RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry on Tuesday expressed support for Pakistan’s mediation and diplomatic efforts to end the US-Iran conflict, as tensions surge after Tehran’s fresh attacks on the UAE.
Earlier, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems neutralised 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones before they could reach their intended targets. No casualties or damage were immediately reported.
The attacks came amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Washington had struck seven Iranian “fast boats,” after pledging to assist vessels stranded in the waterway, which Iran has effectively blocked since the conflict began in February.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s concern regarding the current military escalation in the region and calls for de-escalation, restraint, and support for Pakistani mediation and diplomatic efforts to reach a political solution that prevents the region from sliding into further tension and instability, which would not serve the interests of the region and the world,” the Saudi foreign ministry said.
#Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s concern regarding the current military escalation in the region and calls for de-escalation, restraint, and support for Pakistani mediation and diplomatic efforts to reach a political solution that prevents… pic.twitter.com/qHeULfDivT
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) May 5, 2026
The Kingdom also stressed the importance of restoring freedom of international maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to its normal state before 28 February, and called for ensuring the safe and secure passage of vessels without restrictions.
Pakistan has positioned itself as an important mediator between the United States and Iran, relaying messages between the two sides and helping arrange direct peace talks last month between Washington and Tehran.
On Monday, Islamabad also facilitated the release of 22 crew members from an Iranian vessel seized by US forces in April.
