Pakistan leads diplomatic push as Middle East crisis escalates

• DPM/FM Dar urges dialogue, restraint in talks with Turkish and Egyptian counterparts

• Saudi Arabia backs renewed mediation under Pakistan and Qatar as Cairo lauds Islamabad’s continued mediation efforts

• Turkey, China and Russia call for immediate de-escalation as Qatar-mediated talks in Tehran conclude amid rising tensions

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday underscored the urgent need for sustained dialogue, diplomatic engagement and restraint amid escalating US strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks, as he held separate telephonic conversations with his Turkish and Egyptian counterparts, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

The development comes as Saudi Arabia called for renewed negotiations under Pakistani and Qatari mediation to help end the widening Middle East conflict.

According to the FO, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the evolving regional situation and recent exchanges of attacks in the Middle East during a telephone call.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Türkiye @HakanFidan last night.

They discussed the evolving regional situation and underscored the importance of dialogue, and restraint. Both… pic.twitter.com/g4rCzzhoSL

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 11, 2026

Both sides stressed the importance of dialogue, restraint and de-escalation.

“Both Pakistan and Turkiye expressed the hope for an early understanding among all parties which would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region,” the FO said.

They also agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest and continue high-level engagements to strengthen the multifaceted Pakistan-Türkiye partnership.

 

Egypt praises Pakistan’s mediation efforts

Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty appreciated Pakistan’s continued mediation efforts, noting that dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain the only viable path to ending the war in the Middle East.

The appreciation came during a separate telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and his Egyptian counterpart, the FO said in a post on X.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

They discussed regional developments and stressed the importance of continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement. FM… pic.twitter.com/robrhq6M1r

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 11, 2026

During the call, both sides reviewed regional developments and stressed the need for continued diplomatic engagement.

They expressed hope that ongoing efforts would help achieve an early understanding between the parties, contributing to lasting regional peace and stability.

The Egyptian foreign minister also extended an invitation to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to attend the upcoming meeting of the Regional Four (R-4) Foreign Ministers in Egypt later this month, which he accepted. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.

 

Saudi Arabia calls for renewed mediation-led talks

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia on Thursday condemned overnight Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, and called for renewed negotiations under Pakistani and Qatari mediation to end the Middle East conflict.

In a statement, the Saudi foreign ministry called for de-escalation and restraint, urging all parties to prioritise wisdom by returning to diplomatic efforts and resuming constructive negotiations sponsored by Pakistan, alongside efforts by Qatar.

It said such steps would help spare the region from the consequences of renewed war and contribute to restoring security and stability in the region and beyond.

 

Global powers urge de-escalation

Separately, Qatar’s negotiators reportedly departed Tehran after talks with Iranian officials on the ongoing conflict, conducted in coordination with the United States, according to a diplomat cited by AFP.

Turkey also called on the United States and Iran to halt their latest round of attacks, warning of a dangerous escalation.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the reciprocal strikes raised fears of widening conflict and urged both sides to return to negotiations.

China “strongly urged” an immediate halt to military operations, calling for a return to dialogue and a comprehensive ceasefire.

The Kremlin also called on both Washington and Tehran to return to the negotiating table, warning that continued escalation could have negative consequences for the global economy and regional stability.

 

Iran confirms Strait of Hormuz closure order

In a major development, Iran’s authority overseeing the Strait of Hormuz confirmed a complete closure order for the strategic waterway until further notice, following earlier announcements by the Revolutionary Guards.

It said the closure was due to rising tensions following US strikes and instructed vessels with transit permits to await further instructions.