Pakistan, Saudi leaders confer on war, explore mediation role

Riyadh— Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the escalating Middle East conflict and potential mediation efforts during a phone call on Wednesday, as Islamabad signaled willingness to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran.

Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty in the face of what he described as repeated Iranian attacks, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The two leaders reviewed recent regional developments and the broader implications of the conflict for global stability.

The call came as Sharif indicated Pakistan could host talks aimed at ending the conflict, positioning Islamabad as a potential intermediary amid intensifying hostilities. In a statement on X, he said Pakistan supported efforts to pursue dialogue and a peaceful resolution.

The outreach follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington had engaged in “productive” discussions with Iran, a claim denied by Iranian military officials.Despite diplomatic signals, fighting has continued, with U.S., Israeli and Iranian strikes ongoing across the region.

Sources have indicated that Washington is preparing to deploy additional forces, including thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, adding to an existing U.S. presence of about 50,000 personnel in the Middle East.

The planned deployment underscores a broader military buildup that has raised concerns about a prolonged conflict even as parallel diplomatic efforts gain traction.

Pakistan’s potential role as a host for negotiations reflects its longstanding ties with Iran and its recent engagement with the United States, allowing it to project itself as a relatively neutral actor in the crisis.

The discussions between Riyadh and Islamabad come amid growing international efforts to contain the conflict’s geopolitical and economic fallout.