Saudi Arabia backs Pakistan mediation in US-Iran tensions, urges de-escalation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia called for restraint and backed Pakistan’s mediation efforts to defuse rising tensions between the United States and Iran, warning that continued escalation could undermine regional security and global stability.

In a statement, the Saudi foreign ministry expressed concern over the growing military confrontation in the Gulf and urged all sides to avoid further escalation and pursue a political solution.

“The Kingdom calls for de-escalation, exercising restraint, and supporting Pakistani mediation and diplomatic efforts to reach a political solution that prevents the region from sliding into further tension,” it said.

#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن قلق المملكة العربية السعودية إزاء التصعيد العسكري الحالي في المنطقة، وتدعو إلى ضرورة التهدئة وعدم التصعيد وضبط النفس، ودعم الوساطة الباكستانية والجهود الدبلوماسية للوصول إلى حل سياسي يجنب المنطقة من الانزلاق نحو المزيد من التوتر وزعزعة الأمن… pic.twitter.com/Gfdk1HoYLe

— وزارة الخارجية 🇸🇦 (@KSAMOFA) May 4, 2026

Saudi Arabia also stressed the importance of restoring maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments, warning that any disruption could affect international trade and energy supplies.

Tensions have surged in recent days following exchanges between U.S. and Iranian forces in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil passes.

The United Arab Emirates said Iran launched fresh attacks on Monday, adding that its air defences intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones. Three people were reported injured, while authorities in the emirate of Fujairah said a drone strike triggered a fire at an oil facility.

The developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had struck seven Iranian “fast boats” and pledged to help commercial vessels stranded in the strait, which Iran has effectively restricted since the conflict intensified earlier this year.

Against this backdrop, Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran, leveraging its ties with both sides. Islamabad has relayed messages and facilitated direct talks between the two countries in recent weeks, though no breakthrough has been announced.

Pakistan also assisted in a confidence-building measure earlier this week by facilitating the release of 22 crew members from an Iranian vessel seized by U.S. forces in April, handing them over to Iranian authorities.

Separately, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone call with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning attacks targeting the UAE and reaffirming the kingdom’s support for its Gulf ally’s security and stability.

Analysts say the fast-evolving situation in the Gulf, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, poses a serious risk to global energy markets, as prolonged disruption could drive up oil prices, fuel inflation and strain supply chains worldwide.