Key facts
- Pakistan and China are urging Iran and the US to end violence and resume talks.
- A memorandum of understanding (MoU) previously brokered is facing implementation challenges.
- Pakistan's UN Ambassador called for renewed diplomacy at the UN Security Council to prevent escalation.
- US President Donald Trump confirmed Iran requested continued talks, which the US agreed to.
- The mediated agreement reportedly includes an end to military operations and US withdrawal of forces near Iran.
- A signing ceremony for the agreement is scheduled for Friday in Geneva.
China and Pakistan are jointly urging Iran and the United States to cease hostilities and resume peace talks, citing challenges in implementing a previously mediated memorandum of understanding. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan's UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad emphasized the need for renewed diplomacy at the UN Security Council to prevent further regional instability, stating that a cycle of violence serves no one's interest. US President Donald Trump confirmed that Iran had requested continued talks, to which the US agreed, noting that a previously secured ceasefire was 'over.' The mediated agreement, reportedly facilitated with contributions from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and China, 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. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credited Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for his role in sustaining negotiations, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their efforts. A signing ceremony for the agreement is scheduled for Friday in Geneva.