Pakistan and Kuwait Call for Peace Amid US-Iran Tensions

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated as fresh military strikes occurred over the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued warnings to countries hosting US forces, advising them to be 'prepared to receive a corresponding response'. This statement was reported by Iran's state television. On Saturday, both Pakistan and Kuwait urged the US and Iran to adhere to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last month, which aims to de-escalate regional tensions. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar communicated this message in a telephone call with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as reported by Pakistan's Foreign Office.

The renewed fighting has seen both nations exchanging strikes targeting military locations along with vital infrastructure. Qatar's Foreign Ministry has condemned Iran’s offensive actions, labelling them a 'flagrant violation' of sovereignty and an infringement of international law. They expressed concerns that these actions could complicate existing de-escalation efforts in the region.

Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, held discussions with his Emirati counterpart concerning the tense situation in the Persian Gulf, as reported by various Russian media outlets. Meanwhile, passenger train services resumed in the Iranian port town of Bandar Abbas, only days after US strikes damaged railway lines, according to local reports cited by Al Jazeera.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that the nation has suspended its commitments under the Islamabad MoU due to ongoing US attacks. He commented, 'The US has violated and suspended all its commitments within the framework of the Islamabad MoU.'

In related news, Iran executed a man found guilty of killing a security officer during unrest sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody in 2022. Valiollah Hayati, the deputy governor of Khuzestan, reported that US military actions in recent days targeted at least 95 locations in the province, claiming the strikes resulted in the deaths of eight civilians. The Health Ministry in Iran stated that, since US strikes began on July 6, at least 50 individuals have died, with over 500 others injured.

Kuwait’s government condemned the 'heinous Iranian aggression' against its territory, emphasizing the systematic targeting of civilian facilities, which jeopardises civilian safety. In addition, Jordan reported that its airspace had seen the downing of four drones within 24 hours, according to Al Jazeera.

The US Embassy in Beirut advised American citizens against travel to Lebanon and urged re-evaluation of travel through the Middle East, citing a volatile security environment.

The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation reported that one of its key oil facilities faced multiple Iranian strikes, resulting in injuries and significant damage. While details on specific casualties remain unclear, the state-run news agency stated that those injured received immediate medical attention, and response efforts were initiated with relevant state authorities. Ultimately, the ongoing hostilities underscore the fragility of peace in the region and raise concerns among neighbouring countries over potential further escalation.