Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar underscored the critical importance of uninterrupted energy supplies
and safe and expeditious passage of ships
during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The conversation, held amid rising concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts and safeguard global trade routes.
Phone Call Focuses on Maritime Security
The discussion centered on the implications for developing countries and global supply chains,
with Dar stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means to ensure peace and stability in the region,
as reported by DAWN. The two officials agreed to meet in New York during the 81st UN General Assembly, signaling continued cooperation on regional security issues.
Before the Iran war started on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz typically handled about 125 large, commercial vessels per day, including tankers, gas carriers, bulkers and container vessels, accounting for some 20% of the world’s daily crude oil and liquefied natural gas supply. Reuters earlier this week reported that commodity vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz had fallen to a single digit per day at the weekend, preliminary shiptracking data showed on Monday, well below a 10-day average of 14. A US blockade of Iran-related shipping has halted Iranian crude oil exports since it was reimposed in mid-July.
In the Bab el-Mandeb strait, 24 and 27 commodity vessels travelled through respectively on Saturday and Sunday, tracking data showed, compared with an average of around 27 ships over the last 10 days, according to sources.
Houthi Attacks and Regional Concerns
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, condemned Houthi attacks on merchant shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, calling for an immediate cessation
that could have implications far beyond the affected regions, including by affecting energy prices and global food security,
according to DAWN. On Friday, Pakistan condemned Houthi attacks on merchant shipping in Bab al-Mandab and called for their immediate cessation. Ambassador Asim also linked Pakistan’s position on maritime security to its diplomatic efforts following the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the United States. Guided by these foundational principles, Pakistan acted as a mediator between Iran and the United States, following the outbreak of hostilities between the two countries,
he said.
The FO described the situation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait as exceptionally serious,
citing concerns over the widening conflict and its impact on regional stability. Pakistan has consistently urged dialogue and diplomacy, and not through coercive measures,
aligning with its role as a mediator between Iran and the United States following the outbreak of hostilities between the two nations.
Pakistan’s Mediation Role and Diplomatic Efforts
Iran’s interior ministry spokesperson, Ali Zeynivand, reiterated demands for the other party to adhere to its commitments in this agreement,
referring to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between Tehran and Washington in June. The fragile ceasefire, which collapsed in July after attacks on commercial ships in the Hormuz strait, remains a focal point for diplomatic negotiations. The FO described the situation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait as exceptionally serious
and said Islamabad was concerned about the widening conflict and its implications for regional stability and maritime security. It called for the Houthi conflict to be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy, and not through coercive measures.
Unresolved Tensions and Future Steps
Despite diplomatic efforts, the Houthi blockade and Iran’s strategic maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz continue to pose significant risks to global energy markets. The upcoming UN General Assembly meetings in New York will likely provide a platform for further discussions on maritime security and conflict resolution.
As the situation evolves, the international community remains watchful of developments in the region. Pakistan’s emphasis on dialogue and its role as a mediator highlight the delicate balance required to navigate escalating tensions while safeguarding global trade interests.