Pakistan, Sept. 3 -- The multinational Combined Maritime Forces began on Wednesday its operational phase from its command headquarters, Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said. The ministry said Pakistan's Commodore Rashid Sheikh has assumed his duties as deputy commander of the coalition, alongside liaison officers from several member states. Liaison officers from countries undergoing procedures to join the coalition are also being assigned to the command headquarters, the ministry said.

Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that Islamabad remained "hopeful" despite recent escalations between the US and Iran and would continue to strive for dialogue and diplomacy.

Asked about the ongoing conflict and the status ...