Pezeshkian Accuses U.S. of Undermining Diplomacy as Regional Conflict Escalates

The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has reached its 35th day with intensified rhetoric and continued military exchanges. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the U.S. of undermining diplomatic efforts following an assassination attempt that claimed the life of a senior Iranian official's wife. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that airstrikes have successfully dismantled 70% of Iran's steel production capability, a move intended to drain the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of funding and manufacturing resources. On the diplomatic front, China and Pakistan have introduced a five-point plan focused on a ceasefire and adherence to international law. However, the Trump administration has remained agnostic toward the proposal, with officials calling the framework vague. At the United Nations, a Bahrain-led proposal for defensive maritime actions in the Strait of Hormuz was delayed to avoid a potential veto. President Trump has signaled a commitment to military operations, requesting a $1.5 trillion defense budget and stating the U.S. could soon ensure the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened. The humanitarian and legal implications of the campaign are under increasing scrutiny. More than 100 international law experts have signed a letter warning that U.S. and Israeli actions may violate international law due to a perceived lack of "imminent threat" required for self-defense claims. On the ground, rescue operations are ongoing for a missing U.S. flight navigator following a crash over Iran, while shrapnel from a downed Iranian drone caused injuries and property damage in Bahrain.