ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is actively engaging Iran in diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in the Middle East and discouraging attacks on Gulf states, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Wednesday.
Speaking on Geo News programme Geo Pakistan, Sanaullah said the country’s military leadership informed participants during an in-camera briefing that it remained in constant contact with Tehran to address misunderstandings and ensure that Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, are not targeted amid the ongoing conflict.
The closed-door meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was convened to brief parliamentary leaders and representatives of political parties on the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation, developments in the Middle East and Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives.
Sanaullah said participants of the meeting expressed support for Iran’s right to respond to Israeli actions but agreed that any retaliation should not be directed at Gulf nations.
He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed the forum on his discussions with several countries, particularly Gulf states, aimed at easing regional tensions.
According to Sanaullah, Dar conveyed that Iran had indicated it would refrain from attacking Saudi Arabia if Riyadh ensured its territory would not be used for operations against Tehran.
Sanaullah described Pakistan’s diplomatic exchanges with Iran and other regional actors as “quite positive,” noting that Islamabad was facilitating communication between Tehran and Riyadh. He also highlighted Pakistan’s previous role in supporting dialogue efforts concerning Iran.
Describing the broader situation, the adviser said a war had been imposed on Iran following joint US and Israeli strikes, and Pakistan’s efforts were focused on achieving a negotiated settlement to end the conflict.
He cautioned that the United States may have anticipated that Iran would retreat after an initial large-scale strike and accept imposed conditions, but warned that the conflict could become prolonged.
Meanwhile, Iran’s official news agency Islamic Republic News Agency reported that more than 1,000 people have been killed across the country since the start of the US-Israel assault on February 28. Citing a statement from Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, the agency said 1,045 military personnel and civilians had lost their lives during the hostilities.
Tensions in the region remain high as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation.