ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Wednesday urged the US and Iran to exercise restraint amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, urging both parties to adhere to their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure regional stability.
The foreign office’s statement came hours after US President Donald Trump announced Washington was likely to launch new strikes on Iran Wednesday night following attacks by Tehran on US bases in the Gulf. Trump’s sharp response came after Iran targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The attacks further undermined a shaky ceasefire agreement and dented hopes of turning the Islamabad MoU signed on June 17 into a permanent peace deal to end the war, which began with US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28.
“Pakistan calls on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that may further undermine regional peace and stability,” the foreign office said. “There is no alternative to continued engagement, dialogue and diplomacy to achieve shared goal of peace in the region.”
Pakistan expressed its “deep concern” at the escalation in tensions, warning that a renewed conflict is in “no one’s interest.”
“Pakistan urges all sides to uphold their respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which remains an enduring foundation for understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the region and beyond,” it added.
The foreign office said Islamabad remains “ready to continue playing its role” for peace between the two sides.
Pakistan was instrumental in brokering the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran in April. Days later, Islamabad hosted the first round of peace talks between the two sides which failed to achieve a breakthrough.
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to ensure peace achieved a breakthrough in June when both sides signed the Islamabad MoU. The agreement provides a 60-day period for the US and Iran to reach a negotiated settlement.
Tensions between both sides persist over Iran’s nuclear program, the lifting of sanctions against Tehran and control over the Strait of Hormuz passageway. Iran has virtually closed the strait for commercial vessels since the conflict began in February, allowing very few to pass through.
The closure of the strait created global oil supply shocks, pushing oil prices higher and creating inflationary pressures worldwide.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki called on Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar earlier during the day to discuss regional tensions, Pakistan’s foreign office said in a separate statement.
Both emphasized advancing collective efforts aimed at facilitating dialogue and diplomacy, the foreign office said.
“The Ambassador conveyed appreciation for Pakistan’s continued efforts for regional peace and security, including through R-4 and Pakistan’s leading role in mediating the Islamabad MoU,” the statement said.
