Pakistan Calls on Washington and Tehran to Exercise Restraint and Adhere to Memorandum of Understanding

SadaNews - Pakistan urged the United States and Iran to exercise the utmost restraint and fulfill their commitments under the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," warning that continued escalation could undermine security and stability in the region, and emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only means to achieve peace.

The Pakistani stance comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, after Washington launched strikes targeting more than 80 sites inside Iran, while Tehran announced retaliatory attacks and threatened to completely close the Strait of Hormuz if it faced new U.S. attacks.

Additionally, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern in a statement on Wednesday regarding the escalation of regional tensions, stressing that "renewed conflict does not serve the interests of any party." It called on all parties to refrain from any actions that could increase tensions or undermine regional peace and stability, affirming that there is no alternative to continued engagement and dialogue to achieve the shared goal of establishing peace.

The statement urged "all parties to adhere to their commitments outlined in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," considering it "a solid foundation for mutual understanding, respect, and shared prosperity, both regionally and beyond," while also assuring its readiness to continue playing its role in this regard.

Renewed Escalation

For his part, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the recent escalation "will end quickly," expressing his belief that war "will not break out again," but at the same time hinted at the possibility of more severe military strikes if Iranian attacks continue, confirming that the U.S. move was in response to the targeting of three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite his confrontational tone, Trump indicated that U.S. negotiators could continue talks with Iran if Tehran wished, adding, referring to the ceasefire agreement: "I think it’s over."

Trump accused Iran of violating the agreement, describing Iranian officials as "deceivers," and asserting that the United States "has eliminated the Iranian Air Force" during recent military operations.