International Desk, (EFE).- The Islamic Republic appointed on Tuesday Mohamad Baqer Zolqadr, an ultraconservative hardliner to lead its national security as hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough faded. The shift comes despite a new mediation push by Pakistan and a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon.
Security shake-up and diplomatic deadlock
Tehran appointed Zolqadr, a former Revolutionary Guard commander from the regime’s most radical faction, as the new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Zolqadr replaces Ali Larijani, who was assassinated by Israel on Mar. 17. This appointment places a staunch “hawk” at the helm of Iran’s defense and nuclear policy at a critical juncture.
The move appeared to be a direct response to cooling prospects for peace. While United States President Donald Trump claimed that talks were yielding important “points of agreement,” Tehran’s embassy in Pakistan dismissed the overtures as a deception. This disconnect caused global stock markets to slide as investors braced for a prolonged conflict.
The Pakistan mediation effort
In an attempt to prevent further escalation, Pakistan confirmed it is leading a joint mediation initiative alongside Turkey and Egypt. Islamabad has offered to host formal negotiations, attempting to leverage its military ties with Tehran and its diplomatic relationship with the Trump administration.
“Pakistan is leading mediation efforts… aiming to negotiate an end to the war between the US and Israel against Iran,” a senior government official told EFE.
However, Iran’s rejection of any dialogue with Washington has effectively chilled this latest attempt at a ceasefire.
Escalation in Lebanon
The conflict continues to intensify on the Lebanese front, where the death toll from Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah reached 1,072 on Tuesday. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that military engineers have detonated five strategic bridges over the Litani River, asserting that the Israeli army will control the security zone up to the river’s edge.
Adding to the instability, the Lebanese government officially expelled the Iranian ambassador Mohammad Reza Shibani for alleged interference in domestic affairs. While the move was applauded by Israel, Hezbollah warned that the expulsion creates internal divisions at an extremely critical moment for national unity.
Global energy crisis deepens
The economic and energy consequences of the Middle East war continue to be felt across the world.
The Government of Qatar declared a “force majeure” clause in the contracts of the state oil company QatarEnergy and several countries (China, South Korea, Italy, and Belgium) due to the Iranian attack on the Ras Laffan plant, which will affect its long-term export capacity.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., declared a national state of energy emergency on Tuesday amid supply shortages as a consequence of the war against Iran, which especially affects Asian nations dependent on shipments from the Strait of Hormuz. EFE
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