Key facts
- Pakistan is urging Iran and the US to end violence and resume talks under a mediated memorandum of understanding (MoU).
- The implementation of the MoU is facing challenges, according to Pakistan's foreign office.
- Pakistan's UN Ambassador called for renewed diplomacy at the UN Security Council to prevent further escalation.
- US President Donald Trump confirmed that Iran requested continued talks, which the US agreed to.
- The mediated agreement includes an immediate and permanent end to military operations and US withdrawal of forces near Iran.
Pakistan is actively mediating and urging de-escalation between Iran and the United States amidst ongoing tensions. Tahir Andrabi, Pakistan's foreign office spokesman, stated that despite challenges in implementing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) brokered last month, Pakistan will continue to encourage all parties to cease violence and resume technical-level discussions.
At the UN Security Council, Pakistan's UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad echoed these sentiments, expressing deep concern over rising regional tensions and calling for renewed diplomacy to prevent further instability. He emphasized that a cycle of violence is in no one's interest and that continued engagement, dialogue, and diplomacy are essential for peace and stability.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that Iran had requested to continue talks and that the US had agreed, while also noting that the previously secured ceasefire was "over." The framework deal, announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reportedly includes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations and a US commitment to lift its naval blockade of Iran and withdraw forces within 30 days.
Sharif credited Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for his crucial role in keeping the negotiations alive during difficult moments. He also acknowledged the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, as well as international partners including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and China, for their contributions to the mediation process.