ISLAMABAD: Islamabad is hopeful it can help bring an end to the war between the United States (US) and Iran, the Pakistani foreign minister said on Tuesday, urging cooperation from both sides.
The statement came a day after an exchange of fire between the US and Iran as US forces attempted to force open the Strait of Hormuz, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying Tuesday the operation was temporary and a ceasefire reached on April 8 was still holding.
The US military said it had destroyed six Iranian small boats as well as cruise missiles and drones, after President Donald Trump sent the navy to escort stranded tankers through the strait. Iran fired missiles at US ships and attacked the United Arab Emirates with missiles and drones.
Pakistan, which has spearheaded weeks-long diplomatic efforts to end the crisis and last month hosted both sides for rare, direct talks between them, on Tuesday condemned the latest missile and drone attacks and called on all sides to abide by the ceasefire.
“Pakistan has made efforts to reduce tensions and create space for meaningful engagement among key stakeholders... the entire consultative process is aimed at getting this conflict over as soon as it can be done,” Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in televised comments on Tuesday.
“So obviously it takes two to tango. We are doing our best and we are very hopeful that God willing, Pakistan will succeed with the efforts.”
Islamabad has been trying to convince both sides as an “honest facilitator and mediator” to negotiate and reach a peaceful settlement, according to Dar.
“This is the need for the region. This is the need for the globe. This is the need for the economy of the world,” the foreign minister said.
“Whatever has happened so far it has already dented your global GDP to a great degree.”
US Defense Secretary Hegseth earlier said the US was not looking for a fight but “we’re going to be watching very, very closely.”
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said breaches of the ceasefire by the US and its allies had endangered shipping through the strait, which carries a large share of the world’s oil and fertilizer supplies.
“We know well that the continuation of the current situation is unbearable for the United States, while we have not even begun yet,” he said in a social media post.
The narrow strait has been virtually shut since the US and Israel began attacks on Iran on February 28, triggering disruptions that have pushed up commodity prices around the world.
In his televised comments, Dar said Islamabad was discreetly trying to help end the crisis in a “dignified manner” for all parties.
“I regret that I cannot divulge the details because facilitator and mediator is expected to be very discreet,” he said.
“Pakistan is sincerely doing this business, you know, and attempts, for the purpose of regional and global security which must be worked for by everyone.”
