Pakistan on Sunday expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states, urging restraint after Iran launched fresh missile and drone attacks against Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. The attacks widened Iran's military campaign across the Gulf and came hours after the US Central Command launched a third wave of airstrikes on Iranian targets, following an attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Pakistan Urges De-escalation
In a statement, the Pakistani Foreign Office said: “Pakistan is following with deep concern the recent incidents that are further escalating the regional tensions. Pakistan reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries in the region, and urges all sides to exercise restraint, take immediate steps toward de-escalation, and uphold respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).”
Pakistan helped broker the interim peace deal, known as the Islamabad MoU, last month. The agreement included a 60-day ceasefire, the reopening of the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, a timetable for a final deal on the war and Iran’s nuclear program, and a major US concession allowing Iran to sell its oil freely.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical
However, Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until further notice” and warned it could target additional US military facilities if further attacks were launched. The US has rejected Iran’s claim to exclusive control over the strait, demanding a public guarantee of freedom of navigation and a halt to attacks on commercial shipping before broader negotiations can advance.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas under normal conditions, making it one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints. Restrictions on shipping earlier this year triggered a global energy shock before oil prices retreated from wartime highs.
Islamabad on Monday again offered its support to diplomatically resolve the crisis. “Pakistan remains committed to providing all support toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy,” the Foreign Office said.
