Key Takeaways
- Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi urged the United States and Iran to end violence and resume technical-level talks.
- The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran last month is facing challenges in implementation.
- Pakistan will continue to encourage all sides to remain committed to dialogue and diplomacy.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed a weekly press briefing on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan. He emphasized the need for the United States and Iran to end violence and resume technical-level talks.
Andrabi noted that the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the US and Iran last month was facing challenges. The MoU, which was mediated by Pakistan and Qatar following direct talks in Switzerland on June 20, aimed at promoting peace and stability.
The spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan would continue to encourage all parties involved to adhere to the path of dialogue and diplomacy as outlined in the joint statement issued by mediators Pakistan and Qatar. He stated, 'We hope all parties will remain committed to the path of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving their outstanding issues.'
In a related development, hostilities between the US and Iran continued on Thursday with the US targeting Iran’s coastal defences and missile sites, while Iran retaliated by striking American military sites in neighbouring Gulf countries.
Pakistan reiterated its call for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further undermine peace and stability. Andrabi stressed, 'As hostilities have continued over the past week, Pakistan reiterates its call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that would further undermine peace and stability.'
The Foreign Office spokesperson also highlighted the importance of sustained engagement and dialogue in resolving conflicts and disputes. He affirmed, 'Pakistan firmly believes that there is no alternative to sustained engagement, dialogue and diplomacy in pursuit of the shared objectives of lasting peace, stability and progress.'
Andrabi concluded by emphasizing that ultimately, all conflicts and disputes are resolved through dialogue at the negotiation table. He stated, 'All conflicts and disputes are resolved through dialogue at the negotiation table.'
We hope all parties will remain committed to the path of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving their outstanding issues.
Tahir Andrabi, Foreign Office spokesperson
As hostilities have continued over the past week, Pakistan reiterates its call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that would further undermine peace and stability.
Tahir Andrabi, Foreign Office spokesperson
