ISLAMABAD (Realist English). Pakistan, acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, has confirmed that talks between the US and Iran are continuing despite the latest outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East. This was stated by Pakistani Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi at a weekly briefing in Islamabad.
“Talks between the sides are continuing, especially on issues relating to the Strait of Hormuz and de‑escalation,” Andrabi said.
Islamabad, according to him, is making “maximum efforts” to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table under the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” (MoU) signed last month.
The ‘Islamabad Memorandum’: a framework for dialogue
In April 2026, the US and Iran, with Pakistan’s mediation, concluded a ceasefire agreement and then signed the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.” The document provides for technical negotiations between the sides and serves as the foundation for the current diplomatic process.
However, as Andrabi noted, “the security situation in the Middle East remains worrying, despite the relative calm of the past few days, which revived hopes that this positive development would grow into a durable and fully observed ceasefire and open the way for dialogue.”
Pakistan is calling on the US and Iran to exercise “maximum restraint” and fully honour their commitments to resume technical negotiations in accordance with the Islamabad Memorandum and the joint statement of Pakistan and Qatar of 22 June.
Strait of Hormuz — the main flashpoint
Particular attention in the Pakistani Foreign Ministry’s statement was devoted to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz – the strategic waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes. It is the normalisation of the situation in the strait, according to Andrabi, that is one of the key objectives of the ongoing talks.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have agreed on close cooperation to maintain regional peace and ensure uninterrupted lawful maritime trade through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic efforts at all levels
Islamabad has stepped up diplomatic work at all levels. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar maintains constant contact with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. A visit by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister also took place.
As Andrabi reported, Pakistan is participating in joint mediation efforts with Qatar and Oman. The Deputy Prime Minister took part in a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan, where he held a number of bilateral meetings, including discussions with a US Congressional delegation.
“We are doing everything possible to bring all sides back to the Islamabad Memorandum,” Andrabi stressed. “Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable way forward.”
Regional context and risks
Pakistan expressed concern over the situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, condemning attacks by “non‑state actors” on Saudi Arabia and affirming Riyadh’s right to self‑defence.
As Anadolu Agency notes, the latest clashes have cast doubt on the future of the April ceasefire agreement. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the US is exchanging messages with Tehran through intermediaries, including Pakistan and Qatar.
Pakistan continues to insist on a diplomatic solution. As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated, “technical negotiations between Iran and the US under the Islamabad Memorandum will usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity throughout the region.”
However, as Islamabad acknowledges, the fragile calm could be broken at any moment. The future of the talks depends on whether Washington and Tehran are ready to return to fulfilling their commitments. Pakistan, for its part, intends to continue its mediation efforts, striving to prevent the region from sliding into full‑scale war.
