Saudi crown prince commends Pakistan's role in Iran-Israel peace efforts
Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Muhammad bin Salman receives Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival to attend One-water Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 4, 2024. Photo: APP/ File
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As Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire following nearly two weeks of hostilities, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Saudi crown prince during which the two leaders exchanged views on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East.
Premier Sharif expressed Pakistan's full support for immediate de‑escalation and a peaceful resolution of the Iran‑Israel crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.
Referring to recent attacks, he emphasised the importance of adherence to international law and the principles of the UN Charter by all parties. He also reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Also Read: PM Shehbaz reaffirms support to Iran in call with President Pezeshkian
The prime minister conveyed deep appreciation to the crown prince for his 'sagacious leadership and commendable efforts' in restoring regional peace, noting that these efforts reflected the Kingdom's role as a peacemaker internationally and its leadership within the Muslim Ummah.
He also reiterated Pakistan's gratitude for Saudi support during recent tensions with India, affirming Islamabad's readiness for meaningful dialogue with New Delhi on all outstanding issues — including Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism.
The crown prince, in turn, thanked Mr Sharif for the call and praised Pakistan's solidarity. He acknowledged Islamabad's constructive role in fostering a diplomatic solution to the Iran‑Israel conflict and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Foreign Office said it welcomed efforts to revive dialogue and diplomacy, asserting that regional peace can only be achieved through strict adherence to the UN Charter and refraining from use of force. It pledged continued support for all such peace initiatives.
The ceasefire was brokered by US President Donald Trump on Monday, following his talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Vice President JD Vance and other senior American officials engaged in parallel discussions with Iranian representatives.
Read More: Trump 'not happy' with Israel, Iran over ceasefire violations
However, on Tuesday President Trump accused both Israel and Iran of violating the truce just hours later, specifically warning Israel after renewed military action near Tehran.
Posting on his Truth Social platform shortly before departing for the NATO summit in The Hague, he wrote: 'Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it, it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!' He later told reporters he was 'not happy' with either side for breaching the agreement, particularly Israel.
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Pezeshkian also told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Tehran was ready to resolve differences with the United States, according to official news agency IRNA. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed a historic win. The developments came after what appeared to be a shaky start to the truce, seen as a critical step to de-escalating the worst fighting between Iran and Israel in decades. Both Israel and Iran took hours to acknowledge they had accepted the ceasefire and accused each other of violating it, underscoring the fragility of the truce between the two bitter foes and the challenge of achieving lasting peace between them. Trump scolded both sides but aimed especially stinging criticism at Israel, telling the close US ally to "calm down now". He later said Israel called off further attacks at his command. 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Arik Daimant, a software engineer in Tel Aviv, said: "Regrettably, it's a bit too late for me and my family, because our house back here was totally destroyed in the recent bombings last Sunday. But as they say, 'Better late than never', and I hope this ceasefire is a new beginning." Speaking to reporters on board Air Force One heading to the NATO summit, Trump said he did not want to see Iran's ruling system toppled. "Regime change takes chaos and ideally we don't want to see so much chaos," he said. A senior White House official said Trump brokered the ceasefire deal with Netanyahu, and other administration officials were in touch with the Iranians. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani secured Tehran's agreement during a call with Iranian officials, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters on Tuesday. Israel launched the surprise air war on June 13, hitting Iranian nuclear sites where it said Iran was trying to develop an atomic bomb and killing top military commanders in the worst blow to the Islamic Republic since the 1980s war with Iraq. Iran says its uranium enrichment programme is for peaceful purposes and denies trying to build nuclear weapons.
