Pakistan urges US, Iran to resume talks under Islamabad MoU

Pakistan on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to honour their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and return to negotiations, warning that further escalation over Tehran’s nuclear programme could threaten regional and international peace.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on Iran’s nuclear programme and non-proliferation, Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, expressed concern over worsening tensions and the growing risk of renewed conflict.

Jadoon said the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme had deteriorated sharply, complicating efforts to address the issue through the Security Council. He stressed that a diplomatic settlement was more important than ever as hostilities and mistrust continued to deepen.

The Pakistani envoy urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions that could aggravate tensions. He called on Washington and Tehran to prioritise peace, security and stability through sustained dialogue and peaceful engagement.

Jadoon also expressed concern over divisions within the Security Council, saying differences among its members had weakened consensus on the issue. He called for renewed cooperation among council members to support diplomatic efforts and help resolve the dispute peacefully.

Pakistan maintained that outstanding issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme should be addressed through negotiations in line with the rights and obligations of the parties involved. Jadoon said the process must protect the international non-proliferation framework while ensuring regional and global security.

He further emphasised the importance of allowing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to carry out its technical responsibilities without political interference. Any concerns about compliance, he said, should be handled by the relevant technical bodies in accordance with their mandates.

Jadoon highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions, support a ceasefire and create conditions for meaningful negotiations. He said Islamabad had continued to facilitate communication between the parties and encourage steps towards a peaceful resolution.

The ambassador described the Islamabad MoU as evidence that diplomatic engagement could produce progress. He urged both Washington and Tehran to build on the framework and fulfil their commitments, adding that sustained and serious efforts would be needed to overcome the current deadlock.

He also acknowledged the support of regional partners, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and China, in efforts to promote dialogue and stability.

Pakistan has played a key mediating role between the United States and Iran. Previous diplomatic efforts led to an interim peace agreement in June, but the arrangement soon came under strain as fighting resumed weeks later.

Jadoon concluded by reaffirming that Pakistan’s leadership remained committed to securing a diplomatic solution. He expressed hope that renewed engagement and cooperation would help prevent further escalation and pave the way for a lasting settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.