Starmer urges Pakistan PM for lasting ceasefire as talks loom

Middle Eastern outlets stress that Pakistan, China and regional states all treat a lasting ceasefire as a top priority to avoid a wider US-Iran war. They underline Pakistan’s calls for both Washington and Tehran to honor the ceasefire and protect shipping, while pointing to China’s and Japan’s support as proof of broad concern over energy routes. They frame the talks as fragile but still the best chance to prevent renewed attacks and economic damage across the region.

• •Middle Eastern coverage reports Pakistan’s foreign minister publicly urging the United States and Iran to respect the ceasefire agreement.
• •China’s foreign minister has told Pakistani leaders that securing a Middle East ceasefire is a priority for Beijing.
• •Regional outlets say Gulf and Asian economies fear that any breakdown in the talks could disrupt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
• •Commentators in the region describe the current negotiations as a rare moment when US, Iranian, Pakistani and Chinese interests overlap around avoiding war.
• •Middle Eastern reports highlight that Iran plans to keep close contact with Pakistan after the talks, suggesting Tehran values Islamabad’s role.