Following the inconclusive conclusion of talks held in Islamabad on Sunday aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the international community has urged the United States and Iran to continue negotiations.
Pakistan, the mediator of the talks, stated that it is the duty of the global community to foster an environment of trust between the two parties for negotiations, and that talks are essential to end the war.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, “It is essential for both parties to maintain their commitment to a ceasefire.”
He added, “Pakistan has been playing a role in facilitating talks and dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, and will continue to advance its role significantly in the coming days.”
Anouar Al Anouni, spokesperson for the branch of the European Union responsible for foreign affairs, stated that diplomacy is necessary to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Noting that the US-Iran talks hosted by Pakistan had failed, spokesperson Al Anouni said, “We salute Pakistan for its mediation efforts, and Brussels, in coordination with its partners, will contribute further efforts to reach a resolution.”
Russia has also expressed willingness to mediate a ceasefire in the coming days. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he is ready to assist in mediation efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
“Russian leader Putin emphasized his readiness to mediate in order to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict and to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” said a statement issued by the Kremlin.
The United Kingdom praised the Pakistani government for its initiative in arranging the talks in Pakistan but expressed disappointment that the negotiations ended inconclusively, with delegations parting ways.
UK Health Minister Wes Streeting told Sky News, “It is disappointing that we have not achieved success in the talks and that the ongoing war in Iran has not ended.”
“In diplomacy, until negotiations succeed, you are considered to have failed. Not all talks may end in success, but that does not mean there is no justification for continuing efforts,” he added.
Australia has urged further talks. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement, “The priority now is to maintain the ceasefire and return to negotiations.”
