Pakistan, July 26 -- The conflict involving Iran expanded into new regions over the weekend, raising fresh fears about wider instability across the Middle East. While the Persian Gulf remained relatively calm, fighting spread toward the Red Sea and the Caspian Sea, showing that the war could threaten additional trade routes and regional security. Meanwhile, the United States paused its recent military strikes, creating a temporary break in direct escalation despite maintaining its naval blockade against Iran.

The U.S. military confirmed that its naval blockade against Iran remains fully active, although it stopped conducting airstrikes after nearly two weeks of continuous operations. At the same time, officials said President Donald Trum...