Pakistan, 11 Islamic countries urge Iran to halt attacks, call for swift Middle East peace

• Riyadh consultative meeting of foreign ministers stresses diplomacy, de-escalation

• Islamic states FMs Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf states, denouncing attacks on civilian areas, oil facilities, airports as unjustifiable

• Joints statement cites UN Resolution 2817, demanding halt to provocative acts and militia support

• Affirms ‘right of states’ to defend themselves in accordance with Article 51 of UN Charter, underlining maritime security of Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab

• Commitment reaffirmed to Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability with Pakistan advocates swift end to conflict

 RIYADH/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, alongside 11 other Islamic countries, on Thursday urged Iran to “immediately halt attacks” on “member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and regional allies,” following a Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers from Arab and Islamic countries in Riyadh aimed at “seeking a swift end” to the Middle East conflict.

According to a joint statement released by the Saudi Press Agency, ministers from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates condemned Iran’s deliberate missile and drone attacks targeting residential areas, civilian infrastructure—including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential buildings, and diplomatic premises.

#Riyadh | Joint statement issued by the consultative ministerial meeting of foreign ministers of the group of Arab and Islamic countries on Iranian aggression.https://t.co/iU3HCgspa9 pic.twitter.com/NA89bLD9o3

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) March 19, 2026

The statement stressed that “such attacks could not be justified under any pretext or in any manner whatsoever” and affirmed “the right of states to defend themselves in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”

The Riyadh meeting comes amid an intensification of US and Israeli military operations against Iran, which has further destabilised the region. Iranian state television reported on Wednesday that Tehran targeted Tel Aviv with missiles carrying cluster warheads, describing the attacks as “retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani.

#Riyadh | Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan participated in the consultative ministerial meeting with the foreign ministers and representatives of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Islamic… pic.twitter.com/bQCkHlRUBK

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) March 19, 2026

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The Islamic and Arab foreign ministers called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks and emphasised the necessity of respecting international law, humanitarian law, and principles of good neighbourliness as a first step toward de-escalation, regional security, and the promotion of diplomacy.

The statement highlighted that future relations with Iran will depend on respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and refraining from threatening or using military capabilities against neighbouring countries.

Ministers also urged Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which demands an immediate cessation of provocative acts, an end to support or arming of affiliated militias in Arab countries, and refraining from any actions that obstruct international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threaten maritime security in Bab al-Mandab.

Iran’s retaliation against US-Israeli strikes has included missile and drone attacks not only on Israel but also on Gulf states hosting US military assets, expanding the conflict’s regional impact. Key infrastructure in Gulf countries, including airports, ports, hotels, and oil and military facilities, has been affected, while disruptions in oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz—a route carrying roughly one-fifth of global petroleum and LNG—have heightened economic concerns.

 Security, Stability, and Territorial Integrity of Lebanon Reaffirmed

The joint declaration also reaffirmed support for “the security, stability, and territorial integrity of Lebanon,” including enforcing state sovereignty over all territories and supporting the Lebanese government’s decision to limit weapons to the state. The ministers condemned Israel’s aggression against Lebanon and its “expansionist policy” in the region.

The statement concluded by pledging ongoing consultation and coordination among member states, ensuring common positions and the adoption of necessary legitimate measures to protect security, stability, and sovereignty, and to halt Iran’s attacks on their territories.

Dar arrives in Riyadh to advocate for swift end to Middle East conflict

Earlier, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday to participate in the Consultative Ministerial Meeting. He is set to advocate for a swift end to the ongoing conflict, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

According to the FO, FM Dar was received by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, along with senior representatives of the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

The Middle East conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation against US assets and Gulf bases. The FO described Pakistan’s role as a “bridge builder,” promoting dialogue and regional stability.

Invited by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Dar will attend the meeting alongside regional foreign ministers from March 18–19. During the sessions, he will express Pakistan’s full support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of brotherly nations and call for an immediate cessation of attacks.

The FO added that Dar will reiterate Pakistan’s call for a swift end to hostilities, advocate a return to dialogue and diplomacy, and highlight Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach in addressing the regional security crisis.

Earlier, on March 12, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to Riyadh for detailed discussions on the regional situation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Amid escalating tensions, Pakistan has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to Saudi Arabia while urging restraint to prevent a broader regional conflict.