US President Donald Trump has claimed there is progress in indirect talks with Iran, reportedly being facilitated through Pakistan, even as he floated a controversial plan to seize Iran’s most critical oil export hub, Kharg Island.
Pakistan emerges as key mediator
According to multiple international reports, Pakistan has stepped forward as a potential venue for dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Officials in Islamabad have expressed readiness to host talks aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict.
Trump confirmed that both direct and indirect contacts are underway, describing Iran’s current leadership as “very reasonable” and suggesting there is room for a negotiated outcome despite ongoing hostilities.
However, Iran has publicly downplayed or denied meaningful progress, even as backchannel diplomacy continues.
Contradictions between diplomacy and military buildup
While diplomatic efforts are being explored, the situation on the ground remains tense. The United States has deployed additional troops to the Middle East, and the Pentagon is reportedly preparing for possible limited ground operations.
Iran, on the other hand, has warned that any US ground incursion would trigger a strong military response, accusing Washington of pursuing war while simultaneously calling for talks.
The conflict, now stretching into weeks, has already disrupted global oil markets and intensified instability across key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump raises possibility of seizing Kharg Island
In a dramatic escalation, Trump suggested that US forces could take control of Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf.
He reportedly said his “preference would be to take the oil,” adding that seizing the island could be done “easily,” although he stopped short of confirming any final decision.
Kharg Island is a critical economic lifeline for Iran, handling around 90 percent of the country’s crude exports, making it a strategic target in any effort to pressure Tehran.
Analysts warn that any attempt to seize or attack the island would mark a major escalation and could send global oil prices soaring, potentially destabilizing already fragile markets.
A high-risk path ahead
Trump’s dual approach, pursuing negotiations while openly discussing aggressive military options, has created uncertainty about US strategy.
On one hand, Pakistan-backed talks offer a possible diplomatic exit. On the other, threats to capture Iran’s oil infrastructure signal that Washington is prepared to escalate if talks fail.
With regional tensions widening and global economic risks mounting, the coming days could prove critical in determining whether diplomacy prevails or the conflict deepens further.
