Pakistan has called on all involved parties to adhere to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), warning that any disruption to the diplomatic process would complicate efforts to resolve the Iran nuclear issue and other pending concerns through negotiations. This appeal was made during a briefing on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231 by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.
Ambassador Ahmad expressed serious concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the region, describing the situation as detrimental to all parties involved. His remarks came amid renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, alongside disputes concerning the ceasefire agreement reached last month, which have placed additional strain on diplomatic initiatives.
In a notable development, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran had agreed to continue talks but declared the previous ceasefire null and void. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that while Iran requested ongoing negotiations and the US consented, the ceasefire was officially over.
During the UN briefing, Pakistan urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid actions that might further destabilize regional peace and security. Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that the ongoing cycle of violence and instability must be halted to ensure the well-being of the region and international community alike.
He stressed the importance of restoring normalcy and bringing all parties back to the negotiating table, asserting that there is no substitute for continued dialogue, engagement, and diplomacy. Pakistan reaffirmed its support for peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues, including the Iran nuclear matter, through sustained diplomatic efforts.
Ambassador Ahmad highlighted that the Islamabad MoU, signed the previous month, provides a practical framework for addressing unresolved issues through negotiation and achieving a mutually acceptable agreement. He warned that any interruption in this diplomatic process would only complicate the situation further.
Pakistan urged all parties to honor their commitments under the MoU, which Ahmad described as a lasting foundation for mutual understanding, respect, and shared prosperity extending beyond the region.
President Trump’s statements followed a week marked by intensified conflict, including attacks on commercial tankers, US strikes on Iranian targets, and retaliatory Iranian strikes on US military positions in Gulf states. Meanwhile, regional mediators have persisted in their efforts to revive diplomacy, with Qatari negotiators engaging Iranian officials to discuss de-escalation measures and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
At the Security Council, Ambassador Ahmad noted that Pakistan, alongside its partners, has been actively involved in constructive diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting de-escalation, ceasefire adherence, and broader regional stability. He expressed optimism about expert-level discussions held to date and the positive progress achieved on aspects of the Islamabad MoU.
He cautioned against any actions or rhetoric that could lead to misunderstandings during these sensitive negotiations, urging all parties to focus their efforts on advancing the implementation of the MoU. Pakistan remains committed to pursuing the MoU’s objectives, a comprehensive final agreement, and the promotion of peace and security in the region and beyond.
