Ankara/Anadolu

Pakistan called on the United States and Iran to end violence and resume talks between them, affirming that dialogue and diplomacy represent the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability.

According to Pakistan's 'Dawn' newspaper on Thursday, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said during a press conference in the capital Islamabad that the implementation of the Islamabad understanding signed by the United States and Iran with Pakistan's mediation faces 'challenges'.

Andrabi pointed to the ongoing clashes in the region in recent days, stressing the need for the parties to refrain from taking steps that would further harm peace and stability.

He added: 'We hope that all parties remain committed to the path of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve problems.'

He affirmed that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability, and that all differences can be resolved at the negotiating table.

He touched on the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and its security.

On June 18 last, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding that included a ceasefire, and began negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar to end the war launched by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28 last.

However, US President Donald Trump announced on July 8 the end of the ceasefire against the backdrop of renewed escalation, after Iran, a day earlier, attacked 3 ships while they were crossing the Strait of Hormuz, claiming they did not adhere to the shipping lane it had set, prompting Washington to respond by launching attacks on sites inside Iran.

Washington supports the passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz on a route different from that set by Iran, which Tehran rejects, affirming that it targets any ship that does not coordinate with it before crossing the strategic strait for global energy supplies.