Portugal supports Pakistan's mediation efforts amid Iran war

Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel held a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar on Monday and voiced support for Pakistan's mediation efforts in resolving the Middle East conflict amid US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

"Portugal expressed its full support for Pakistan's mediation and negotiation efforts, as well as those of other friendly countries in the region," the Portuguese Foreign Ministry announced on the US social media platform X.

The ministry's statement added that Rangel also praised the "intense coordination of the Pakistani government with the international community, sharing serious concern over the global economic consequences of the conflict and its humanitarian repercussions."

Last month, Dar said Islamabad would be “honored” to host talks between the US and Iran as part of broader mediation efforts. The South Asian country also hosted a quadrilateral foreign ministers’ meeting.

The US and Israel have maintained an air offensive on Iran since Feb. 28, killing over 1,400 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.