Pakistan asks Iran and US to build on understandings reached under Islamabad MoU

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has stressed the need to carry forward the understandings reached between Iran and the United States under the Islamabad MoU during talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, where the two sides reviewed bilateral ties and discussed the changing regional situation, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

The Foreign Office said Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep concern over recent regional tensions and underscored the importance of dialogue, restraint, de-escalation by all parties and continued diplomatic engagement to secure lasting peace and stability. He also emphasised the need to build on the understandings reached under the June 2026 Islamabad MoU.

According to the statement, the Pakistani and Iranian foreign ministers reaffirmed the close and longstanding relationship between their countries and agreed to remain in close contact through regular consultations on matters of mutual interest. The two sides also reiterated their commitment to working together for regional peace, stability and shared prosperity.

Iran appreciates Pakistan’s support

The Foreign Office said Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s continued diplomatic backing and its constructive role in efforts aimed at regional peace and security. He also thanked Pakistan for helping facilitate the safe return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including individuals from vessels interdicted by the United States.

According to the statement, the Iranian foreign minister also acknowledged Pakistan’s coordination with Iranian, US and other relevant authorities to ensure the safe transit of those individuals through Pakistan and their onward return to Iran.

Regional tensions in focus

The meeting came against the backdrop of renewed tensions in the Gulf, with Iran and the United States facing a fresh standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has raised concerns about the future of the interim arrangement reached under the Islamabad MoU last month.

Regional anxiety has also grown over threats to maritime security and energy supplies. The latest concerns follow claims by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis that they carried out missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and warned of a blockade of Saudi ports, heightening fears of wider disruption to major shipping lanes and global oil markets.

The Dar-Araghchi meeting also followed Pakistan’s recent diplomatic outreach on regional security and maritime stability after the Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers increased concern over the safety of key commercial sea routes.

A day earlier, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had agreed to maintain close coordination in support of regional peace, security and the uninterrupted flow of lawful maritime commerce. That understanding was reached during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in which the prime minister strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi oil tankers.