Pakistan, Qatar call for dialogue as regional tensions escalate

ISLAMABAD/DOHA, Sep 2: Pakistan said on Wednesday that dialogue between the United States and Iran remained possible despite the latest escalation in the region, while Qatar called for an immediate halt to military operations and a return to negotiations.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Islamabad remained concerned about the escalation but continued to engage with the parties, expressing hope that Washington and Tehran would return to the negotiating table.

“We remain concerned and these escalations are undesirable, but we remain engaged,” the ministry said, adding that it remained “positive that the parties will return to the table for dialogue.”

The ministry also said a recent visit to Tehran by Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces had generated “considerable momentum” in efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz.

In Doha, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called for an immediate and complete halt to all military operations and attacks threatening regional security and stability.

Qatar urged all sides to avoid further escalation and immediately return to dialogue and negotiations. It also expressed solidarity with countries affected by the conflict and support for measures taken to protect their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.