U.S.-Iran Crisis: Iran Restricts Airspace while Pakistan Reaffirms Mediating Role

The U.S.-Iran conflict entered a dual-track phase of active military planning and high-level diplomacy over the last 24 hours. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has implemented strict flight restrictions over western Iran, a move seen as a defensive measure against potential U.S. air actions. While Iranian state media projects optimism regarding a potential draft agreement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tempered expectations, noting only "slight progress" and confirming that the Trump administration is still waiting for a formal response to its latest terms. Diplomatic efforts have centered on Pakistan, which Tehran officially reaffirmed as its primary mediator despite recent involvement from Qatar. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, arrived in Tehran on May 22 to bridge the gap between Washington and Iranian officials. The negotiations remain stalled on two critical issues: Iranian nuclear enrichment levels and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, where the U.S. has rejected any Iranian-led "tolling system" for maritime traffic. Domestically, the Trump administration continues to develop contingency plans for military strikes. Sources indicate that while strike planning is active, President Trump has not yet issued a final order to proceed. The parallel movement of military preparations and diplomatic back-channels underscores the volatility of the current standoff as both sides weigh the risks of further escalation against the possibility of a negotiated settlement.