Rana Sanaullah shared details of an in-camera meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In the meeting, military leaders briefed political parties about the fast-changing situation in the Middle East, the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and diplomatic efforts.

Sanaullah said participants supported Iran’s right to respond to Israel. However, they agreed that Iran’s reaction should not target Gulf countries.

He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed the meeting about his talks with several countries, especially Gulf states, to calm the situation.

Also Read: Pakistan seeks alternative oil route after Strait of Hormuz closure

According to Sanaullah, Dar conveyed that Iran has indicated it would not attack Saudi Arabia if Riyadh assures that its land will not be used for any action against Tehran. He described Pakistan’s talks with Iran and other countries as “quite positive”.

Sanaullah said Pakistan is playing the role of a bridge between Iran and Saudi Arabia. He also reminded that Pakistan’s military and political leadership had helped in past negotiations with Iran.

He warned that the war was “imposed” on Iran and could continue for a long time. He said the United States may have expected Iran to step back after the first major strike and accept all conditions, but the situation is not so simple.

The conflict began after joint attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. Since then, more than 1,045 people have been killed across Iran, according to Islamic Republic News Agency.

Also Read: Netanyahu targets Iran to divert global attention from Gaza, says Khawaja Asif

The agency quoted Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs as saying that “1,045 of our dear military personnel and civilians” lost their lives during the attacks.

The rising death toll has increased fear across the region. Many worry that if Iran and Saudi Arabia come face to face, the conflict could spread across the Gulf.