Saudi Arabia Backs Pakistan’s Mediation to Defuse U.S.–Iran Tensions

Overview

• Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry, which posted its statement Tuesday, urged restraint and backed Pakistan’s effort to broker talks between Washington and Tehran.
• Riyadh called for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to return to pre-war conditions to ensure commercial ships pass without restriction.
• The appeal follows new clashes in the Gulf, with the UAE accusing Iran of firing 15 missiles and four drones and Iran saying it issued warning shots near U.S. warships.
• Pakistan helped secure a ceasefire that began April 8, but rounds of talks in Islamabad have not yielded a durable deal.
• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned strikes on the UAE in a call with President Mohamed bin Zayed, underscoring Saudi security ties as mediation continues.