Pakistan sees signs of US ground offensive in Iran

Pakistan, acting as a key mediator between the United States and Iran, has observed indicators suggesting a potential limited ground offensive by the US into Iran. According to security sources in Islamabad, Pakistani intelligence assesses that President Donald Trump might disregard military warnings and proceed with a restricted operation to seize Iranian coastal areas. This assessment is reportedly based on military observations.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated on Monday that the country is not engaged in any negotiations with the United States. While acknowledging that mediators might convey messages from the American side regarding regional developments, Baghaei asserted that Iran has not requested new talks and dismissed such claims as "fabrications" spread by the opposing side.

Following 13 days of US airstrikes, American forces had observed a three-night pause in new attacks as of Friday. Iran, in turn, announced over the weekend that it had ceased its "retaliatory" strikes. Baghaei also clarified that the US is not involved in the ongoing discussions between Iran and Oman concerning the management of the Strait of Hormuz, describing these talks as a "bilateral matter" between the two states. The strait remains "closed."

Meanwhile, recent US attacks have reportedly inflicted substantial damage on southern Iran's water infrastructure. The Fars news agency, citing a provincial official, reported that 18 facilities, including seawater desalination plants in Hormuzgan province, were damaged, with ten completely destroyed by the airstrikes.