ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday urged the United States and Iran to de-escalate immediately and honour the Islamabad MoU after both sides renewed missile and drone attacks across the Gulf.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region.
The Foreign Office called on all sides to exercise restraint and take immediate steps towards de-escalation. It said Pakistan remained ready to support lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
The statement followed a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi.
Dar told Araghchi that diplomacy remained the only viable way to resolve disputes and secure regional stability. He urged all parties to act in line with the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, while both ministers agreed to remain in contact.
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The appeal came after Iran launched missiles and drones at United States facilities in Gulf states and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. United States and Iranian forces had already resumed attacks after the interim ceasefire broke down.
President Donald Trump had declared the truce over during the previous week but left open the possibility of further negotiations. Regional mediators have continued efforts to prevent a wider conflict and revive talks.
The United States and Iran signed the Islamabad MoU on June 18, with Pakistan and Qatar facilitating its implementation and subsequent negotiations.
