Saudi Arabia urges restraint, support for Pakistani mediation toward US-Iran settlement

In a statement released on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia demanded restraint and urged support for the mediating efforts of Pakistan to achieve a political solution between Iran and the US.

"Saudi Arabia calls for de-escalation, restraint and backing of Pakistani mediation and diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a political solution which can save the region from descending into new tensions and instabilities," which will not be in the interest of both the region and the entire world," said the statement by Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry.

Stating its concern about the current escalation of military operations in the region, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry said, "We call for the resumption of free maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz." The kingdom "calls for safe and unhindered transit of ships through the strait," it added.

This statement was made following an escalation of tension between the UAE and Iran in the Gulf region on Monday when the former accused the latter of firing 15 missiles and four drones on it while Tehran said it had fired warning shots after US warships operating in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz were unheeding of such warnings.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a set deadline.