Pakistan pushes US, Iran back to talks amid lingering trust deficit

In an interview with The National, Ahmad said Islamabad remained in contact with both Washington and Tehran at senior levels and was urging

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is continuing diplomatic efforts to persuade the United States and Iran to return to negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum, despite persistent mistrust between the two sides, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has said.

In an interview with The National, Ahmad said Islamabad remained in contact with both Washington and Tehran at senior levels and was urging them to revive the negotiation process.

“We have open lines of communication with both parties,” Ahmad said, stressing that Pakistan believed renewed dialogue offered the most viable route toward a lasting settlement.

The Islamabad Memorandum, brokered by Pakistan and Qatar in June, envisaged an end to hostilities, a 60-day period for negotiations on a permanent settlement and measures to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the understanding has faced implementation difficulties. Iran has accused the United States of failing to fulfil key commitments, particularly regarding sanctions and the US naval blockade, while Washington and Gulf states have stressed the need to ensure freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

Ahmad acknowledged that there was still a “lack of trust” as well as limited willingness on both sides to implement the memorandum. He said Pakistan nevertheless remained committed to keeping the diplomatic process alive.

The Pakistani envoy said it would be difficult to determine which side was primarily responsible for the stalled negotiations, arguing that the situation was more complicated than simply assigning blame to one party.

He expressed confidence that diplomacy could again bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table, recalling Pakistan’s earlier role in facilitating a ceasefire and bringing the two sides together despite intense fighting and escalating tensions.

According to Ahmad, the Islamabad Memorandum already provides a framework for resolving outstanding issues, and both parties should return to negotiations to work toward a comprehensive agreement.

Pakistan, he said, remains convinced that sustained dialogue is the only realistic and durable way to end the confrontation.

Commenting on the situation in Gaza, Ahmad also voiced concern over continuing violence and Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank, warning that such measures were undermining prospects for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

He said the Gaza ceasefire had not been fully implemented and that continued violations were resulting in further casualties, calling for stronger international action.

Ahmad’s remarks came on the same day that he was appointed Pakistan’s 34th Foreign Secretary, succeeding Amna Baloch.