ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has rejected reports suggesting that it has stepped back from efforts to facilitate peace between Iran and the United States, stressing that its diplomatic engagement and mediation initiatives remain active.

During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan continues to believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable path to resolving regional tensions.

Mediation Efforts Still Underway

Responding to reports that Pakistan had withdrawn from its mediation role, Andrabi dismissed the impression and said the peace process had not ended.

“Although tensions are currently prevailing, we remain hopeful that the spirit of peace and negotiations will ultimately succeed,” he said.

He emphasized that peace initiatives may experience temporary pauses during periods of heightened conflict but are never abandoned altogether.

“The peace process never truly ends. It may face temporary setbacks, but dialogue remains the only sustainable solution,” he added.

Islamabad Memorandum Still Valid

The spokesperson said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains an effective and workable framework for future negotiations between Iran and the United States.

According to Andrabi, once both sides choose to move away from confrontation, the Islamabad framework can facilitate the return to meaningful dialogue.

“The Islamabad Memorandum has neither expired nor become ineffective. Its significance remains intact,” he stated.

He also referred to the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Communiqué of June 22, describing it as a practical roadmap for implementing future peace efforts and technical-level negotiations.

Pakistan Reaffirms Longstanding Position

The Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan’s position, first outlined on February 27, remains unchanged.

According to Andrabi, Pakistan has consistently:

• Condemned armed attacks against any sovereign state.
• Called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
• Maintained that disputes should be resolved exclusively through dialogue and negotiations.

He stressed that all parties involved in the conflict would eventually have to return to the negotiating table.

“Peace, mutual respect, and shared prosperity remain the foundation of the Islamabad Memorandum,” he said.

Concern Over Strait of Hormuz

The spokesperson also expressed concern over the impact of regional tensions on global energy markets, international trade, and food security.

He said restoring normal conditions in the Strait of Hormuz is essential.

“It is imperative to ensure the early restoration of normalcy, freedom of navigation, and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz,” Andrabi said.

He noted that Pakistan depends on uninterrupted maritime trade through the strategic waterway, particularly for petroleum imports and commercial shipping.

Pakistan Calls for Restraint

The Foreign Office urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.

According to Andrabi, Pakistan remains deeply concerned about renewed tensions between Iran and the United States and continues to monitor developments closely.

He reiterated that dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiations remain the only sustainable path toward lasting peace and regional stability.

“Conflict serves no one’s interests. Pakistan will continue encouraging all sides to avoid war and pursue peaceful solutions,” he said.

Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement

The spokesperson said Pakistan has remained in continuous diplomatic contact with key regional countries to support de-escalation efforts.

He revealed that on July 10, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate telephone conversations with:

• Qatar’s Amir, during which he expressed concern over regional tensions, conveyed solidarity with Qatar following recent attacks, and emphasized restraint by all parties.
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the urgent need to restore peace and stability while urging all sides to avoid further escalation.

According to Andrabi, the Amir of Qatar appreciated Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role in promoting regional peace.

Pakistan-US Trade Talks Continue

Responding to questions on bilateral economic relations, the Foreign Office confirmed that trade negotiations between Pakistan and the United States are ongoing.

The spokesperson said the talks have made significant progress and aim to expand bilateral trade while diversifying Pakistan’s exports.

He noted that both countries have narrowed differences on several issues and increased consensus on areas of mutual interest.

“Our communication channels remain open, and trade negotiations with the United States will continue,” Andrabi said.

Pakistan maintains that sustained diplomacy, regional cooperation, and peaceful negotiations remain essential for resolving disputes and ensuring long-term stability in the Middle East.