Mediator Pakistan says encouraging US, Iran to resume talks

Pakistan said Thursday its Islamabad-led effort to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States remains active, rejecting any suggestion that the mediation process has collapsed.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi made the remarks at the weekly briefing, stressing that diplomacy is still the only viable path forward.

What is the status of Pakistan's Iran-US peace process?

Andrabi said Pakistan condemned the region's escalation on July 8 and continues to believe there is no alternative to dialogue. He acknowledged the Islamabad memorandum of understanding is facing challenges but said Pakistan remains engaged with all relevant parties to find a peaceful resolution.

"The peace process never dies," Andrabi said, adding that the Burgenstock talks have become a template for future diplomacy. He said any party seeking de-escalation can return to that framework, and that the Islamabad understanding remains an ongoing process rather than a closed chapter.

What diplomatic outreach has Pakistan made on Iran-US tensions?

Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by phone with the Amir of Qatar and separately with the president of Iran on July 8, expressing concern over rising tensions in the region. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar followed up with calls to Iran's foreign minister on July 12 and Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on July 13.

The spokesperson said Pakistan remains in contact with Washington and has not stepped back from efforts to facilitate understanding between Iran and the United States. He said Pakistan's position is that negotiations must continue and that the peace process deserves every chance to succeed.

What other issues did Pakistan's Foreign Office address at the briefing?

Responding to questions on a child sexual abuse case in the United Kingdom, Andrabi condemned such crimes and said Pakistan denounces all abuse against children. He clarified that the individual in question had spent nearly his entire life in Britain, that the case falls under UK jurisdiction, and that Pakistan's government has no connection to him.

On Pakistan-Japan relations, Andrabi confirmed Islamabad summoned Japan's ambassador and issued a demarche over references to Pakistan in a recent Japan-India joint statement on cross-border terrorism. He said Pakistan raised its concerns through diplomatic channels while expressing confidence that Tokyo's broader policy toward Islamabad remains unchanged, adding that India routinely lobbies partner countries to include such references.

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