Pakistan Making ‘Utmost Efforts’ to Bring US, Iran Back to Islamabad MoU: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is continuing its diplomatic efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in an attempt to reduce regional tensions and restart dialogue.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Ambassador Tahir Andrabi expressed concern over the fragile security situation between Iran and the United States.

“Despite the relative calm witnessed in recent days, which rekindled hopes that the positive development would consolidate into a durable and fully respected ceasefire and pave the way for dialogue, the situation remains precarious,” he said.

The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan believes dialogue and diplomacy are the only practical ways to resolve the ongoing tensions.

“Amid the prevailing hostilities, Pakistan reiterates that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward,” Andrabi said.

He said Pakistan remains actively involved in diplomatic efforts and will continue working to support a ceasefire and help restart talks between Iran and the United States.

According to Andrabi, negotiations are continuing to improve the situation, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, while efforts are also being made to reduce tensions in the region.

“We are making utmost efforts to bring the parties back to the Islamabad MoU so that all irritants can be addressed in the spirit of the agreement and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement issued on June 22,” he said.

Pakistan has also urged all sides to show maximum restraint and respect their commitment to resume technical-level talks aimed at implementing the Islamabad MoU.

The Foreign Office spokesperson also mentioned a recent telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the call, both leaders agreed to continue working together to promote peace and stability in the region.

The two leaders also discussed the importance of ensuring the uninterrupted movement of lawful maritime trade through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

Andrabi further said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on June 28. The two officials discussed the worsening situation in Palestine, condemned Israeli actions and stressed the need for joint diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and security.

Pakistan’s latest diplomatic efforts come as tensions between the United States and Iran have increased again.

On Thursday, the US military launched what it described as a “heavy wave of strikes” against Iran. The attacks were carried out in response to what Washington said was Tehran’s targeting of US military bases in Jordan. The strikes marked a major escalation after almost a week of relative calm.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported attacks in several locations in the southwestern province of Khuzestan and on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf.

According to provincial authorities quoted by IRNA, areas around Abadan, Shadegan, Arvandkenar and Ahvaz were among those hit.

The conflict also appears to be spreading across the region. On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia and the United States announced that they had carried out strikes against militant bases in Iraq, adding to concerns about a wider regional escalation.