ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Islamabad is hopeful about an agreement between the United States and Iran and expected it to materialise soon.
He made these remarks while responding to a question during the weekly FO briefing, adding that Pakistan would welcome any settlement between Iran and the US, wherever it may be reached.
“If an agreement is reached in Pakistan, it would be an honour for us,” the FO spokesperson said, while also noting that he could not confirm whether the proposed agreement would be a one-page document or longer.
Andrabi’s comments came amid reports suggesting that the United States and Iran were moving closer to a peace deal, with Tehran reviewing a fresh proposal from Washington following the suspension of “Project Freedom,” a US initiative aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The FO spokesperson recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had welcomed the “timely announcement” regarding the pause in the US operation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting all efforts that encourage restraint and peaceful resolution of conflicts between Washington and Tehran through dialogue and diplomacy.
He further stated that the Prime Minister had expressed hope that the “current momentum” would lead to a lasting agreement ensuring durable peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Andrabi added that, “working with the same spirit of optimism and positive engagement,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had remained in contact with his counterparts over the past week to promote peace, diplomacy and a negotiated settlement between the two sides.
According to him, the latest round of hostilities between the United States and Iran began more than two months ago when the US and Israel launched strikes in Iran on February 28.
While a comprehensive peace deal is yet to be reached, he said hostilities had largely ceased after both sides agreed to a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8.
Following the ceasefire, a first round of historic direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, with Pakistan acting as a mediator. The discussions ended without a final agreement but also without a breakdown in dialogue.
With difficulties in arranging a second round of talks, Islamabad has continued its role as a facilitator and intermediary between the two sides.
However, some positive developments emerged on Wednesday, with US President Donald Trump stating that he had held “very good talks” with Iran over the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Tehran appeared receptive to a fresh US proposal aimed at ending the conflict, stating that it was reviewing the agreement and would convey its response to Washington through Pakistan.
US media outlet Axios also reported that Washington and Tehran were close to agreeing on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the conflict and establish a framework for detailed nuclear negotiations.
Among the key sticking points between the two sides are unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Washington’s demand for long-term commitments from Iran regarding its nuclear programme, including limits on enrichment and safeguards against weaponisation.
Repatriations from Cambodia
During the briefing, the FO spokesperson also addressed the detention of 54 Pakistanis in Cambodia following a raid on a scamming compound.
Earlier reports indicated that more than 200 Pakistanis were being held by Cambodian authorities in overcrowded conditions with limited access to basic facilities.
Andrabi said emergency travel documents had been issued to the detained individuals after confirming their nationalities.
“On our embassy’s request, the host authorities allowed all 54 individuals to travel back to Pakistan. As of today, I understand 49 individuals have returned and three are being processed. I understand this complete repatriation will take place soon,” he added.