Pakistan Mediates US-Iran Talks Amid Regional War

0:00I'm Cory with the story. That's your Europe News Today update, AI-powered and always on. Pakistan steps up as a neutral ground, announcing it'll host talks between the United States and Iran any day now. This comes amid a brutal month-long war that's already claimed over 3,000 lives across the region. Casualties include nearly 2,000 in Iran, more than 1,211 on, and dozens elsewhere from strikes and clashes. Foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia gathered in Islamabad to back Pakistan's mediation push. They endorsed the peace efforts after weeks of behind-the-scenes work, with another meeting set for Monday to push for an end to the fighting. Pakistan's got solid ties to both Washington and Tehran, making it a key player. Folks on the ground are terrified, like a 71-year-old Iraqi describing non-stop air strikes and families fleeing across borders. The conflict's hitting hard oil, gas, and fertilizer supplies are shaky, air travels messed up, and shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz and Babe.

1:03El Mandeb are under threat from Iran and its allies. Iran's brushing off the talks as a distraction, with its leaders vowing to hit back hard against U.S. troops and warning about targeting universities. After Israel struck Iranian ones linked to nuclear work. Israel plans to expand its operations in 7-11-on against Hezbollah, while both sides trade threats over civilian sites. Tensions stay sky high, with nuclear fears fueling the fire, but these diplomatic moves offer a slim shot at de-escalation before things spiral. Further,