ISLAMABAD: The foreign ministers of Pakistan and several Arab and Islamic nations urged Iran to halt its attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, Azerbaijan and Turkiye, warning Tehran that the future of relations between these countries and Iran depends on its respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of others.
#Riyadh | Joint statement issued by the consultative ministerial meeting of foreign ministers of the group of Arab and Islamic countries on Iranian aggression.https://t.co/iU3HCgspa9 pic.twitter.com/NA89bLD9o3
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) March 19, 2026
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the Foreign Ministers affirmed the necessity of respecting international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness, as a first step toward ending the escalation, achieving security and stability in the region, and promoting diplomacy as a means to resolve the crisis.
The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed support for the security, stability and territorial integrity of Lebanon. They also condemned Israel’s aggression against Lebanon and its expansionist policy in the region.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended a consultative meeting of the foreign ministers of several Arab and Islamic nations in Riyadh on Wednesday. The meeting took place as the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify, with Iran attacking US interests in neighboring Gulf states with missiles and drones.
Hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the meeting was also attended by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Republic of Lebanon, the State of Qatar, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
Territorial integrity
During the meeting, the DPM/FM expressed complete support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all brotherly regional countries, and emphasised the need to end all attacks against their respective territories.
Underscoring the importance of preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah, the DPM/FM called for a swift end to the ongoing conflict and reiterated Pakistan’s call for dialogue and diplomacy.
He also stressed the need to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis affecting the wider region and, in this regard, condemned in the strongest possible terms Israel’s continued aggression and provocations against regional countries.
He also condemned the unwarranted attacks on civilians, as well as on energy and critical infrastructure in the region, calling for an end to all such attacks. He urged refraining from any actions that may undermine the energy security of the region and beyond, thereby exacerbating global economic challenges.
The DPM/FM apprised the participants of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to continue playing a constructive role in helping overcome regional security challenges.
During the visit, the DPM/FM conveyed a message of strong solidarity and unwavering support to the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan.
International humanitarian law
“The ministers called on Iran to immediately cease its attacks, respect international law and international humanitarian law, and adhere to the principles of good neighborliness as a first step toward de-escalation, enhancing regional security and stability and advancing diplomatic solutions,” a copy of the joint statement, shared by the UAE’s official WAM news agency, stated on Wednesday.
“They stressed that the future of relations with Iran depends on respecting state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, refraining from aggression against territories, and not using military capabilities to threaten regional countries.”
The foreign ministers said Iran’s attacks “cannot be justified under any pretext,” affirming the right of affected states to defend themselves in line with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The statement also urged Iran to stop supporting, financing and arming affiliated militias in Arab states. The foreign ministers urged Iran to refrain from actions that could obstruct international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threaten maritime security in the Strait of Mandeb, another strategic waterway between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa.
The group also condemned Israel’s aggression against Lebanon and its “expansionist policies” in the region.
The US and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran last month after months of negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program.
The US accuses Iran of building nuclear missiles that could target Israel and Washington, charges Tehran has dismissed.
