ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conveyed optimism that reaching an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz could pave the way for renewed negotiations between Iran and the United States, as part of a memorandum of understanding Islamabad has helped facilitate, the foreign office announced Thursday.
During his weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated, “We are hopeful that the agreement on the Strait will open the door for ongoing dialogue, especially the resumption of technical discussions between Iran and the United States.”
He emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing commitment, along with its regional allies, to resolving the ongoing crisis in the Gulf and Middle East, particularly regarding tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Andrabi acknowledged and appreciated Oman’s crucial role and steadfast efforts in promoting de-escalation and regional stability.
Pakistan remains dedicated to diplomatic efforts aimed at a comprehensive and equitable resolution to regional conflicts. Andrabi highlighted that resolving tensions in the Strait of Hormuz is essential for easing broader regional instability, especially in relation to Iran-US relations.
He reiterated Pakistan’s active engagement with regional partners to foster dialogue and de-escalation. He expressed confidence that progress on the Strait of Hormuz could create a favorable environment for Iran and the US to re-engage within the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement.
Furthermore, Andrabi noted Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach over the past week. He mentioned a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, where they discussed regional issues including the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Palestine.
On August 3, Dar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, discussing regional developments and inviting Iran to visit Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled for an official visit to Saudi Arabia from August 6 to 8, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss regional issues with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Despite heightened Gulf tensions, the visit aims to reinforce strategic cooperation, deepen relations, and coordinate on international matters. Additionally, the deputy prime minister participated in the Ministerial Meeting on Jerusalem in Amman, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Palestinian sovereignty and emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The foreign ministers of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey also met during the conference, reaffirming their support for Palestinian rights and advocating continued diplomacy for regional peace and stability.
Regarding maritime security, Andrabi condemned attacks on commercial vessels passing through Bab al-Mandeb Strait, regardless of the vessels’ nationalities. He asserted Pakistan’s commitment to cooperating with Saudi Arabia and other partners to ensure maritime safety and security in the region.
