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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates expressed deep concern over Israel’s escalating war with Iran, the foreign office said on Tuesday, as US President Donald Trump said he wanted a “real end” to Iran’s nuclear program and warned of potential new developments in the coming days.

The exchange between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, took place over a phone call, according to the official intimation.

The war between Iran and US ally Israel, which began on Friday when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, has alarmed a region already on edge since Israel’s military assault on Gaza began in October 2023.

Iran launched its own retaliatory missile attacks, targeting dozens of strategic sites in Israel, as civilian casualties mounted on both sides. There has been no sign of de-escalation so far, with both sides continuing to strike military and economic targets, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a call from the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” the foreign office of Pakistan said in a social media post.

“The two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation in the wake of Israel’s military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it added. “They expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and underscored the urgent need to support efforts for ensuring regional peace and stability.”

Earlier, Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from a Group of Seven summit in Canada.

He said he may send US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to Iran for talks, but added, “it depends on what happens when I get back.”

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, it’s very simple,” he continued, adding that he wanted a “real end” to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Tehran “giving up entirely” on any weapons program.

The US president also warned residents in Tehran to evacuate amid fears of further escalation, but remained vague about Israel’s next steps in the conflict.

“You’re going to find out over the next two days,” he said. “Nobody’s slowed up so far.”

With input from Reuters

KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir appreciated the economic contributions of overseas Pakistanis during an interaction with the community members from his country in Washington DC, according to a statement from the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Tuesday.

Munir is currently visiting the United States to strengthen bilateral military and strategic ties. This marks his second visit to the US since assuming charge as army chief in November 2022. His first visit was in December 2023, during which he met senior American civilian and military officials.

Pakistan and the United States have shared a defense relationship dating back to the Cold War era. Over the decades, Washington has worked closely with Pakistan’s military leadership and civilian governments on issues ranging from regional stability and counterterrorism to cooperation in Afghanistan.

“Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is on an official visit to United States,” the ISPR said. “During the visit, the COAS interacted with the Overseas Pakistani community in Washington DC. The COAS received a warm reception and welcome from the overseas Pakistanis, who gathered in large numbers to meet with the Chief of Army Staff.”

“During the interaction,” the statement added, “the COAS expressed his deep appreciation for the vital and most significant role being played by overseas Pakistanis for being ambassadors of Pakistan. He acknowledged their contributions to Pakistan’s economy, and global reputation by contributing actively through remittances, investments and higher achievements in other domains.”

The ISPR said members of the diaspora shared their experiences and suggestions during the engagement.

Munir emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with overseas Pakistanis, calling for collaborative efforts to address common challenges and support Pakistan’s development.

The participants of the gathering applauded the armed forces of Pakistan for the “outstanding performance” during the recent military standoff with India.

The interaction concluded with a “renewed sense of purpose and commitment,” the military said, adding that both sides pledged to work together toward a more secure and resilient Pakistan.

According to media reports over the weekend, supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan held a protest outside the Pakistan Embassy in Washington on Saturday, citing Munir’s presence in the US capital and calling for “restoration of democracy” in their home country.

Khan has been in prison since August 2023 following his arrest on corruption charges. He has consistently denied wrongdoing and claims the legal cases against him are politically motivated to keep him out of Pakistan’s political arena.

His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has accused the military of orchestrating his government’s ouster through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022.

PTI also alleged the move was carried out under pressure from the United States, a claim denied by all parties involved.