Any confrontation involving Iran to ignite wider regional crisis: Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday warned that any military confrontation involving Iran could ignite a wider regional crisis and devastate the global economy.

“Pakistan backed diplomacy over coercion and unilateral sanctions, calling dialogue the only viable path to stability”, he said, while speaking at a reception hosted by the embassy of Iran to mark the 47th Revolution Day of Iran.

Zardari said that any instability involving Iran, or any attempt to resolve issues through military means, would have serious repercussions.

He continued that such actions could destabilise the Gulf region, South Asia and Western Asia, undermine global peace, and cause serious harm to the global economy.

“The stakes are far too high for confrontation, but the need of the hour is to show restraint from all sides,” he added.

President Zardari maintained that Pakistan has always supported dialogue, diplomacy and strict adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter, instead of any confrontational approach. “We oppose unilateral sanctions and coercive measures against Iran, and strongly believe in peaceful engagement which best serves regional and global security.”

He said that Pakistan would appreciate any effort that is aimed at easing tensions and paves the way for dialogue among relevant stakeholders. He called for promotion of peace and stability in the region to avoid any destabilisation in the region. He said that Pakistan remains committed to cooperation on border management, counter-terrorism, and turning our shared frontier into a zone of cooperation, lawful trade and development.

President Zardari said that the region stands at a sensitive crossroads given the ongoing conflicts, terrorism, external interference and unresolved regional flashpoints continue to threaten stability. “Pakistan firmly believes that such challenges cannot be addressed through force or unilateral actions.”

Zardari extended warm congratulations to the leadership and people of Iran on the occasion of their 47th Revolution Day.

Earlier in his welcome address, Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam said that despite facing various external pressures and challenges, Iran has made remarkable progress in key sectors including technology, defence, science and the economy. He noted that the Iranian nation had consistently demonstrated resilience and self-reliance, turning challenges into opportunities and continuing its development journey with determination.

The ambassador reiterated that Iran did not seek war and believed in resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. However, he made it clear that if war was imposed, Iran would fully retaliate in defence of its sovereignty.

He also referred to the visit of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Iran during which multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed in various sectors.

He also expressed appreciation to the government and people of Pakistan for their support, particularly during Israeli aggression against Iran last year.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026