Islamabad: Leaders from France, Italy, Germany, the UK, and several EU and Asian nations have called for a ‘substantive negotiated settlement’ to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This push comes as senior US and Iranian officials are set to meet in Pakistan for peace talks.

According to Anadolu Agency, the leaders issued a joint statement expressing support for a temporary truce and extended gratitude to Pakistan and its partners for facilitating the agreement. They emphasized the need for rapid progress toward a comprehensive settlement to ensure a swift and lasting end to the conflict through diplomatic channels.

The statement underscored the importance of protecting civilians in Iran and ensuring regional security. It warned that failing to reach an agreement could lead to a severe global energy crisis. The leaders expressed their commitment to these diplomatic efforts and urged all parties to honor the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.

Additionally, the statement highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy supplies. Pakistan, along with Trkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, secured a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday between Washington and Tehran. This ceasefire comes 40 days after the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28.

As part of the ceasefire agreement, the US and Iranian officials have agreed to meet in Islamabad to negotiate a lasting peace. The talks, known as the Islamabad Talks, are being attended by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Bagher Qalibaf. This meeting follows 39 days of conflict, resulting in the deaths of over 3,000 Iranians and 13 US servicemen, with dozens more wounded.