Pakistan Intensifies Diplomatic Push To Preserve US-Iran Ceasefire

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stepped up its diplomatic efforts for a permanent ceasefire agreement between US and Iran following the latest military developments in which two sides exchanged fire and targeted each other’s military installations in the region.

During the last 24 hours, US and Iran targeted each other’s military installations in the region, which could be described as ceasefire violations.

Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts orchestrated a ceasefire more than a month ago following which US and Iranian delegations held direct talks in Islamabad. However the talks remained inconclusive.

Following American strikes on Iranian military installations during the past 24 hours, Iran said it was suspended and exchanged a message with Washington.

Past one and half months have witnessed several tense moments following which US-Iran talks remained stalled.

“Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the current regional situation and developments of mutual interest” said a foreign Office spokesman statement on Monday.

FM Araghchi expressed serious concern over recent developments in the region, including ceasefire violations in Lebanon by Israel and the orders by the Israeli government regarding potential attack in parts of Beirut.

FM Araghchi also appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in regional diplomacy and requested Pakistan to continue using its good offices to help facilitate de-escalation in the current situation and support efforts to maintain the ceasefire.

DPM / FM conveyed Pakistan’s serious concern and emphasized the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire is sustained in order to prevent any breakdown of existing understandings.

Pakistan seems to be making efforts for Iran and the US to honor the ceasefire and resume talks in Islamabad.

Following the telephonic conversation Pakistan and Iranian foreign Ministers agreed to remain in close contact.

Other countries apart from Pakistan are also making efforts to bring the US and Iran to the negotiating table.