Amid Gulf turmoil, PM seeks space for diplomacy to work

• Shehbaz lauds Oman efforts for Iran-US deal, rues attack derailed peace process
• Premier speaks to Kuwaiti crown prince, opposes escalatory actions; receives call from Syrian president

ISLAMABAD: As war continued to rage in the Gulf on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to the rulers of Oman, Kuwait, and Syria to advocate diplomatic routes to restore peace in the region following the US-Israel strikes on Iran.

In a conversation with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the PM discussed the prevailing regional situation in the wake of the attack on Iran and subsequent hostilities that had endangered the peace and security of the entire Gulf region.

The PM said the escalation had taken place at a time when diplomatic efforts facilitated by Oman were underway to reduce the US-Iran tensions, according to a statement from his office.

“The attacks had not only derailed the delicate diplomatic process, but had also undermined efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in the region,” he was quoted as saying. The PM stressed the urgent need to prevent further escalation and to create space for the resumption of diplomatic initiatives.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and to continue supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring calm and ensuring lasting regional stability.

PM Shehbaz also spoke to Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah on Monday. He expressed condolences over the loss of lives as a result of the attacks on Kuwait during the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. He affirmed Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the leadership and people of Kuwait at this critical time.

The two leaders stressed the urgent need for de-escalation. While condemning the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Gulf countries, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan would continue to make efforts to promote diplomacy and urged all parties to refrain from actions that could exacerbate tensions and undermine the peace and security of the region.

The conversations with the Gulf leaders were a continuation of similar engagements the PM had on Sunday when he spoke to the Jordan and Bahrain rulers. In his engagements, he had called for de-escalation and offered help to find a diplomatic solution to end the conflict.

Meanwhile, the PM also received a telephone call from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The two leaders discussed the Gulf escalation. They emphasised the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue to preserve regional peace and stability.

The premier briefed the Syrian leader on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach in the wake of the current crisis and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to play a constructive role in the restoration of peace and stability in the region. Apart from the Middle East situation, recent developments in Afghanistan also came under discussion.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Syria and agreed to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest while maintaining close coordination on regional developments.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026