Pakistan optimistic as US-Iran diplomatic channel remains open, urges immediate reopening of Strait of Hormuz

Pakistan's Foreign Office said Thursday that diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran remain active, with Islamabad expressing cautious optimism about a peaceful settlement.

Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed Pakistan is in contact with both sides and continues facilitating dialogue on the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional tensions.

What is Pakistan's role in US-Iran diplomatic talks?

Pakistan is serving as a mediator between the US and Iran, maintaining contact with both parties while keeping the specifics confidential.

Islamabad is actively facilitating the exchange of proposals and counterproposals, with Andrabi stating that "the clock on diplomacy has not stopped."

Pakistan has called for direct communication between Washington and Tehran as the next step toward resolution.

Why is Pakistan calling for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen?

Andrabi described the Strait of Hormuz as a vital route for international shipping and called for its immediate reopening. The waterway handles a significant share of global seaborne oil, making its closure a direct threat to energy markets and trade.

Pakistan's call reflects broader international concern, including pressure from the United Nations, over the economic consequences of continued disruption.

Andrabi added that both new and previous proposals are under discussion through interlocutors, alongside internal deliberations by both parties.

He noted that momentum in negotiations tends to build as proposals move back and forth, and welcomed the prospect of direct talks. Pakistan has refrained from disclosing details out of respect for the trust placed in Islamabad as a mediator.

How did Pakistan respond to Afghan allegations of cross-border strikes?

Andrabi flatly rejected recent Afghan government claims that Pakistan carried out strikes in areas including Kunar, calling the allegations "blatant lies" intended to generate sympathy.

He described a subsequent diplomatic démarche by Kabul as propaganda designed to shield terrorist groups allegedly operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan's position, he said, is clear: Afghan territory must not be used to launch attacks against Pakistan or its citizens, in line with international law.

The spokesperson clarified that any understanding reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan should not be interpreted as a conventional ceasefire. Rather, it represents a commitment by both sides to prevent cross-border terrorism. He said this principle was the central agenda during talks held in Urumqi.

What is Pakistan's position on India's moves in Ladakh?

Pakistan strongly condemned India's decision to create new administrative districts in Ladakh, with Andrabi reiterating that Islamabad does not recognize the region as Indian territory.

He rejected any unilateral attempts to alter Ladakh's status and described the move as legally and politically untenable. Pakistan's position on the disputed region remains unchanged, he said.

Andrabi closed by reaffirming Pakistan's hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly the US-Iran track, would produce lasting peace and stability across the region.

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