Pakistan has called for restraint from the United States and Iran after a three-week ceasefire collapsed into a new wave of strikes and counterstrikes. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both nations on Wednesday to honor the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) brokered in April to prevent a wider regional conflict.
US-Iran Strikes and Military Escalation
The escalation began with the U.S. conducting two consecutive nights of attacks on Iran, targeting approximately 90 sites. According to official reports, these targets included naval assets, missile and drone storage facilities, and coastal radar installations.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by launching drone and missile attacks against U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, specifically targeting the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Juffair and Camp Arifjan. Drones were also launched toward a site in Qatar.
Iranian state media reported nine deaths resulting from the strikes: one soldier in Iranshahr and eight personnel from the navy and air force in Bushehr and Bandar Abbas.
Economic Sanctions and Naval Threats
The military exchange followed Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and Tuesday, one of which was a Qatari-owned tanker. In response, Washington revoked a waiver granted under the MoU and reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire “over” and referred to Iranian leaders as “scum.” Trump threatened to target Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal, and reinstate a U.S. naval blockade.
Later, on Air Force One, Trump told reporters that Iran had contacted him seeking a deal, though he expressed uncertainty if they were “worthy” of one. He also stated he considers himself Iran’s “number one” target for assassination.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani urged both parties to implement the June 17 MoU during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Qatar also condemned the drone attacks on its own territory.
Kuwait described the attacks on its soil as a “flagrant violation of sovereignty,” while Egypt called for de-escalation to preserve regional peace. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, stated that the strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain undermined peace efforts.
Jauhar Saleem, president of the Islamabad-based Institute of Regional Studies and a former diplomat, told Al Jazeera that the mediation process is “very fragile.” Saleem argued that while Pakistan has previously put the process back on track, peace ultimately requires cooperation from the two protagonists.
Future Outlook for Regional Stability
The conflict may escalate further if the U.S. follows through on threats to blockade Iranian oil or strike Kharg Island. Conversely, a return to diplomacy could occur if both sides agree to the terms of the April and June MoUs.
According to Jauhar Saleem, a possible path toward stability would require Iran to accept that unimpeded shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is “non-negotiable” and for Washington to adopt more responsible public statements to reduce animosity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)?
Brokered by Pakistan in April, the MoU is described by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a foundation for mutual respect, understanding, and shared prosperity in the region.
Which U.S. military sites were targeted by Iran?
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Juffair, Bahrain, and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.
Why did the U.S. reimpose sanctions on Iranian oil?
Washington revoked the MoU waiver after Iran attacked three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including a tanker owned by Qatar.
Do you believe third-party mediation can succeed when the primary combatants refuse to cooperate?
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