Fears of a return to war: Key reactions after the failure of Washington-Tehran negotiations
Iran-US ceasefire agreement
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on Washington and Tehran to maintain their commitment to the ceasefire agreement despite the failure of talks between them to end the war.
In a brief statement, Dar said, “It is essential that both sides continue to adhere to the ceasefire,” adding that “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.”
ceasefire in the Middle East
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for the continuation of the ceasefire in the Middle East.
Wong stated that "the priority now must be to sustain the ceasefire and return to negotiations," adding that "the conclusion of the Islamabad talks between the United States and Iran without an agreement is disappointing."
The importance of diplomacy
The European Union also stressed the importance of diplomacy in resolving outstanding issues in the Middle East, following the failure of the United States and Iran to reach an agreement.
EU spokesperson Anouar El Announi told AFP, “Diplomacy is essential to resolving outstanding issues.” He added, “We commend Pakistan for its mediation efforts. The EU will contribute to all diplomatic efforts, taking into account its full interests and concerns, and in close coordination with its partners.”
Readiness to mediate
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his readiness to mediate a settlement to the conflict in the Middle East during a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin announced Sunday.
The Kremlin stated, “Vladimir Putin emphasized his readiness to continue facilitating the search for a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict and to mediate efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
Extension of the truce
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi also called on the United States and Iran to work toward extending the ceasefire and making “painful concessions” to ensure the success of negotiations.
Writing on the X platform, al-Busaidi said, “I urge an extension of the ceasefire and the continuation of talks. Success may require everyone to make painful concessions, but this is nothing compared to the pain of failure and war.”
Avoid any further escalation
Britain and Oman have called for a continuation of the ceasefire in the Middle East conflict, following a phone call between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Sultan Haitham bin Said, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's office in London. The
statement said that Starmer discussed the peace talks held in Pakistan over the weekend with Sultan Haitham and urged both sides to find a way forward. They stressed that a continued ceasefire is vital and called on all parties to avoid any further escalation.
