Dar Warns Spoilers Could Derail US-Iran Peace Push
Pakistan has urged the international community to protect the renewed diplomatic process between Iran and the United States from actors seeking to provoke further regional instability. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued the warning on Friday while addressing foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Dar said governments should use the opening created by the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to move toward a permanent settlement of the conflict. His remarks came as renewed attacks in the Red Sea raised fears that escalating maritime tensions could undermine negotiations and draw additional countries into the confrontation.
Yemen’s Houthi movement recently attacked commercial shipping and announced measures targeting Saudi maritime interests as hostilities involving Iran and the United States intensified. Pakistan has condemned attempts to threaten Saudi Arabia and has reiterated its support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
Addressing the SCO gathering, Dar cautioned that forces opposed to regional stability could exploit every new crisis to reverse diplomatic progress. He called for continued technical negotiations between Tehran and Washington and said the international community should remain focused on securing a peaceful, durable and mutually acceptable outcome.
Pakistan played a facilitating role in contacts between senior American and Iranian officials that led to the interim Islamabad agreement. The arrangement established a temporary ceasefire, provided for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and outlined a timetable for further negotiations on the wider conflict and Iran’s nuclear programme.
The latest violence has complicated that process. Attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea and threats surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have increased risks for energy supplies, maritime insurance and international trade, while creating pressure on governments dependent on secure Gulf shipping corridors.
Islamabad has also raised the Houthi-related escalation directly with Iranian officials. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistani authorities discussed the matter with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni during his recent visit, reflecting Pakistan’s effort to keep diplomatic channels open while defending Saudi security interests.
The crisis has major implications for Pakistan, which maintains close relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran and has economic exposure to disruptions in regional energy markets. Higher shipping and oil costs could increase import expenses, intensify inflationary pressure and complicate efforts to stabilise the national economy.
Dar told the SCO meeting that dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect remained the only sustainable route to lasting peace. Pakistan is expected to continue consultations with regional partners as attention shifts to whether the ceasefire framework can survive the latest escalation and develop into a comprehensive agreement.