Pakistan Steps Up Diplomacy to Protect Iran-US Ceasefire
Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to protect a fragile Middle East ceasefire after renewed exchanges between Iran and the United States raised fears that a recent understanding could collapse. The latest push was led from Islamabad by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who contacted several regional and international counterparts as the situation worsened.
The diplomatic activity followed fresh military exchanges involving Washington and Tehran, which have put renewed pressure on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator seeking to prevent escalation and keep open the political space created by the ceasefire framework.
Dar held discussions with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran, while also speaking with the United Kingdom’s foreign secretary and the European Union’s top foreign policy official. The conversations focused on preserving the ceasefire, preventing further military action and encouraging all sides to keep communication channels open.
In his contacts, Dar conveyed Pakistan’s concern that the latest hostilities could undo progress made under the Islamabad MoU. Officials said Pakistan remained committed to working with all stakeholders to stop the crisis from widening into a broader regional conflict that could destabilize energy routes, trade flows and diplomatic relations across the Gulf.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan emphasized the need for all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reportedly appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating the understanding but expressed concern over violations and stressed that diplomacy must continue despite the tensions.
Dar also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, with both sides discussing the evolving regional situation. The Pakistani side also conveyed condolences over a helicopter crash in Saudi Arabia that claimed 14 lives, while the Saudi foreign minister indicated an intention to visit Pakistan at an early mutually convenient date.
Bahrain’s foreign minister congratulated Pakistan on the signing of the Islamabad MoU and praised Islamabad’s constructive role. He also expressed hope that the understanding would contribute to long-term peace and stability, while indicating that he would visit Pakistan to acknowledge the efforts of the Pakistani leadership.
The crisis has wider significance for Pakistan because instability in the Gulf directly affects the country’s economy, energy security and overseas workforce. Any disruption around key maritime routes, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, could influence oil prices, shipping costs and remittance-linked confidence.
Pakistan has previously tried to maintain balanced relations with major Gulf partners while keeping diplomatic engagement open with Iran. The latest contacts show Islamabad attempting to convert the ceasefire from a temporary pause into a workable regional framework, even as mistrust between Washington and Tehran remains high.
Officials are expected to continue back-channel coordination with regional capitals in the coming days. The immediate test will be whether Pakistan and its partners can prevent further retaliation, sustain the Islamabad MoU and create enough diplomatic momentum for a broader political settlement.