US Strikes Iranian Targets Amid Hormuz Strait Tensions and Pakistan's Mediation Concerns

Throughout the past week, US President Donald Trump repeatedly asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all vessels except Iranians. However, data from Friday reveals a sharp decline in ship traffic through the strait, reaching a three-week low, with nearly all vessels using the Iranian-approved route closer to Iran rather than the route near Oman, which Iran has threatened to attack. Only eight ships passed through the strait on Thursday, seven of which took the Iranian route, marking the fourth consecutive day of limited traffic focused on that path.

In a significant escalation overnight, the US launched attacks on six bridges along the Bandar Abbas-Lar corridor and near Bandar Khamir, reportedly killing eight and injuring 19 according to Iranian sources. The US Central Command released footage of the bombing of a maritime control tower at the Chabahar port, a key surveillance point used by Iran's Revolutionary Guards for decades to monitor and target commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman. The US stated the strike aimed to disrupt the Guards' ability to coordinate attacks on civilian crews and to protect freedom of navigation in the region, excluding ships violating the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran.

Conversely, Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for a recent attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, destroying a long-range radar system and damaging several US refueling aircraft. Meanwhile, the fragile US-Iran understanding, mediated by Pakistan, faces growing strain. Recent Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, backed by Iran, have angered Pakistan, which fears being drawn into the conflict due to its defense pact with Saudi Arabia and the deployment of Pakistani troops near the Yemeni border.

Pakistani officials have warned Iran that attacks on Saudi Arabia constitute attacks on Pakistan, marking a red line. Islamabad is concerned that escalating Houthi aggression could disrupt vital Red Sea shipping lanes and force Pakistan into military involvement. Additionally, internal Iranian divisions are deepening, with key political figures diverging from the Revolutionary Guards' positions. Pakistani analysts note that the Iranian military increasingly dominates decision-making, complicating diplomatic efforts. This tension delayed an Iranian delegation's visit to Islamabad, which eventually occurred with talks expected to address the US-Iran agreement and regional security issues.