Pakistan’s top political adviser Rana Sanaullah came out bluntly on Wednesday, saying Islamabad is actively trying to talk Iran out of hitting Saudi Arabia as the Middle East mess keeps boiling over.
Closed-Door Briefing at Prime Minister’s House
This comes right after a closed-door briefing at the Prime Minister’s House. Military brass and leaders from across the political spectrum got the lowdown on the escalating war sparked by those joint US-Israel strikes on Iran starting back on February 28.
Pakistan in Constant Touch with Tehran
Sanaullah, speaking on Geo News’ Geo Pakistan show, didn’t hold back. Pakistan is in constant touch with Tehran, working hard to clear up any “misunderstandings” and make sure the Gulf states – especially Saudi Arabia – stay out of the crossfire. He stressed that while everyone in the briefing backed Iran’s right to hit back at Israel, the feeling was unanimous that Tehran’s retaliation shouldn’t drag in the Gulf countries.
Pakistan as Mediator Between Riyadh and Tehran
He also relayed what Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared during the session. Iran had basically asked for guarantees that Saudi territory wouldn’t be used against them. Pakistan stepped in as the go-between, facilitating talks between Riyadh and Tehran. Sanaullah called the back-and-forth “quite positive” and said the exchanges have helped keep things from blowing up wider. Pakistan has played this kind of mediator role before with Iran, he noted, and the military and political leadership are using those old channels now.
Grim Toll on the Ground
On the ground, Iran’s state media (IRNA) reported over 1,000 killed – 1,045 military and civilians – since the attacks kicked off. It’s grim stuff, and the fear is it spreads.
Shuttle Diplomacy in Action
It’s classic shuttle diplomacy: talking to Iran, reassuring Saudi, urging restraint all around. Sanaullah made it clear Pakistan wants the fight limited to Iran and Israel – no widening to the Gulf. Whether that holds is anyone’s guess. For now, Islamabad is betting on quiet talks over louder action to keep the region from tipping into full chaos.
