Tahir Andrabi

Pakistan endorsed Saudi Arabia's air strikes in Iraq as an exercise of its right to self-defence under the UN Charter and reaffirmed its defense commitments to Gulf partners. The country emphasized that its defense agreements with Saudi Arabia and others do not undermine its role as a mediator in the Iran-US conflict, while condemning attacks by non-state actors against Saudi Arabia.

The United States and Iran exchanged missile barrages, with Jordan and Kuwait reporting missile interceptions and casualties. The five-month conflict has caused economic disruptions, including fuel price spikes, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate have stalled amid renewed attacks in the Middle East.

Pakistan is working to revive the collapsed Iran-US agreement under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The foreign ministry spokesperson stated Pakistan is urging both Iran and the United States to resume technical talks after the deal was declared dead following attacks.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that US-Iran negotiations are ongoing to restore stability, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. The talks aim to normalize the situation between the two countries.

Pakistan is actively working to reunite the United States and Iran under the Islamabad MoU to address the Middle East conflict and stabilize the Strait of Hormuz. Renewed hostilities in July, including Iranian attacks on shipping and U.S. military strikes, have escalated tensions, with conflicts spreading to Yemen, Egypt, and Iraq.

Pakistan welcomed Kuwait's ratification of a 2023 defense cooperation agreement, marking a milestone in their longstanding partnership since the 1980s. The pact focuses on military training, joint exercises, and institutional collaboration to strengthen bilateral defense ties and regional security.

Pakistan warned Yemen’s Houthi rebels that attacks on its maritime assets would be treated as an attack on the country, reaffirming its defense pact with Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Office emphasized vigilance in the Bab el-Mandab chokepoint, while the Prime Minister condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers as violations of international law.

Pakistan rejected Amnesty International's call for an investigation into its March airstrike on Kabul's Omid drug rehabilitation center, claiming the operation was lawful self-defense. Amnesty found no evidence the site was used for military purposes, while Pakistan disputes Afghanistan's claim of 400 civilian deaths, asserting the strike targeted a legitimate military site.

Pakistan expressed disappointment with the EU's GSP+ compliance report, which highlighted regressions in its adherence to international commitments. The Foreign Office acknowledged legislative progress but argued the report underplayed reforms since 2014 and focused disproportionately on limited areas of underperformance.

The UK plans to deport Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, despite Pakistan denying any connection to the matter. Ahmed's deportation is delayed by a 1971 law protecting Commonwealth citizens, but the UK proposes amending it to remove foreign criminals. Pakistan's Foreign Office insists it has no involvement in Ahmed's case.

Fighting between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz has intensified, but diplomatic efforts persist despite a collapsed ceasefire. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry denied abandoning mediation, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasized diplomacy as a tool alongside military action. Regional mediators including Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt continue efforts to resume talks.

Fighting between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz has intensified, but diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt continue despite a collapsed ceasefire. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s negotiators have indicated openness to talks, with Pakistan asserting that peace efforts remain active.

Pakistan's Foreign Office urged the US and Iran to end violence and resume technical-level talks, noting the Islamabad MoU faces challenges. Ongoing attacks between the US and Iran, including strikes on coastal defenses and military sites, cast doubt on the agreement's future.

Pakistan, acting as a mediator, urged the US and Iran to end violence and resume talks under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) mediated last month. The foreign office spokesman Tahir Andrabi stated that Pakistan will continue encouraging all sides to end violence and resume talks as per the MoU.

Pakistan and the United States made significant progress in negotiations on a proposed reciprocal trade agreement during two-day talks in Washington DC. The discussions addressed tariff-related concerns and broader economic cooperation areas such as energy, information technology, and investment.

Pakistan and the United States are holding trade negotiations in Washington to address US tariffs on Pakistani exports and finalize a bilateral trade agreement. Pakistan secured a reduction of tariffs from 29% to 19% in prior talks, but a US Supreme Court ruling invalidated the IEEPA-based tariffs, leading to a temporary 10% global tariff set to expire in July. Pakistan also faces a proposed 10% additional tariff under Section 301 investigations.

Pakistan's Foreign Office rejected India's condemnation of its recent strikes against terrorists along the Afghan border, calling India's statement 'preposterous' and accusing New Delhi of interfering in regional affairs and supporting terrorism. The operation, named Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeted terrorist hideouts after an attack on Pakistani security personnel in Karachi. India's Ministry of External Affairs labeled Pakistan's actions a 'blatant act of aggression' and a threat to regional stability.

Pakistan, as a mediator, states that technical talks between the US and Iran will resume next week, with possible start dates on Tuesday, Monday, or Wednesday, according to spokesperson Tahir Andrabi. The location of the discussions remains unspecified.

Pakistan's Foreign Office reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy following the Islamabad MoU and Lucerne Summit. The spokesperson highlighted international recognition of Pakistan's role in promoting regional peace and de-escalation efforts.

Pakistan's Foreign Office warned that India's attempt to block water essential to Pakistan would have 'far-reaching consequences' and could constitute an act of war under the UN Charter. The warning followed Indian Water Minister CR Patil's statement that 'not a single drop of water will go to Pakistan' in the coming years, which Pakistan claims violates international obligations and bilateral agreements.

Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry contacted Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Pakistan's envoy in Somalia to discuss the release of 11 Pakistani seamen kidnapped by Somali pirates on April 21. The government is coordinating with the Foreign Office and the ship owner, but the situation remains grave due to the ship's explosive cargo and logistical challenges.

The US and Iran have offered conflicting messages over a potential deal, while Pakistan remains optimistic as a key mediator in talks between the two countries. A deal could be reached soon, according to the Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson. The likelihood of an imminent agreement is uncertain.