Pakistan, alongside islamic countries, urges Iran to halt attacks on Gulf States

Riyadh (Web Desk): Pakistan, together with 11 other Islamic nations, has issued a joint statement urging Iran to immediately cease its attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and regional partners.

The announcement followed a consultative ministerial meeting held in Riyadh on Wednesday, aimed at advancing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

The statement comes amid intensifying US and Israeli military operations against Iran, which have further destabilized the region.

Iranian state media reported that Tehran launched missile strikes on Tel Aviv, including cluster munitions, in retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, foreign ministers from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates collectively condemned Iran’s deliberate use of ballistic missiles and drones targeting civilian areas, critical infrastructure, oil facilities, airports, residential buildings, and diplomatic premises.

#Riyadh | Joint statement issued by the consultative ministerial meeting of foreign ministers of the group of Arab and Islamic countries on Iranian aggression.https://t.co/iU3HCgspa9 pic.twitter.com/NA89bLD9o3

— Foreign Ministry ???????? (@KSAmofaEN) March 19, 2026

The ministers stressed that “such attacks cannot be justified under any pretext” and affirmed “the right of states to defend themselves in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.”

They called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks and underscored the importance of respecting international law, humanitarian principles, and good neighborly relations as essential steps toward regional stability and diplomatic resolution.

The joint statement also highlighted that future relations with Iran hinge on respecting the sovereignty of states, refraining from interference in internal affairs, and avoiding the use or development of military capabilities to threaten regional countries.

Additionally, the ministers reiterated their support for Lebanon’s security, territorial integrity, and government authority over weapons, while condemning Israel’s aggression and expansionist policies in the region.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued consultation and coordination among the participating countries, emphasizing the need to monitor developments closely, formulate unified positions, and adopt legitimate measures to protect regional security and sovereignty, and to stop Iranian attacks on their territories.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Riyadh to represent Pakistan and reinforce the country’s diplomatic stance amid rising tensions. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held detailed discussions in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the regional situation.

Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia while urging restraint to prevent escalation into a wider regional conflict.