Mediator Pakistan calls for US-Iran 'negotiated settlement' after 'recent escalation'

 Pakistan's foreign ministry said on Thursday the country's leaders would continue mediation efforts to end war between the United States and Iran despite a surge in conflict, calling for a 'negotiated settlement'.
'Pakistan remains deeply concerned at the situation in the region marked by recent escalation... we are of the view that diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles for achieving a negotiated settlement of all contentious issues,' foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi told journalists.