Pakistani authorities, a country that has acted as a central mediator between the United States and Iran in the preliminary agreement to stop hostilities, expressed this Wednesday their "concern" about the increase in military tensions between Washington and Tehran. At the same time, they stressed that a large-scale conflict "benefits no one" and underlined that there is "no alternative" to "dialogue and diplomacy".
In a statement, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its unease at the deterioration of the situation following the attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent military response by the United States, in a context of mutual accusations for the alleged breach of the agreement. "Pakistan expresses its deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region. A new conflict benefits no one. Pakistan calls on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further undermine regional peace and stability," stated the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Islamabad insisted that the only viable way out is to redirect the crisis through diplomacy. "There is no alternative to continuous engagement, dialogue, and diplomacy to achieve the common goal of peace in the region," it stated, reiterating that political commitment must be sustained.
Pakistani diplomacy, which along with Qatar was key in achieving the preliminary agreement sealed in mid-June to stop the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, recalled the need for the parties to "fulfill their respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)". According to Islamabad, this framework continues to offer a roadmap to de-escalate tensions.
In this regard, the Pakistani government stressed that the MoU "remains a lasting basis for understanding, mutual respect, and shared prosperity in the region and beyond." At the same time, it reiterated its willingness to continue mediating between the confronting parties to advance the aforementioned objectives and avoid further escalation.
Meanwhile, this Wednesday the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has expressed his reservations about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran, although he has reiterated that, in no case, will he allow Tehran to access nuclear weapons. "I know them and I'm not sure I want to make a deal with them. We can play those games, but I'm not sure I want to make a deal," he said at the height of tensions with the Islamic Republic, after the exchange of attacks early this morning and after warning of the option of new bombings.
Washington presents the latest US bombings against Iran as retaliation for the attacks against several ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage where Tehran claims that navigation should be coordinated with its authorities. This standoff in one of the world's most sensitive maritime routes keeps the international community on edge, fearing a new spiral of war in the region.