ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump said he hoped to avoid military action against Tehran despite escalating tensions, while Pakistan and Iran underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement to preserve regional peace.
In a telephone conversation on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian exchanged views on the evolving regional situation.
According to an official statement, both leaders stressed that dialogue and diplomacy were essential for peace, stability, and sustainability in the region.
Reflecting "close and fraternal ties," Sharif and Pezeshkian reaffirmed their commitment to maintain regular consultations and engagements through bilateral mechanisms to strengthen cooperation.
The diplomatic outreach came amid heightened rhetoric between Washington and Tehran.
Trump said he was already in contact with Iran and left open the possibility of talks. “I have had [talks] and I am planning on it,” he told reporters when asked whether he would engage Iran diplomatically.
Earlier, Trump warned that “time is running out” for Tehran to make a deal, while saying a US naval strike group deployed to the Middle East was “ready, willing and able” to act.
He had previously said a “massive armada” of US vessels was heading toward waters off Iran and could carry out its mission “with speed and violence, if necessary.”
Iran responded with sharp warnings.
An Iranian military spokesman said any US action would trigger an immediate and decisive response.
Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia told state television that Tehran’s reaction would not be limited, adding that US aircraft carriers had “serious vulnerabilities” and that American bases across the Gulf were “within the range of our medium-range missiles.”
“If such a miscalculation is made by the Americans, it will certainly not unfold the way Trump imagines,” Akraminia said, rejecting the idea of a quick operation followed by a rapid withdrawal.
As tensions rose, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for renewed nuclear negotiations to “avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region,” according to UN officials.
Concerns over the risk of escalation were echoed by regional officials.
A Gulf official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that fears of a US strike on Iran were “very clear,” warning that conflict would plunge the region into chaos, damage global markets and send oil and gas prices sharply higher.
Diplomatic activity also extended beyond Islamabad and Tehran.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President Pezeshkian held a phone call to discuss efforts “to de-escalate tensions and establish stability,” Qatar News Agency reported.
Meanwhile, pressure on Iran increased from Europe. The European Union designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a “terrorist organization,” citing a deadly crackdown on recent protests in Iran.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the designation was “overdue,” describing the Iranian authorities’ actions against protesters as brutal.
Iran’s military rejected the EU move, calling it “illogical, irresponsible and spite-driven,” and accused the bloc of acting in obedience to the US and Israel.
Iranian officials have blamed the recent wave of protests on foreign interference, claims rejected by Western governments.
Trump had earlier warned of possible military action if protesters were killed during demonstrations that erupted in late December last year and peaked in early January.
More recently, however, his focus has shifted to Iran’s nuclear programme, which Western governments believe is aimed at developing an atomic weapon. An allegation Tehran denies.
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