ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and once again reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states, urging restraint after Tehran launched fresh attacks against Gulf nations in response to a third round of airstrikes by the United States (US) on Iranian targets.
Iran launched fresh missile and drone attacks against Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE on Sunday, widening its military campaign across the Gulf.
The attack came hours after the US Central Command said it had launched the third wave of strikes after it said a Cyprus-flagged container ship, transiting the Strait of Hormuz, was attacked by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces.
Pakistan, which helped broker an interim peace deal between the US and Iran last month, has urged Washington and Tehran to uphold their commitments under the framework as renewed tensions have raised concerns that the region could tip back into a war that would engulf several countries and could halt energy shipments through the strait that are crucial for the global economy.
“Pakistan is following with deep concern the recent incidents that are further escalating the regional tensions,” the foreign office in Islamabad said in a statement.
“Pakistan reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries in the region, and urges all sides to exercise restraint, take immediate steps toward de-escalation, and uphold respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).”
The interim peace deal, known as the Islamabad MoU, included a 60-day ceasefire, the reopening of the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, a timetable for a final deal on the war and Iran’s nuclear program, immediately allowing Tehran to sell its oil freely in a major concession from Washington.
But Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until further notice” and warned it could target additional US military facilities in the region if further attacks were launched against it.
The US has rejected Iran’s claim to exclusive control over the strait, demanding that Tehran publicly guarantee freedom of navigation and halt attacks on commercial shipping before broader negotiations can advance.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas under normal conditions, making it one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints. Iran’s restrictions on shipping during the conflict earlier this year triggered a global energy shock before oil prices retreated from wartime highs.
Islamabad on Monday once again offered its support to diplomatically resolve the crisis.
“Pakistan remains committed to providing all support toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy,” the foreign office said.
