Dar steps up diplomatic push as Middle East crisis deepens

• DPM Dar urges restraint, de-escalation in call with Iran’s FM amid renewed US-Iran hostilities

• Reaffirms Islamabad MoU as roadmap for dialogue, lasting regional peace and stability

• Pledges to continue constructive role in easing tensions through diplomacy

• Dar, Saudi envoy stress collective efforts to promote dialogue and deepen bilateral cooperation

• Highlights Pakistani diaspora’s pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan-UK relations during meeting with Lord Sarfraz

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday intensified Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, urging restraint, de-escalation and a return to dialogue during a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while separately engaging the Saudi ambassador and a British parliamentarian to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, diplomacy and stronger bilateral relations.

During the telephone call with his Iranian counterpart, both leaders exchanged views on the rapidly evolving regional situation, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a post on X.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with His Excellency Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. @araghchi

Both leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional… pic.twitter.com/WuRxnROwwp

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 12, 2026

The FO said DPM Dar stressed “upon the parties to follow the path of de-escalation and show restraint, as agreed in the Islamabad MoU in June 2026.”

The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding — a 14-point interim peace deal aimed at ending the war — was signed between the United States and Iran on June 18, with Pakistan also serving as a signatory in its role as a mediator.

Pakistan has been spearheading diplomatic efforts since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February, triggering a conflict and a global fuel crisis after Tehran took measures to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas supplies.

The signing of the Islamabad MoU had raised hopes of easing tensions as the world grappled with the fuel crunch and the economic fallout caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. However, a fresh exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran over the past several days prompted President Donald Trump to declare the ceasefire over.

The regional security situation remained volatile on Sunday as the United States carried out fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship, while Iranian authorities announced they had again closed the Strait of Hormuz and intensified attacks on US military assets and facilities across the Gulf.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they had destroyed a command-and-control centre and drone hangars at a base in US ally Jordan, targeted a US military radar installation in Kuwait, attacked US aircraft carrier support and refuelling platforms in Oman, and destroyed a fighter jet maintenance centre and a command-and-control facility in Qatar.

Against this backdrop, Dar underscored during his conversation with Araghchi that dialogue and diplomacy remained the “only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region,” the FO said.

“DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact,” it added.

 Dar, Saudi ambassador discuss regional situation

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy exchanged views on the latest regional developments and underscored the need to strengthen collective efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and diplomacy.

The Saudi ambassador called on the deputy prime minister, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a separate press release.

H.E. Mr. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan @AmbassadorNawaf, called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.

They exchanged views on the latest regional developments and… pic.twitter.com/Qk2PGU8c5p

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 12, 2026

“They reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations across all areas of mutual interest for the benefit of both nations,” the statement added.

Dar stresses stronger Pakistan-UK ties

In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar underscored the importance of further strengthening Pakistan-United Kingdom bilateral relations during a meeting with Lord Aamer Sarfraz, who called on him.

The deputy prime minister highlighted that the Pakistani diaspora, including distinguished parliamentarians such as Lord Sarfraz, served as a vital bridge between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, according to a separate Foreign Office press release.

Lord Aamer Sarfraz called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.

Lord Sarfraz appreciated the Deputy Prime Minister’s continued and proactive role in advancing regional peace and stability. He also briefed the DPM/FM on matters… pic.twitter.com/yjo0kGREaF

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 12, 2026

“Lord Sarfraz appreciated the Deputy Prime Minister’s continued and proactive role in advancing regional peace and stability. He also briefed the DPM/FM on matters concerning the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom, including key issues faced by the community and their valuable contributions to both countries,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving political landscape in the United Kingdom.

The deputy prime minister expressed confidence that the Pakistani diaspora would continue to play a constructive role in strengthening people-to-people contacts, expanding trade and promoting investment between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.