Pakistan treads cautious path as US-Israel-Iran war escalates

The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has shaken the world and intensified with each passing day, Kamran Khan said on his program “On My Radar.” Khan said Israeli forces claimed to have targeted senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, described as secretary of Iran’s National Security Council and a close aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli military officials also claimed action against Gholam Reza Soleimani, identified as commander of Iran’s Basij force. The claims could not be independently verified. Khan said the widening conflict has triggered turmoil in the global economy, with oil prices soaring and fears of rising inflation spreading across markets. Amid the crisis, Pakistan faces what Khan described as an extremely sensitive moment due to its geographic position and geopolitical importance. He said Islamabad’s challenge is not choosing one side in the conflict but avoiding the perception that it favors any party. Pakistan maintains close ties across the Middle East, including strategic relations with Saudi Arabia, brotherly ties with Iran and strong partnerships with the United Arab Emirates. It is also seeking to sustain recently improved relations with the United States. Khan said that after reported U.S. and Israeli strikes that led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Feb. 28, Pakistan condemned the attacks as “unnecessary.” Within hours, however, Islamabad also described Iranian strikes on Arab states as a “serious violation of sovereignty.” Pakistan voiced support for Iran while urging it to refrain from attacks on Gulf states, Khan said. Throughout the conflict, official statements from Islamabad emphasized de-escalation, regional stability and dialogue. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched what Khan described as aggressive diplomatic engagements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, stressing the need to reduce tensions. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also contacted counterparts in Iran and Gulf states. According to Khan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sought assurances that Saudi territory would not be used for attacks against Iran. Dar subsequently obtained assurances from Riyadh, after which a reduction in the intensity of Iranian strikes was observed, Khan said. Islamabad maintained diplomatic contact with Tehran and reiterated its support. After the selection of a new Iranian supreme leader, Sharif sent congratulations and condolences over Khamenei’s death, gestures welcomed by Iranian authorities. At the same time, Pakistan assured Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that engagement with Iran would not come at the expense of longstanding strategic partnerships. Khan said Pakistan’s diplomacy was led from the front by Chief of Defense Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, combining military and civilian outreach to help stabilize the region and safeguard economic interests. Munir visited regional capitals, including Saudi Arabia, to reinforce security cooperation. During a recent visit with Sharif, he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia and for regional peace efforts. Earlier, on March 6, Munir met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss regional security and mutual defense measures in light of Iranian attacks, Khan said. Following the Saudi visit, Sharif held a lengthy conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Araghchi later thanked Pakistan for its support for the Iranian government and people, Khan added. Despite the regional turbulence, Islamabad maintained communication with Washington and avoided positions that could directly clash with the U.S. stance. Khan said Pakistan-U.S. relations have improved in recent years after periods of strain, and Islamabad was careful not to undermine renewed mutual trust during the conflict. China, he added, remained a “robust strategic pillar” in the background. Despite tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan managed to secure its energy supplies. Two tankers carrying Brent crude — Aframax Karachi and The Lahore — successfully transited the strait, with payments made in Chinese yuan. Khan said Pakistan was among the few countries permitted by Iran to move energy supplies through the waterway during heightened tensions. He also pointed to continued coordination with Russia, noting reports of alignment on regional matters. He cited a Russian government report issued 24 hours before Pakistani military operations in response to cross-border militancy from Afghanistan, which described Afghanistan as a safe haven for terrorists. Between tensions with Iran, the interests of Gulf states, scrutiny from the United States and China’s growing role, Pakistan navigated what Khan described as an environment filled with political rifts. Preserving strategic relationships while shielding the economy from external shocks, he said, is being viewed as a diplomatic masterstroke.