ISLAMABAD: Iran and US tension escalated after commander Soleimani killings in US air strike at an airport in Baghdad.
Pakistan urged Iran and the United States to exercise “maximum restraint” as tensions flared between the two countries following the killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani at an airport in Baghdad.
Foreign Office in a handout said Pakistan has “viewed with deep concern the recent developments in the Middle East”, adding that it could seriously threaten peace in the region.
Islamabad urged Iran and the US indirectly to “avoid unilateral actions and use of force”, and abide by the UN charter which lays emphasis on territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“All parties are urged to exercise maximum restraint, engage constructively to de-escalate the situation, and resolve issues through diplomatic means, in accordance with UN Charter and international law,” the statement reads.
Tens of thousands took to the streets in Tehran to shout slogans against the US for killing Soleimani, Geo reported.
The Pentagon said that US President Donald Trump had ordered the hit on Soleimani after a pro-Iran mob this week laid siege to the US embassy.
Declaring three days of mourning across the country, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to take “severe revenge” for Soleimani’s death.
Read more: Mike Pompeo phones Gen Bajwa to discuss killing of Soleimani
