ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Thursday the country’s leaders were still engaged in mediation efforts to end the US-Iran war despite a surge in conflict, calling for a “negotiated settlement”.
“It is hard to be an optimist in the new exchange of hostilities. We haven’t lost hope, we remain engaged,” foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi told journalists.
“Let’s not draw curtains on Pakistan’s mediation approach,” he added.
The United States launched fresh attacks against Iran on Thursday, prompting Tehran to retaliate, as US leaders accused their counterparts of dragging out negotiations for a deal to end the three-month war.
“Pakistan remains deeply concerned at the situation in the region marked by recent escalation,” Andrabi said.
“We are of the view that diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles for achieving a negotiated settlement of all contentious issues.”
He added that Pakistan’s interior minister had returned from a visit to Tehran in recent days, confirming he had given a message and letter from the prime minister to the Iranian leadership as part of the mediation efforts.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator between the United States and Iran, using its ties with both countries to encourage dialogue and de-escalation.
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“Pakistan, along with its regional and international partners, continues to undertake constructive diplomatic engagements aimed at supporting de-escalation, a ceasefire and the broader pursuit of stability in the region. Our efforts in this regard continue,” Tahir Andrabi added.
Islamabad facilitated contacts, supported ceasefire efforts, and hosted the high-level “Islamabad Talks” in April 2026, which brought US and Iranian officials together for their first major engagement in years.
Although no final agreement was reached, Pakistan continued shuttle diplomacy through senior officials, including visits to Tehran and consultations with regional partners.
Despite renewed fighting, Islamabad says it remains committed to mediation and believes diplomacy remains the best path to a negotiated settlement.
FO says release of Pakistanis held by Somali pirates remains top priority
The Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said securing the release of 10 Pakistani crew members held by Somali pirates aboard the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25 remains a top government priority, despite the operational challenges involved.
He said Pakistan is actively engaging with Somali authorities, the shipowner, and tribal leaders in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region to secure the hostages’ early release and safe return.
He said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently spoke with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdul Salam Ali, conveying Pakistan’s grave concern and urging swift action to free the captives and improve conditions for all 17 crew members on board.
Andrabi noted that Pakistan has also raised the matter through diplomatic channels and inter-ministerial consultations. Describing the situation as “operationally difficult” due to complex tribal dynamics in the region, he said authorities are making every effort and urged patience while assuring families that the government remains fully committed to securing the crew’s release.
