By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday called on all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to fully respect the US-Iran ceasefire agreement, warning that renewed hostilities could further destabilise an already volatile region.
The appeal came during a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
The two leaders reviewed the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East and discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving regional peace following a series of military confrontations involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
During the conversation, Kallas appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and acknowledged the country’s efforts that contributed to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which sought to provide a framework for de-escalation.
The EU’s foreign policy chief also expressed concern over recent violations of the ceasefire agreement and stressed that diplomatic channels must remain open among all parties to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
For his part, Ishaq Dar briefed Kallas on Pakistan’s continued diplomatic initiatives to promote a comprehensive and sustainable framework for peace, dialogue and stability across the Middle East.
The foreign minister underscored the importance of all parties honouring the ceasefire commitments and avoiding actions that could undermine ongoing peace efforts.
Regional tensions escalate
Dar’s remarks came as fresh military exchanges raised fears that the fragile ceasefire could collapse.
Earlier on Sunday, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, hours after US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that it must adhere to the interim ceasefire agreement or face severe military consequences.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying they were retaliation for recent US military strikes, which it alleged violated the ceasefire agreement.
The IRGC stated that continued US military action would effectively end diplomatic efforts and warned that American military bases across the region could face further attacks.
Gulf states report attacks
Kuwait confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles without casualties or significant damage.
In neighbouring Bahrain, authorities activated emergency sirens after Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted the kingdom. Officials later reported that one residential building in Muharraq province sustained damage, although no casualties were recorded.
Bahrain has since called on the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to address what it described as Iranian aggression.
US says no major casualties
A US official confirmed that American military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain had been targeted but said there were no reported US casualties or significant damage. However, officials cautioned that the security situation remained fluid.
The renewed violence followed another reported US military strike against Iranian targets earlier in the day, while a commercial tanker was also reportedly hit in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important oil shipping routes.
The disruption has renewed concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security.
Fragile peace efforts
The latest escalation comes despite diplomatic efforts over the past week.
Pakistan had previously facilitated indirect talks in Switzerland involving US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, as part of broader international efforts to reduce tensions.
The discussions resulted in a 14-point interim peace agreement aimed at halting hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping and creating space for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and wider regional security issues.
Although Washington eased certain sanctions on Tehran following the agreement, recent military exchanges have placed the future of the ceasefire in doubt.
Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution, maintaining that sustained engagement remains essential to preventing a wider regional war with potentially serious global economic and security consequences.
