FO addresses Iran–US diplomacy, provides update on Pakistanis captured by Somalian pirates

During the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan is closely monitoring key regional and international developments, including emerging contacts between Iran and the United States and a maritime security incident involving Somalia.

On Iran–US relations, the spokesperson said Islamabad is hopeful that both countries may soon reach an agreement and reiterated that Pakistan would welcome any settlement between Washington and Tehran, regardless of where it is concluded. He added that if such an understanding were reached, Pakistan would consider it a positive development for regional stability and even view hosting any related diplomatic process as an honour.

“We are hopeful that a deal between the United States and Iran will be reached in the near future,” he said, while noting that it remains unclear whether any potential agreement would be broad or limited in scope.

Update on Pakistanis captured by Somali pirates

Turning to maritime security, the spokesperson said Somalia has assured Pakistan that it is actively in contact with pirates involved in the recent incident affecting a vessel. He confirmed that all crew members on board are safe and accounted for.

He added that efforts are ongoing to curb piracy in the region, with continued coordination between relevant authorities aimed at strengthening maritime security and preventing similar incidents in the future.

Markae-e-Haq anniversary

The briefing also highlighted broader diplomatic engagement. The spokesperson noted that the Deputy Prime Minister recently briefed the diplomatic corps on regional developments, including the first anniversary of “Ma’arka-e-Haq” (Battle of Truth), which has been marked in official discussions as a significant milestone.

He further said the Deputy Prime Minister held contacts with Kuwaiti officials earlier this month, reflecting ongoing outreach to Gulf partners. In another development, Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister visited Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry and met Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, during which he extended an invitation for Dar to attend the Oslo Forum, a global platform focused on peace and mediation.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s foreign policy stance, the spokesperson said Islamabad supports dialogue and diplomacy as the primary tools for resolving disputes, particularly amid rising tensions in the Middle East, South Asia, and maritime regions.