs counter to international law".

US-Israeli Attacks On Iran’s Strategic Port

US-Israeli airstrikes have also targeted the Iranian port city of Bandar Khamir, located near the Strait of Hormuz, killing five people.

“The American-Zionist enemy carried out a criminal attack at the quay of Bandar Khamir, killing five people and injuring four others," the official IRNA news agency reported.

Lebanon’s Rising Casualties

As the war spreads, Lebanon continues to bear the brunt of the conflict. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that 1,238 people have been killed since March 2, including 124 children. More than 3,500 people have been injured, with the toll climbing daily.

In addition, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the expansion of a security zone in Lebanon, which will likely increase the strain on the country’s resources.

Israel Blocks Latin Patriarch’s Access To Holy Sepulchre

Israeli police blocked the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass.

The unprecedented move was justified by Israeli officials as a safety measure, though the Vatican and several other international bodies, including Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, condemned the action as an attack on religious freedom. .

Iran’s Ambassador Refuses To Leave Lebanon

In another development, Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, has refused to leave the country, despite being declared persona non grata by Lebanese authorities.

While the Lebanese government has demanded his departure, Iran has stood firm, with Hezbollah and Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri expressing support for Sheibani.

Hezbollah has denounced the decision while Berri’s Amal party joined Hezbollah ministers in boycotting a cabinet session this week in protest at the order to expel Mohammad Reza Sheibani.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world Iran’s ‘Set On Fire’ Warning To US Troops As Mediators Gather In Pakistan To End West Asia War

Read More