Pakistan Urges US to Implement Islamabad MoU Amid Iran Tensions

Pakistan has urged the United States to fully implement the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a bid to de-escalate ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made the appeal during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker in Islamabad on Friday, stating that the implementation of the MoU is the only way forward to address regional issues through dialogue and diplomacy. According to the Foreign Office, Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and security during the talks, which covered bilateral relations and the regional situation.

Baker appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability and extended greetings on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day. Dar also held discussions with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, reiterating Pakistan’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means to resolve outstanding issues.

The diplomatic push comes after a US-Iran ceasefire agreement, mediated by Pakistan, was signed on 17 June. However, negotiations towards a final accord stalled due to disagreements over security guarantees and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Since 8 July, the US and Iran have engaged in reciprocal military strikes, with Washington targeting sites inside Iran and Tehran responding with attacks on US military facilities in several Arab states, including Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.