Iran’s top diplomat met mediators in Pakistan but left Islamabad ahead of the expected arrival of US envoys as prospects for direct negotiations to end the eight-week war remain slim.

Pakistan is gearing up to host a possible second round of US–Iran talks, even as uncertainty loomed over whether or not they would take place.

Pakistan’s foreign minister said Islamabad was ready to facilitate peace talks between the US and Iran in the coming days as the war in the Middle East intensified into its fifth week.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have decided to temporarily halt their clashes on the Muslim festivity of Eid, after deadly airstrikes in Kabul this week sparked global alarm and calls for a ceasefire.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government said at least 400 people were killed by Pakistani airstrikes on a drug treatment hospital in Kabul, marking a dramatic escalation in the conflict between the neighbors.