Pakistan urges US, Iran to end violence, resume technical-level talks

Pakistan on Thursday called on the US and Iran to end retaliatory military strikes and violence, and resume technical-level talks as part of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding.

Addressing a weekly press briefing, FM spokesperson Tahir Andrabi noted that the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran last month was “facing challenges”.

He affirmed that “Pakistan will continue to encourage all sides to end violence and resume technical-level talks in accordance” with the MoU and the joint statement issued by mediators Pakistan and Qatar on June 20 following the direct talks in Switzerland.

“We hope all parties will remain committed to the path of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving their outstanding issues,” Andrabi added.

“As hostilities have continued over the past week, Pakistan reiterates its call, on all parties, to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could further undermine peace and stability,” Tahir Andrabi told.

Pakistan, he said, “firmly believes that there is no alternative to sustained engagement, dialogue and diplomacy in pursuit of the shared objectives of lasting peace, stability and progress.”

“Ultimately, all conflicts and disputes are resolved through dialogue at the negotiating table,” said Tahir, adding that Pakistan remained engaged with key interlocutors to lower the tensions.

The statement from Pakistan, which has been the main mediator since the war began on Feb. 28, comes as the US and Iran continue to fire missiles amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.