Pakistan urges diplomacy as US-Iran war stalls

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday reiterated its call for diplomacy to resolve regional tensions, as the United States and Iran remain locked in a deadlock over efforts to end their conflict, the foreign office said.

The war, which began in late February and has been paused under a ceasefire since April 8, has already disrupted global energy supplies and heightened tensions across the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz — a key chokepoint for global oil shipments.

According to the Pakistani foreign ministry, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to discuss the evolving regional situation and its economic fallout.

“FM Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote constructive engagement and diplomacy in support of peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the ministry said in a statement.

Kuwait’s foreign minister praised Pakistan’s efforts to encourage dialogue and help foster long-term peace and security for the wider region, it added.

Pakistan has played a mediatory role in facilitating contacts between Washington and Tehran, hosting earlier rounds of indirect talks. However, progress has stalled despite a fragile ceasefire and intermittent diplomatic exchanges.

The conflict has severely disrupted energy markets after tensions escalated around the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil flows. Iran has imposed restrictions on shipping through the waterway, while the United States has also tightened measures against Iranian maritime activity.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said he was “not satisfied” with a new Iranian proposal delivered through mediators, though he said discussions were continuing via indirect channels.

Iran, meanwhile, has submitted a draft proposal through Pakistani intermediaries, according to Iranian state media, though details have not been made public.

Diplomatic efforts remain ongoing, with Pakistan and other regional actors pushing for renewed negotiations despite deep divisions over Iran’s nuclear programme and maritime security in the Gulf.