UK, Iran laud Pakistan's peace diplomacy as Dar reaffirms dialogue push

• Yvette Cooper praises Islamabad's role in securing US-Iran Islamabad MoU through mediation

• Iran's Araghchi appreciates Pakistan's continued support for regional peace efforts

• Dar vows sustained commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and constructive regional engagement

• Pakistan facilitates repatriation of 22 more Iranian crew members, total exceeds 70 in two months

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promoting dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement, as both the United Kingdom and Iran appreciated Islamabad's sustained efforts to advance regional peace and stability, according to the Foreign Office.

In a post on X, the Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with UK Foreign Secretary H.E. Yvette Cooper @YvetteCooperMP.

Foreign Secretary Cooper reiterated UK’s appreciation for Pakistan’s sustained efforts for peace and stability in the region… pic.twitter.com/QTdeMBeD8a

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 27, 2026

During the conversation, Foreign Secretary Cooper reiterated the United Kingdom's appreciation for Pakistan's sustained efforts for peace and stability in the region, which led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran through Pakistan's mediation.

The Foreign Office said DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promoting dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement between the parties.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

Dar reaffirms commitment to regional peace in talks with Iran

Earlier, DPM Dar also held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to continuing its constructive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

In a press release issued on Saturday, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Foreign Minister Araghchi appreciated Pakistan's continued support in advancing the peace process.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke to Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi @araghchi last night.

DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to play its constructive role for achieving the goal of lasting peace and stability in the region… pic.twitter.com/H1mXTGM1Ap

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 27, 2026

He also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the safe and smooth repatriation of Iranian crew members and fishermen to their homeland.

The two foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact.

Last week, during another telephone conversation, the two leaders expressed serious concern over ceasefire violations committed by Israel in Lebanon despite the US-Iran peace agreement. On that occasion, Dar also congratulated Iran's leadership, government and people on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States.

US, Iran accuse each other of violating agreement

Despite the agreement, both the United States and Iran have accused each other of violating its terms.

On Saturday, Iran condemned US strikes on several sites along its southern coastline, accusing Washington of violating both the United Nations Charter and the recently signed agreement.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the attacks targeted coastal surveillance facilities and reaffirmed Iran's right to self-defence, adding that its armed forces had carried out retaliatory strikes on US-linked targets.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli forces overnight struck the vicinity of the town of Markaba, about 1.5 kilometres from the Israel-Lebanon border. The reported attack came after Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington, which US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as a "first step" towards negotiations.

A day earlier, the US military launched strikes against Iran in response to an Iranian drone attack on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, with both countries accusing each other of breaching the ceasefire agreed last week.

 Pakistan facilitates repatriation of 22 more Iranian crew members

Meanwhile, DPM Dar on Friday announced that Pakistan had facilitated the safe arrival in Karachi of 22 Iranian crew members who were recently interdicted by US authorities, reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to assisting friendly countries on humanitarian grounds.

In a message posted on his official X account, Dar said the 22 crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina had safely reached Karachi on Friday afternoon.

I am pleased to share that twenty two (22) Iranian crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US authorities, have safely arrived in Karachi this afternoon, AlhamdoLilah.

Arrangements are now being finalised in close collaboration with the Iranian… https://t.co/wnxfUNhlmw

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 26, 2026

"I am pleased to share that twenty-two (22) Iranian crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US authorities, have safely arrived in Karachi this afternoon, AlhamdoLilah," he wrote.

The deputy prime minister said arrangements were being finalised in close coordination with Iranian diplomatic missions in Pakistan to ensure the crew members' earliest and safe return to Iran.

Dar said Pakistan had remained in close contact with both the United States and Iranian authorities throughout the repatriation process.

He noted that this was the fourth group of Iranian crew members whose return had been facilitated by Pakistan over the past two months. With the latest group of 22, Pakistan has now assisted in the repatriation of more than 70 Iranian nationals through its territory.

Expressing appreciation to the Iranian leadership, Dar thanked Tehran for the confidence it had placed in Pakistan. He also commended officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Pakistani institutions for their professionalism and commitment in ensuring the safe and smooth repatriation of the Iranian nationals to their homeland.