Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reiterate call for restraint, dialogue and space for US-Iran mediation efforts

• In phone call, Dar, Saudi counterpart warn renewed conflict threatens regional peace after Islamabad MoU

• Both leaders agree renewed conflict serves no one’s interest and would weaken ongoing peace efforts

• Maldives lauds Islamabad’s role in Iran-US mediation; leaders pledge closer cooperation

• DPM directs stronger UK engagement, prioritises diaspora welfare and economic diplomacy

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Saturday voiced concern over the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming that renewed conflict would undermine regional peace and stability and stressing the urgent need for restraint, dialogue and continued diplomatic engagement.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation during a telephone conversation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, held a telephonic conversation today with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. @FaisalbinFarhan

The two leaders exchanged views on the… pic.twitter.com/t3GIB46LPD

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

“The concern was expressed as DPM and FM Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia and exchanged views on the recent developments in the region,” the FO said in a post on X.

During the conversation, both leaders agreed that the renewed conflict served no one’s interest and would weaken ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring regional peace and stability.

“The Saudi foreign minister shared the kingdom’s perspective on ongoing diplomatic efforts and emphasised the importance of de-escalation and continued dialogue,” the statement said.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and allow mediation efforts the necessary time and space to achieve a peaceful and meaningful outcome.

 Maldives appreciates Pakistan’s mediation role

In a separate development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Iruthisham Adam during which the two leaders reviewed regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

According to the Foreign Office, the Maldivian foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s role in mediating the Iran-US conflict.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Maldives, Her Excellency Dr. Iruthisham Adam. @IruthishamAdam

DPM/FM congratulated Dr. Adam on the forthcoming 61st… pic.twitter.com/ASXdAZJSpX

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

“The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments. Foreign Minister Adam appreciated Pakistan’s role in mediating the Iran-US conflict,” the FO said in another post on X.

While reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives, the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

 Dar stresses importance of Pakistan-UK ties

In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar underscored the importance of Pakistan-United Kingdom bilateral relations and directed Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to the UK to further deepen and broaden cooperation across political, economic and people-to-people spheres.

The directive came during a meeting with Tipu Usman Chaudhry, Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom, who called on the deputy prime minister, according to a Foreign Office spokesperson.

Dar highlighted that the United Kingdom was home to one of the largest, most dynamic and vibrant Pakistani diaspora communities in the world.

Mr. Tipu Usman Chaudhry, High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan to the United Kingdom, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.

DPM/FM underscored the significance of Pakistan-UK bilateral relations and directed the High… pic.twitter.com/rDgE9PoOMJ

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

He emphasised that the provision of proactive consular services and welfare support to overseas Pakistanis must remain a top priority for the High Commission.

The deputy prime minister also appreciated Chaudhry’s valuable services as Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and wished him success in his new assignment.

 Economic diplomacy reviewed

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar emphasised the need to further intensify efforts at the global and regional levels to promote Pakistan’s economy through enhanced compliance with international standards and obligations.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 chaired an Inter-Ministerial meeting to review Pakistan’s efforts to enhance economic diplomacy.

DPM/FM emphasised the importance of intensifying efforts at the international and regional levels to… pic.twitter.com/fLsjqgM0iD

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

Chairing an inter-ministerial meeting to review Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen economic diplomacy, Dar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable economic stabilisation, according to a Foreign Office press release.

The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the secretaries of Foreign Affairs and the Cabinet Division, along with senior officials from relevant departments.

During the meeting, the deputy prime minister directed all stakeholders to step up coordinated efforts to advance Pakistan’s economic diplomacy agenda and reinforce the country’s ongoing economic stabilisation initiatives.