Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Saturday urged the United States and Iran to resume peace talks following recent clashes between the two sides. The call came during a phone conversation between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.
Joint Appeal for Dialogue
The ministers discussed “the latest regional developments in light of the escalation in the region,” according to Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry. “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.”
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
Earlier on Saturday, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump discussed US-Iran talks as efforts to resume negotiations continued. Prince Faisal also held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The US launched a new wave of airstrikes on Iran on Wednesday in response to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by attacking Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Pakistan’s Mediation Role
Pakistan, a key mediator in previous talks which led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding last month, has appealed for restraint. On Friday, Egypt and Qatar also urged both sides to resume dialogue.
