RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday called for the continuation of Pakistan-sponsored negotiations between the United States and Iran, urging all parties to return to diplomacy and avoid further escalation.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, expressed Saudi Arabia’s strongest condemnation of the repeated Iranian attacks targeting Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, and of the continued violations of the sovereignty of these states, which further escalate tensions in the region.
The Kingdom called for de-escalation, the avoidance of any further escalation, and the exercise of wisdom by returning to diplomatic engagement and continuing the constructive negotiations sponsored by Pakistan, along with the accompanying efforts of Qatar, in a manner that spares the region and its peoples the consequences of the return of war and contributes to the restoration of security and stability in the region and the world.
#Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strongest condemnation of the repeated Iranian attacks targeting the brotherly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain, and the brotherly State of Kuwait, and of the continued… pic.twitter.com/LkPc61IdHe
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) June 11, 2026
Earlier on Thursday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that it had launched strikes against US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, while also threatening to target all vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement carried by state-run IRNA news agency, the IRGC said it had struck 18 “important targets” belonging to the US military at Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al Jaber air bases in Kuwait.
It also claimed to have “hit and destroyed” Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain.
Iranian media separately reported that Tehran had targeted the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, though there was no immediate confirmation from US authorities.
IRGC: Early on Thursday morning, the IRGC's Aerospace Force and Navy fighters, while punishing the aggressor and retaliating against the US military's provocation, struck and destroyed 18 key US military assets at the Ali Al Salem, Ahmad Al Jaber, and Sheikh Isa air bases. pic.twitter.com/U3qswFWI7c
— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) June 11, 2026
The developments followed a fresh round of US air strikes against Iran on Wednesday. Iranian media also reported explosions across the country’s south near the Strait of Hormuz, where US forces said they had targeted air-defence systems, radar installations and other military sites earlier this week.
The latest exchanges have intensified concerns about a broader regional conflict and the potential disruption of global energy supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a vital artery for international oil trade.
Pakistan intensifies diplomatic outreach
Meanwhile, Pakistan stepped up its diplomatic outreach on Thursday as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Türkiye, discussing ongoing efforts to preserve regional stability in the wake of recent United States–Iran strikes and the broader escalation of tensions across the Middle East.
In his conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, both sides reviewed the prevailing regional situation and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue, restraint, and sustained diplomatic engagement. The two ministers stressed that diplomacy remains essential for addressing ongoing tensions and promoting stability in the region.
FM Abdelatty appreciated Pakistan’s continued efforts in supporting mediation initiatives and promoting dialogue between relevant parties. Both leaders expressed optimism that ongoing diplomatic efforts would help facilitate an early understanding among concerned parties, contributing to durable peace and long-term regional stability.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
They discussed regional developments and stressed the importance of continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement. FM… pic.twitter.com/robrhq6M1r
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 11, 2026
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The two leaders reviewed the evolving regional situation and stressed the importance of dialogue, restraint, and diplomatic engagement as key tools for ensuring peace and stability.
Both sides expressed hope for an early and mutually acceptable understanding among all concerned parties, which they said would contribute significantly to lasting peace and stability in the region.
The two foreign ministers also agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and international issues of shared interest and to continue high-level engagements aimed at further strengthening the multifaceted Pakistan–Türkiye partnership.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Türkiye @HakanFidan last night.
They discussed the evolving regional situation and underscored the importance of dialogue, and restraint. Both… pic.twitter.com/g4rCzzhoSL
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 11, 2026
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said that he will be “taking” Kharg Island “at some point in the not too distant future”.
Trump said that the United States was preparing another round of military action against Iran. In the same post, Trump also threatened to take control of Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 11, 2026
“The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT. At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points,” Trump stated.
