On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in a crucial phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the Middle East grappled with escalating tensions triggered by recent military actions. The dialogue took place against the backdrop of heightened instability following an Israeli and US offensive targeting Iran, which has since sparked a series of retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region.
During the call, the Prime Minister strongly condemned the severe regional escalation that originated with the Israeli strike on Iranian territory. He also expressed deep concern over subsequent attacks that affected several Gulf nations, describing these developments as deeply regrettable and dangerous for regional peace. Emphasizing the longstanding bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Shehbaz Sharif assured the Crown Prince that Pakistan stands firmly in support of its Saudi allies during these challenging times.
Highlighting the depth of Pakistan’s commitment, the Prime Minister reiterated that the country would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia “at all times and under all circumstances.” He further conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute constructively towards calming the volatile situation, underscoring the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. In a hopeful note, Shehbaz Sharif invoked the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, expressing his wish that its blessings would soon usher in peace and stability across the troubled region.
Earlier on the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The two officials discussed the rapidly evolving crisis, with Dar firmly condemning the unprovoked attacks on Iran. He stressed the urgent need to halt the spiral of violence and called for immediate de-escalation. Both leaders agreed on the importance of resuming diplomatic negotiations to find a peaceful and negotiated resolution to the conflict, highlighting the critical role of dialogue in preventing further bloodshed.
Meanwhile, the military actions that sparked this crisis unfolded with Israel and the United States launching targeted strikes on Iranian missile sites. US President Donald Trump declared that the objective was to dismantle Tehran’s missile capabilities and prevent the country from advancing its nuclear weapons program. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a barrage of missiles targeting US military installations, including the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, as well as sites in Israel and other Gulf states.
The aftermath of these exchanges saw widespread reports of explosions and heightened air defense activity across multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Iraq. Several Gulf states, such as Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan, confirmed that their air defense systems successfully intercepted incoming Iranian missiles. Tragically, the violence resulted in casualties: UAE state media reported one fatality in Abu Dhabi, while a missile strike on a school in Iran claimed the lives of 24 individuals. In Israel, the military dispatched search and rescue teams to areas affected by missile impacts, as smoke was observed rising over Tehran’s Pasteur district, home to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Security measures were intensified in Tehran amid reports that high-profile figures, including Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, were potential targets. However, Iranian state television reassured the public that Pezeshkian remained unharmed. The Fars news agency confirmed missile impacts in Tehran’s Keshvardoost and Pasteur neighborhoods, underscoring the severity of the attacks within the Iranian capital.
This latest surge in violence has further complicated an already fragile geopolitical landscape, with Pakistan positioning itself as a voice of reason and a potential mediator. The government’s calls for restraint and dialogue reflect Islamabad’s broader commitment to regional stability and its close ties with Gulf countries. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift return to calm and the prevention of a wider conflict.
