Pakistan calls for restraint as Dar discusses Middle East tensions with Oman FM

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday held a telephone conversation with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi to discuss the regional situation and urged restraint and immediate de-escalation in the Middle East.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes last month assassinated Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliation from Tehran and widening the conflict across the region. In response to the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation.

Pakistan's leadership has since ramped up its diplomatic efforts to play its part in managing the tensions, particularly between Iran and the Gulf states.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on X, the two leaders exchanged views on the serious regional developments and the broader security implications for the Middle East and surrounding areas.

“Dar appreciated Oman’s constructive and principled role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation,” MOFA said.

He also expressed solidarity with Oman following recent attacks on the country and reaffirmed Pakistan’s position calling for restraint and a diplomatic approach to resolve the crisis.

The statement added that the deputy prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s support for international and regional initiatives aimed at easing tensions.

Read More: Pakistan making full diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in Middle East

The killing of Khamenei has opened a new chapter of escalation and instability in the Middle East. To reduce tensions. Last week, FM Dar, in a briefing to ambassadors from several countries, said that Pakistan was closely monitoring the regional situation and working to reduce tensions through diplomatic efforts.

He added that Pakistan was closely monitoring developments in Iran, with all efforts focused on easing tensions, calling the situation “extremely delicate”.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also said that Pakistan was acting as a mediator between Saudi Arabia and Iran to defuse tensions.