Pakistan urges de-escalation in Middle East amid US-Iran strikes

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged restraint and de-escalation in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, as a fresh wave of attacks between the US and Iran heightened tensions in the Middle East. The conversation took place Sunday as the US launched new strikes on Iran, which retaliated with strikes on US assets and bases.

During the call, Dar emphasized the importance of adhering to the path of de-escalation and restraint, referencing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2026. This 14-point interim peace deal, aimed at ending the war, was signed by the US and Iran, with Pakistan acting as a mediator. Pakistan has been actively involved in peace efforts since late February when the US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran, triggering a war and a global fuel crisis.

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upon the parties to follow the path of de-escalation and show restraint, as agreed in the Islamabad MoU in June 2026

The situation escalated over the weekend, with Iran reportedly closing the Strait of Hormuz again and launching attacks on US facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for destroying a command center and drone hangars in Jordan, targeting a radar site in Kuwait, attacking US support platforms in Oman, and destroying a maintenance center in Qatar. The US military also conducted fresh strikes on Iran.

Despite the escalating conflict, Dar stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are the "only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region." The Foreign Office stated that both ministers agreed to remain in close contact, with Pakistan reiterating its readiness to play a constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.

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only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region