Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan is actively working to persuade Iran not to target Saudi Arabia amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Wednesday.
The comments came as the region faces intensified attacks by the United States and Israel across Iranian territory.
Speaking on Geo News’ program Geo Pakistan, Sanaullah said the military leadership, during Wednesday’s in-camera briefing, informed ongoing contacts with Iran to resolve misunderstandings and prevent Gulf countries from being drawn into the conflict.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, brought together leaders and representatives from parliamentary parties to discuss the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation, the Middle East conflict, and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
Sanaullah noted that participants acknowledged Iran’s right to respond to Israeli actions, but emphasized that Tehran’s retaliation should not extend to Gulf nations. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also updated the meeting on discussions with various countries, particularly Gulf states, aimed at easing regional tensions.
Read More: Iran Claims ‘Full Control’ of Strait of Hormuz as Missile Strikes Escalate Across Region
Citing Dar, Sanaullah said Iran had indicated it would refrain from attacking Saudi Arabia if Riyadh ensured that its territory would not be used for strikes against Tehran. Pakistan’s exchanges with Iran and other nations, he added, have been “quite positive,” with Islamabad facilitating communication between the two sides.
Sanaullah highlighted Pakistan’s history of playing a mediating role in past negotiations involving Iran. He stressed that the current diplomatic push seeks to bring the ongoing conflict to an end, warning that assumptions by the US that Iran would unilaterally back down after initial strikes have not materialized, and the war could be prolonged.
Read More: Dar Raises Concern Over ‘Sudden’ US‑Israel Attacks on Iran
Since the US-Israel assault on Iran began on February 28, over 1,000 people have reportedly died across the country. According to Iran’s IRNA news agency, citing the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, “1,045 of our dear military personnel and civilians” have been killed during the ongoing attacks.
