Pakistan has offered to host “meaningful talks” between the United States and Iran in an effort to end the ongoing conflict, even as fears grow over a potential US ground assault.

Speaking after a high-level meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the country is ready to facilitate dialogue aimed at reaching a “comprehensive and lasting settlement.” However, it remains unclear whether Washington and Tehran have agreed to participate.

Top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt attended the talks, where discussions focused on de-escalation efforts, including proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil shipping route currently affected by the conflict. Food and energy security, as well as supply chain disruptions, were also key issues on the agenda.

Tensions have intensified as Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused the United States of pursuing negotiations while simultaneously preparing for military escalation. He warned that Iran is ready to respond forcefully if US troops are deployed on its soil.

Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military presence in the region, deploying thousands of marines. Reports indicate the Pentagon is considering options that could include ground operations in Iran, although no final decision has been announced.

As the conflict enters its second month, Israel has continued extensive airstrikes across Iran, while Tehran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and other regional locations. The violence has already caused thousands of casualties and significant damage to infrastructure across multiple countries.

Analysts warn that the situation presents difficult choices for US leadership, balancing the risks of military escalation against the challenges of securing a negotiated settlement.