Saudi, Pakistani top diplomats discuss de-escalation, emphasize dialogue on Mideast situation

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan discussed the regional situation, emphasizing “the urgent need” for de-escalation and dialogue in the Middle East, Anadolu reports.

They also discussed the Pakistan-China five-point initiative for peace in the Persian Gulf and Middle East during a phone call, according to a statement from Islamabad’s Foreign Ministry posted on US social media company X.

On Tuesday, Beijing and Islamabad proposed a five-point peace plan for the Middle East, including an immediate cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, the security of non-military targets, the security of shipping lanes, and the primacy of the UN Charter.

The two leaders also “reaffirmed the strong, fraternal” Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and agreed to maintain contact.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.​​​​​​​

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

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