ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday thanked Pakistan for what he described as its “strong support” and principled stance at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.
The remarks came a day after the UNHRC adopted a resolution — with 25 votes in favour, seven against and 14 abstentions — extending the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran for two years, alongside a one-year extension of the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran. The resolution also called for an urgent investigation into deadly nationwide protests that began in December.
Pakistan, along with China and India, voted against the resolution.
In a post on X, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, currently on a visit to Dubai, received a telephone call from Araghchi. During the conversation, the Iranian foreign minister thanked Dar for Pakistan’s role at the UNHRC in Geneva, including its call for a vote and its decision to oppose the resolution.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, while Araghchi conveyed “deep appreciation” for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani government and the people of Pakistan, the FO added.
Separately, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam also expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s leadership for what he termed its “historic and unwavering support” at the UNHRC. In a statement posted on X, he thanked Pakistan for calling for a vote and casting a negative vote against what he described as an “unjustified resolution targeting Iran”.
The Iranian envoy also praised the representatives of Pakistan’s Permanent Mission in Geneva for their “tireless efforts and dedication” in pursuing what he called justice and fairness.
Moghadam claimed that Pakistan’s stance marked the third consecutive setback for what he described as “politically motivated actions” against Iran over the past year, including alleged foreign-backed unrest and the misuse of international forums for hostile agendas.
He said Pakistan’s position reflected its “enduring commitment to justice, multilateralism, respect for human rights and national sovereignty”, adding that the support would be remembered with deep appreciation.
The diplomatic exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. On Friday, a senior Iranian official warned that any attack on Iran would be treated as an “all-out war”, following US President Donald Trump’s remarks that a US “armada” was heading toward the Gulf and that Iran was under close watch.
