Pakistan urges US and Iran to end strikes, resume talks

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged the United States and Iran to immediately halt retaliatory military strikes and resume technical-level negotiations, warning that continued hostilities threaten regional stability and imperil global energy supplies.

Call for immediate de-escalation

Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi told reporters in Islamabad that Pakistan "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." He said the government remains engaged with key interlocutors to lower tensions, adding that "ultimately, all conflicts and disputes are resolved through dialogue at the negotiating table" rather than through military means.

Islamabad memorandum under strain

The appeal comes as Washington and Tehran continue exchanging missile fire amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, more than four months after hostilities began on Feb. 28. The US and Iranian presidents signed the Islamabad memorandum last month, establishing a 60-day window for technical talks toward a permanent end to the war.

Andrabi acknowledged that implementation "is facing challenges," but stressed that the pact "remains an enduring framework for promoting peace, mutual respect and shared prosperity." Pakistan and Qatar previously mediated talks between US and Iranian negotiators in Switzerland following the interim deal's signing.

Maritime blockade hits Global South

Andrabi warned that the blockade is hitting developing nations hardest, disrupting energy supplies and threatening food security worldwide. "Many countries, particularly those from the Global South, are being adversely affected by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz," he said, noting Islamabad's concern over impacts on maritime navigation and trade flows.

While Iran maintains control over the strategic chokepoint, the US has reinstated its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The spokesman said Pakistan will continue encouraging all parties to end violence and resume talks in line with the June 22 Pakistan-Qatar joint statement.