Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have jointly called for the resumption of US-Iran negotiations and renewed mediation efforts following fresh US-Iran attacks in the Gulf that threaten a Pakistan-brokered roadmap aimed at securing a lasting agreement between Washington and Tehran. The appeal came during a telephone conversation between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday, days after the United States launched fresh airstrikes on Iran and Tehran retaliated by targeting US interests across the Middle East.
Deep Concern Over Escalation
The two leaders expressed deep concern over the escalation in the region despite the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran last month. The latest escalation has put the Islamabad MoU, signed to guide the US and Iran toward a final agreement within 60 days, under renewed strain. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry stated that Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from Ishaq Dar, during which they discussed the latest developments in light of the regional escalation.
Support for Mediation and Dialogue
According to the Saudi foreign ministry statement, “They also underscored the importance of supporting mediation efforts, resuming US-Iran talks, containing tensions, and exerting all necessary efforts to reach comprehensive and peaceful solutions that promote regional and international security and stability.” Pakistan’s foreign ministry added that Dar and Prince Faisal agreed that the renewed conflict serves no one’s interest and undermines efforts toward regional peace and stability.
Call for Restraint
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and allow mediation efforts the necessary time and space to achieve a peaceful and meaningful outcome. The Saudi Foreign Minister shared the Kingdom’s perspective on ongoing diplomatic efforts and emphasized the importance of de-escalation and continued dialogue. The two leaders also agreed to remain in close contact.
