The Pakistani government, which is mediating cease-fire negotiations between the United States and Iran, has urged both countries to exercise restraint following their recent armed clashes over control of the Strait of Hormuz, calling on them to honor their commitments under the cease-fire Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

According to reports from Reuters, EFE, and other news agencies on July 9 (local time), the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a release on the previous day, "We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could undermine regional peace and stability."

The ministry emphasized, "There is no alternative to sustained cooperation, dialogue, and diplomacy to achieve the shared goal of peace in the region," adding that "the recurrence of conflict serves the interests of no one."

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry added, "All parties must adhere to their respective commitments under the Islamabad (cease-fire) MOU," noting that "this MOU remains a lasting foundation for mutual respect and shared prosperity."

On July 7, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes on several locations in southern Iran after Iran attacked a merchant vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it had deviated from its designated route.

Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones targeting U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, leading the U.S. military to carry out a series of retaliatory bombings in southern Iran on the previous day.

As a result, the status of the follow-up talks on the U.S.-Iran cease-fire agreement, which were expected to resume on July 11, has become uncertain.

Previously, the Saudi state-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, citing sources, had reported that negotiations between the two countries were scheduled to resume on July 11 in Pakistan, the mediating nation, following the funeral of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Pakistan has been acting as a mediator since March, after the Middle East war began in late February following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

The first round of cease-fire talks between the U.S. and Iran was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on April 11 – 12, but the two countries failed to reach an agreement at that time.

Both the U.S. and Iran were absent from the second round of talks, which had been expected on April 21. The two nations subsequently engaged in indirect, behind-the-scenes negotiations through Pakistan before signing the cease-fire MOU on May 14.

Since then, the two countries have continued high-level and working-level talks in locations such as Bürgenstock, Switzerland, to implement the cease-fire MOU.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)