PM Shehbaz urges de-escalation and dialogue on Middle East crisis in talks with Syria, Oman leaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday urged de-escalation and dialogue to preserve peace amid the Middle East crisis during telephone talks with the leaders of Syria and Oman.

On Saturday morning, the US and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran that pushed the Middle East into renewed military confrontation as its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in the strikes. In response, Iran targeted Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.

In a post on X, the prime minister said he spoke with Syria's President Al-Sharaa to discuss what the premier called a "dangerous regional escalation" following the recent developments in the Middle East.

PM Shehbaz said he emphasised the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation and dialogue to maintain peace and stability.

“Pakistan remains committed to working with brotherly countries to promote peace and strengthen our longstanding ties,” he said.

The premier also held a telephone conversation with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

“The two leaders discussed the prevailing regional situation that aggravated following Israel's attack on Iran and subsequent hostilities that endangered the peace and security of the entire region,” said a statement from the PM Office.

Read More: Shehbaz calls Khamenei's assassination a 'violation of international law'

PM Shehbaz said the escalation came at a time when diplomatic efforts were underway to reduce US-Iran tensions, facilitated by Oman.

He said the attacks had not only derailed a delicate diplomatic process but also undermined efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in the region.

While conveying his deep appreciation for Oman’s mediatory role, PM Shehbaz commended Muscat’s efforts to facilitate dialogue and build trust among regional and international stakeholders.

He said Oman’s balanced diplomacy had acted as a stabilising force in the region, the PMO added.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring calm and ensuring lasting regional stability.

The prime minister reiterated similar sentiments in a later call with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah.

"I conveyed my heartfelt condolences over the loss of precious lives as a result of the attacks on Kuwait during the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. I reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity with the brotherly people of Kuwait during this difficult time.

"We agreed on the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation and a return to diplomacy amid heightened tensions aggravated by Israel's attack on Iran and Iran's retaliatory strikes against various brotherly Gulf nations, including Kuwait."