ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and honour their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as fresh hostilities between the United States and Iran fuel regional instability.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Pakistan is closely monitoring recent developments, saying the latest incidents have further heightened tensions across the region. Reaffirming its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries, the Foreign Office urged every side to take immediate practical measures to reduce tensions and fulfil their commitments under the Islamabad MoU.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to extending every possible support towards achieving lasting peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy, while continuing to advocate restraint at a time of growing uncertainty across the Middle East.
Pakistan calls for Iran-US de-escalation as Ishaq Dar holds talks with Iranian FM
As part of Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the evolving regional security situation following the latest US strikes on Iran.
During the call, the two leaders exchanged views on recent developments and the deteriorating security environment. Dar called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and pursue de-escalation in accordance with the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding agreed in June 2026.
He emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means of resolving disputes and ensuring lasting peace and stability. The foreign minister also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting regional peace. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact as the situation continues to develop.
Separately, the Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that Ishaq Dar also met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki on Sunday to review the evolving regional situation and discuss efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability.
During the meeting, Dar stressed the importance of strengthening diplomatic engagement and promoting dialogue to ease regional tensions. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
US-Iran tensions
The diplomatic activity came as military operations continued to intensify in the region.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that nearly 140 military targets were struck during the third phase of operations against Iran. According to the US military, the latest strikes were launched in response to another attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the operation involved fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels, adding that more than 300 targets across Iran had been struck during three operations carried out this week. The command said the campaign was intended to reduce Iran's capability to target commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran maintained its firm stance on maritime traffic through the strategically vital waterway. According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the end of US intervention. The IRGC said action had been taken against a vessel attempting to use an unauthorised route and warned that no vessel would be permitted to pass through the strait under the current circumstances. It also cautioned that any hostile action would receive a strong response.