Pakistan Reaffirms Open Mediation Channel Between Washington and Tehran
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Pakistan‘s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that its role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran is ongoing, and the 60-day period stipulated in a memorandum of understanding may be extended. The ministry underscored its focus on reducing tensions and bringing the parties back to the negotiating table.
Tahir Andrabi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at his weekly press briefing in Islamabad that Pakistan is in contact with all regional brothers, including the parties involved in the Islamabad understanding. He emphasized that their efforts are concentrated on de-escalation and returning parties to negotiations.
Andrabi further highlighted Pakistan’s vigilance against direct and indirect disruptive elements, aiming to pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. He referred to the recent visit of Pakistan’s Interior Minister to Tehran and his meetings with senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that the visit was part of ongoing bilateral consultations to strengthen relations and security cooperation.
He added that the visit by Nakvi provides a new opportunity to contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region. Andrabi declined to comment on the specific nature of the message conveyed by Nakvi to Iranian officials, stating that they do not speculate on such matters but are confident that such messages are inherently related to regional peace. He reiterated that the visit by Pakistan’s Interior Minister was also within a bilateral framework, involving constructive consultations with Iranian counterparts.
The spokesperson confirmed that no specific dates are set for the next Islamabad round of talks. Official invitations have been extended by Pakistan to the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran. He believes that any Islamabad-2 negotiations will depend on the decision of the negotiating parties.
He expressed continued optimism, stating that maintaining hope is crucial for the mediation process and for persuading parties toward peace and conflict resolution. Responding to a question about a joint pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, the spokesperson mentioned that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister has held important phone conversations with his regional counterparts, including the Foreign Ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the nature of this pact is defensive.
Regarding the developments in Yemen and the formation of a so-called maritime coalition led by Saudi Arabia, to which Islamabad has joined, the spokesperson stated that recent incidents in the Bab al-Mandab strait, including the deaths of three Pakistanis in a recent Red Sea attack, compel Pakistan to pursue these events more seriously. He confirmed that Pakistan is in communication with Saudi counterparts on this matter. He also announced an upcoming visit by the Foreign Minister of Bahrain to Pakistan.
