Pakistan is pressing US and Iran to resume talks despite lingering mistrust: UN envoy
'We have open lines of communication with both parties, with both Iran and the US, and at high levels,' Ahmad says
Pakistan is urging the United States and Iran to resume negotiations on the Islamabad Memorandum, despite a "lingering lack of trust" that has thwarted the deal's implementation, according to Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. In an interview with The National, Ahmad highlighted the memorandum's provisions, which include an end to hostilities, a 60-day window for negotiations, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic.
Iran has criticized the U.S. for not fulfilling the agreement's terms, while the U.S. and Gulf nations have advocated for unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Ahmad emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to resuming talks and is maintaining open lines of communication with both Iran and the U.S. at high levels.
"Everything is there," he stated, referring to the framework provided by the memorandum. Ahmad acknowledged that it is not clear which side is more reluctant to resume negotiations, but expressed optimism that the two parties could reconcile their differences. He stressed that renewed negotiations offer the only viable solution to the ongoing conflict.
Ahmad also criticized Israeli policies in the West Bank, warning that they undermine the prospects of a future Palestinian state.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
