Pakistan Urges Iran Not to Attack Saudi Arabia territory: Rana Sanaullah

Pakistan is actively working to persuade Iran to refrain from striking Saudi Arabia, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Wednesday, as hostilities escalate in the Middle East following joint US-Israeli attacks across Iran.

Sanaullah explained that Pakistan’s military leadership, during an in-camera briefing, confirmed it was in constant contact with Iran, working to resolve misunderstandings and ensure Gulf countries are not targeted.

The confidential meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, brought together parliamentary party leaders and representatives to discuss the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation, the Middle East conflict, and Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives.

During the session, Sanaullah said participants “supported Iran’s right to retaliate against Israel,” but emphasised that Tehran’s response should not involve attacks on Gulf nations.

He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared updates on his discussions with various countries, particularly Gulf states, to help ease regional tensions. According to Dar, Iran indicated it would not attack Saudi Arabia if Riyadh guaranteed its territory would not be used against Tehran.

Citing Dar, Sanaullah described Pakistan’s diplomatic exchanges with Iran and other countries as “quite positive,” highlighting Pakistan’s role in facilitating communication between Tehran and Riyadh. He noted that Pakistan’s military and political leadership had previously played a crucial role in earlier negotiations with Iran.

Describing the broader regional situation, Sanaullah said a war had been imposed on Iran and that Pakistan’s efforts were aimed at reaching an agreement to end the conflict. He cautioned that the US may have expected Iran to retreat after the initial strikes and accept all conditions unilaterally, warning that the war could be prolonged.

Since the start of the US-Israel assault on Iran on February 28, more than 1,000 people have reportedly been killed across the country, IRNA reported on Wednesday. “During the military aggression… 1,045 of our dear military personnel and civilians” were killed, according to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs.