Pakistan to Continue Iran-US Mediation Amid Ongoing Challenges

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry Reiterates Commitment to Facilitating US-Iran Negotiations

Islamabad, Pakistan - The Pakistani government has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating negotiations between the United States and Iran, despite acknowledging “obstacles” in the process. According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tahir Andrabi, Pakistan will continue to work towards creating conditions for meaningful dialogue among relevant stakeholders.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump made a recent threat to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages” if it did not accept Washington’s terms for a peace deal. In response, Iranian officials have issued warnings and restrictions on oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to increased tensions in the region.

Pakistan has been actively involved in facilitating negotiations between the US and Iran, with 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz under an agreement reached with Iran. The spokesperson described this development as a “positive step” for regional stability.

High-level contact between Islamabad and Tehran has also been sustained, including a recent call between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders discussed the need to build trust in order to facilitate talks and mediation.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently returned from Beijing, where he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and secured a joint five-point initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire and urgent diplomatic engagement. The proposal has been shared with Iran, the US, and other stakeholders, receiving appreciation across the region.

The Pakistani government has formally offered to host direct US-Iran negotiations “in the coming days”, as part of its broader diplomatic outreach. Andrabi reiterated this offer at a media briefing in Islamabad, emphasizing the need for meaningful negotiations among relevant stakeholders.

Source: Al Jazeera