Pakistan urges restraint and support for Islamabad MoU amid US-Iran tensions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has urged the United States, Iran and other relevant parties to adhere to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and avoid steps that could further inflame tensions, as renewed hostilities put pressure on diplomatic efforts related to the Iran nuclear issue and other unresolved matters.

Speaking at a United Nations briefing on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, voiced concern over the latest escalation in the region and said it was not in anyone’s interest. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN, he called on all sides to show restraint and refrain from actions that could damage regional peace and stability.

The appeal came against the backdrop of fresh strains between Washington and Tehran and disputes surrounding last month’s ceasefire. US President Donald Trump said the two sides had agreed to continue talks, while also declaring that the ceasefire reached last month was no longer in effect.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!

At the UN briefing, Ahmad said the cycle of violence and instability needed to end in the interest of regional and international peace, security and prosperity. He said every effort should be made to restore normal conditions and return the parties to negotiations, adding that there was no substitute for continued engagement, dialogue and diplomacy.

Pakistan backs negotiated settlement

Pakistan reiterated its support for addressing all outstanding issues, including the Iran nuclear question, through peaceful means, diplomatic engagement and sustained dialogue. Ahmad said the Islamabad MoU, signed last month, provided a viable roadmap for resolving pending issues through negotiations and reaching a mutually acceptable settlement.

He warned that any disruption to the diplomatic track would make the matter more difficult. Pakistan also urged all sides to honour their respective commitments under the MoU, which Ahmad described as a durable basis for understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.

Ahmad told the Security Council that Pakistan, together with its partners, had been involved in constructive diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation, ceasefire support and broader regional stability. He said Pakistan was encouraged by the expert-level talks held so far and by what he called positive progress on elements of the Islamabad MoU.

The cycle of violence and instability must end for the good of regional and international peace, security and prosperity,

He also urged caution in both actions and public messaging as sensitive negotiations continue, saying efforts should remain focused on advancing implementation of the Islamabad MoU. He added that Pakistan would continue working toward the objectives of the understanding, a comprehensive final agreement, and the promotion of peace and security in the region and beyond.

Regional diplomacy under strain

Trump’s comments followed a week of renewed conflict that included attacks on commercial tankers, US strikes on Iranian sites and Iranian strikes on US military sites in Gulf states. Reuters reported that regional mediators remained engaged in efforts to revive diplomacy, with Qatari negotiators meeting Iranian officials to discuss de-escalation and the Strait of Hormuz.