ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has discussed the Middle East situation with his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia, the Pakistani foreign ministry said on Saturday, adding the top officials called for peace and stability in the region.
The development came as Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected a demand by the United States for an unconditional surrender and apologized for Iran’s attacks on regional countries, as Israel and the United States kept up their airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic.
Gulf countries said they had intercepted more ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran. Flights in and out of Dubai International Airport were interrupted after passengers were ushered down into train tunnels as several blasts were heard and the alert sounded.
The crisis began after the US and Israel began pounding Iran on Feb. 8, following weeks of failed talks over Tehran’s nuclear program. The US-Israeli attacks killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, pushing the region toward further volatility.
“Dar spoke with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and underscored the importance of peace and stability,” the Pakistani foreign office said.
“FM expressed concern over the recent attacks in the region, including those on the UAE, and conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the UAE and its people.”
Separately, Dar exchanged views with his Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hajji Hasan on the regional developments.
“They agreed to remain in close contact on evolving developments,” the Pakistani foreign office said.
