Saudi Interior Minister Praises Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role in Middle East Tensions

Mina, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Saud on Tuesday praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East during a meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

According to an official statement issued by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, the two leaders exchanged Eidul Adha greetings and conveyed good wishes during the meeting. The Saudi minister also congratulated Mohsin Naqvi on performing Hajj.

During the talks, Saudi Arabia acknowledged Pakistan’s mediation efforts following escalating hostilities that erupted after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, which were followed by retaliatory Iranian strikes and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan has played an active diplomatic role in efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad reportedly brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8 and later hosted direct talks between the two sides on April 11 and 12.

Although the negotiations did not result in a permanent agreement, Pakistan continued diplomatic and backchannel efforts to narrow differences between the two countries.

The meeting between the Saudi and Pakistani interior ministers also featured detailed discussions on bilateral relations, internal security cooperation, and the latest regional developments.

According to the statement, both sides agreed that 200 personnel from Pakistan’s Federal Constabulary Special Diplomatic Protection Unit would receive training in Saudi Arabia.

The statement further noted that a high-level delegation from the Saudi Ministry of Interior is expected to visit Pakistan soon to expand bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

Mohsin Naqvi also praised the Saudi government for its excellent arrangements and management during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, regional tensions remained high after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reportedly targeted a US airbase following American strikes on an Iranian drone operation near the Strait of Hormuz.

The renewed escalation has raised concerns over the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while global oil prices have surged amid fears of prolonged instability in the region.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that an end to the conflict is near, though he recently indicated that Washington was not yet satisfied with negotiations involving Iran and was not discussing sanctions relief.