Dar, Iranian foreign minister discuss ceasefire and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday, during which the two sides discussed regional developments, the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, according to the Foreign Office.

In a post on X, the Foreign Office said, "Both sides exchanged views on regional developments, the ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic efforts being pursued by Islamabad in the context of US-Iran engagement."

The Foreign Office said Dar underscored the need for continued diplomacy to resolve pending matters and help restore calm in the region. According to the statement, he stressed the importance of sustained dialogue and engagement to address outstanding issues, in order to advance regional peace and stability at the earliest.

The statement added that Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s role in the process and lauded Pakistan’s consistent and constructive facilitation role in this regard.

According to the Foreign Office, the two foreign ministers also agreed to remain in close contact as developments continue.

Talks in Islamabad delayed

The contact came amid continued uncertainty surrounding the next phase of US-Iran engagement that Pakistan has been seeking to facilitate. Over the past few days, the expected second round of negotiations, which was to be held in Islamabad, has been delayed.

The delay has been linked to continuing friction between Washington and Tehran, particularly over Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iran’s ports.

The Foreign Office statement did not provide further details on the timing of the proposed talks in Islamabad, but it indicated that Pakistan remains engaged diplomatically in the context of US-Iran contacts.

The latest exchange between Dar and Araghchi follows Pakistan’s stated efforts to support dialogue and engagement aimed at easing tensions. The Foreign Office statement focused on the ceasefire, wider regional developments and Islamabad’s facilitation efforts, while also highlighting both sides’ agreement to stay in touch.

No additional details were issued in the statement beyond the account of the phone call and the reference to the delayed second round of negotiations in Islamabad.