Dar Urges Uninterrupted Energy Supply
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made clear that uninterrupted energy supplies are essential for global stability, calling on Iran to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. In a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Dar highlighted the critical role of energy logistics for developing nations and the broader international community.
During the call, Dar stressed that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means to ensure peace and stability in the region.” He urged both sides to maintain close cooperation and to meet in New York on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly next week, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to fostering constructive engagement between Tehran and Washington.
The conversation comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, where Iranian forces have tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. launched its war on February 28. The region’s strategic waterways are vital for the global oil market, and any disruption could trigger price spikes and supply shortages worldwide.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, condemned the recent Houthi attacks on merchant shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, calling for an immediate end to the blockade. He linked Pakistan’s stance on maritime security to its broader diplomatic efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States, stressing that the country’s position is guided by principles of dialogue and non‑coercion.
In a related development, Iran’s interior ministry announced that it was working to resolve outstanding issues and restore the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed in June. The fragile ceasefire collapsed in July after a series of attacks on commercial ships, leading to a 13‑day exchange of strikes between the U.S. and Iran.
Pakistan’s call for a diplomatic solution reflects its broader strategy to safeguard regional stability and protect its own energy interests. By advocating for uninterrupted energy supplies and safe shipping lanes, Islamabad aims to mitigate the risk of a wider conflict that could threaten global supply chains and food security.
