ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and called for a dialogue to achieve peace in the region, the Pakistani foreign office said, amid the United States-Iran war.
The development came as Pakistan, which has been a key mediator in the war, said it was awaiting a formal response from Iran on whether it would send a delegation for a second round of talks with the US in Islamabad.
Pakistani officials have been preparing for hosting the negotiations after President Donald Trump last week said his representatives will travel to Pakistan, with a two-week ceasefire between both sides nearing expiry on Wednesday.
During their telephonic conversation on Tuesday, FM Dar and his Saudi counterpart emphasized the importance of dialogue and engagement for lasting peace and stability, according to the Pakistani foreign office.
“Saudi FM reiterated the Kingdom’s support for Pakistan’s continued efforts in this regard,” the foreign office in Islamabad said. “The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.”
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have faced waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks since the US and Israel launched the war against Iran on Feb. 28.
Pakistan, which has reaffirmed its “unwavering” support for the Kingdom, has led a weeks-long diplomatic push to resolve the conflict that has rattled the region and disrupted global energy and cargo supplies.
“Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad Peace Talks is still awaited,” Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on X, adding that a decision was “critical” as just hours remained until the two-week ceasefire struck between the warring sides expires.
Both Washington and Tehran have hardened their rhetoric ahead of the deadline. Trump has warned that “lots of bombs” would “start going off” if no deal is reached, while Iran’s chief negotiator said Tehran had “new cards on the battlefield” that had not yet been revealed.
