Islamabad, Pakistan – The Pakistani government on Sunday issued an urgent appeal to both Washington and Tehran to exercise restraint and maintain regional stability. This came after marathon negotiations hosted by the capital, Islamabad, stalled. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on both sides to continue adhering to the existing ceasefire agreement, despite the failure to reach a comprehensive settlement to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Pakistani mediation continues
In a brief statement carried by state media, Foreign Minister Dar stressed that “it is absolutely essential that both sides maintain their commitment to the cessation of hostilities,” emphasizing that his country would not abandon its diplomatic role. He added, “Pakistan has been and will continue to play its part in the coming days to facilitate engagement and dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America,” in an effort to prevent the collapse of the fragile understandings previously reached.
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For his part, US Vice President J.D. Vance put an end to the speculation surrounding the outcome of the negotiations by announcing that the US delegation had left Pakistan without an agreement.
In a press statement early Sunday morning, Vance explained that US officials had engaged in intensive discussions for 21 consecutive hours of “good faith negotiations.” However, these talks were insufficient to bridge the gap with the Iranian side.
Vance described the proposal he left behind as “the final and best offer,” indicating that the US administration had exhausted its flexible diplomatic options. He stated decisively, “We leave here with a proposal that represents the limit of what we can offer. We will see whether the Iranians accept it or not,” clearly signaling that Washington would not return to the negotiating table anytime soon. This would only happen if there was a fundamental shift in the Iranian position.
Anticipation and fears of escalation
As the US delegation departs for Washington, a cautious anticipation prevails in international circles.
Observers believe that Iran’s rejection of this “final offer” could open the door to alternative escalatory options, especially with the approaching end of the temporary truce. This places the entire region on the brink of renewed conflict.
