During a recent dialogue with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the critical necessity for continuous energy supplies and the secure transit of vessels. This conversation took place on Saturday, as reported by the Foreign Office (FO).
According to a statement shared on X by the FO, the discussions revolved around notable regional developments. Dar reiterated the significance of maintaining uninterrupted energy supplies and ensuring safe maritime passage, highlighting the potential repercussions for developing nations and global supply chains.
He also conveyed that fostering dialogue and diplomatic relations is essential to sustain peace and stability within the region, as noted in the official statement. Both officials agreed on the importance of collaboration and scheduled a meeting in New York during the upcoming 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Concerns Over Maritime Security
This phone conversation comes against a backdrop of rising anxieties regarding interruptions in commercial shipping routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, which are vital for global trade and energy transportation. Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz has intensified since the initiation of US military actions on February 28, adversely affecting oil exports from the Middle East.
The situation escalated when the Houthis took control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and the Bab al-Mandab strait a week ago, enforcing a maritime blockade on Saudi vessels. Although the blockade currently targets only Saudi ships, concerns about broader disruptions linger.
On Friday, Pakistan expressed its condemnation of the Houthi assaults on merchant shipping in the Bab al-Mandab and called for an immediate halt to these actions. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, underscored that such disruptions could have far-reaching impacts beyond the immediate regions, potentially affecting energy prices and global food security.
Pakistan’s Stance on Regional Conflict
Ambassador Asim linked Pakistan’s commitment to maritime security with its diplomatic initiatives following the escalation of hostilities between Iran and the United States. He stated, “Guided by these foundational principles, Pakistan acted as a mediator between Iran and the United States after the outbreak of hostilities between the two countries.”
Last week, the FO characterized the situation at the Bab al-Mandab Strait as “exceptionally serious” and expressed Islamabad’s concerns regarding the expanding conflict and its impact on regional stability and maritime security. The FO advocated for resolving the Houthi conflict through dialogue and diplomacy rather than through coercive actions.
On a related note, Iran’s interior ministry announced on Saturday that efforts are being made to address outstanding issues and to revert to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding established between Tehran and Washington in June. According to spokesperson Ali Zeynivand, Iran emphasizes that the other party must fulfill its commitments outlined in this agreement, as reported by Al Jazeera, citing the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
The fragile ceasefire that had been in place collapsed in July following attacks on commercial vessels in the Hormuz strait, leading to a series of retaliatory strikes between the US and Iran lasting for 13 consecutive days.
