Pakistan on Sunday expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in regional tensions, urging all sides to exercise restraint, take immediate steps towards de-escalation and honour their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The interim ceasefire agreement signed between Washington and Tehran — under the mediation of Pakistan — was intended to provide a 60-day window for negotiations on a permanent agreement, but indirect talks in Qatar ended last week with no sign of headway.

US and Iranian forces have exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults, ​with Tehran targeting US facilities in states across the Gulf on Sunday and saying it had again closed the vital Strait of Hormuz.

The strikes were the latest in a ‌cycle of attacks and counter-attacks as Iran seeks to assert control over shipping through the strait. However, the barrage marked an escalation in pace and range.

In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries in the region.

“Pakistan reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries in the region, and urges all sides to exercise restraint, take immediate steps towards de-escalation, and uphold respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),” the ministry said.

The ministry said Pakistan remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.

“On its part, Pakistan remains committed to providing all support towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement added.

The strikes extended to Qatar, a mediator in ceasefire talks that had not come under attack since April, while the United Arab Emirates, which had not been targeted since early May, said its air defences had engaged missiles and drones from Iran.

The renewed violence casts further doubt on the future of an interim US-Iranian agreement signed last month that aimed ​to reopen the strait and end the war after a further 60 days of negotiations.

In the past week, US President Donald Trump has said he considers the ceasefire over, while leaving the ​door open to more talks.

The war that began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28 has destabilised the Gulf, while Iran’s effective blockade ⁠of the strait has driven energy prices higher, fuelling global inflation.