Iran confict: US sought Pakistan's help, says Dr Moeed Yusuf

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division Dr Moeed Yusuf. Photo: File

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division Dr Moeed Yusuf has said the United States has sought Pakistan’s help to defuse tensions in its conflict with Iran.

“Washington asking Islamabad to play a role in the Middle East row shows Pakistan’s international standing as a peacemaker," Yusuf said while speaking to Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath.

The situation in the Gulf region escalated after Iran, in retaliation to the killing of its military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone attack last week, fired missiles at US bases in Iraq on Tuesday night.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper had made phone calls to Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa in the past few days to discuss the conflict.

Read also: PM Imran calls for de-escalation, says Pakistan will not be part of conflict

General Bajwa told the US officials that the region cannot afford another war and dialogue is the only way forward.

Yusuf added that Pakistan has made its stance very clear to the US that we don’t want conflict here. “We hope that the situation would de-escalate. PM Imran has instructed the foreign minister and army chief to approach major countries,” he said.

“Pakistan is trying to play the role of a mediator for the sake of peace in the region and no Muslim country other than Pakistan could do that,” Yusaf added.

‘Won’t become part of new war now’

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday asked Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to visit Iran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US to convey the message that Pakistan was ready to play its role for peace, but it would never again be a part of any war.

Read also: Gen Bajwa speaks to US defence secretary, urges Washington and Tehran to 'avoid rhetoric'

The prime minister also asked the army chief to contact relevant military leaders of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the US to convey the same message.

“I have asked FM Qureshi to visit Iran, KSA and USA to meet with respective foreign ministers, Secretary of State; and COAS Gen Bajwa to contact relevant military leaders to convey a clear message: Pakistan is ready to play its role for peace but it can never again be part of any war,” the prime minister had said in a tweet.

US 'ready to embrace peace’: Trump

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday pulled back from the brink of war with Iran on Wednesday, saying that Tehran appeared to be "standing down" after firing missiles — without causing casualties — at US troops based in Iraq.

In a televised address to the nation from the White House, Trump emphasised there were "no Americans harmed" in the ballistic missile salvo aimed at two bases.

Read also: Trump says Iran standing down, US 'ready to embrace peace'

While he promised to immediately impose "punishing" new economic sanctions on Tehran, Trump welcomed signs the Islamic republic "appears to be standing down" in the tit-for-tat confrontation.

He also offered peace to Iran, saying Tehran was "standing down" after missile strikes on US troop bases in Iraq that resulted in no American or Iraqi deaths.