Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar extended an invitation to his Iranian counterpart, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, to visit Pakistan during a phone call on Monday. The two officials discussed the escalating security situation and rising tensions across the Middle East.
They exchanged perspectives on recent developments, including the situation in occupied East Jerusalem, emphasizing the necessity of sustained diplomatic efforts to address regional challenges. Dar urged Araghchi to arrange a visit to Pakistan at the earliest opportunity, though no specific dates were mentioned.
This dialogue occurred shortly after Iran reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as the primary mediator in efforts to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington, despite the absence of direct talks between the two nations. Earlier that day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that no new mediators had emerged and that negotiations were not currently underway.
Baghaei highlighted Pakistan, along with Türkiye and Qatar, as key players working to revive the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, with Islamabad taking the lead in diplomatic engagement between Iran and the US. He also noted Qatar’s facilitation of dialogue when necessary and China’s diplomatic influence aimed at reducing regional tensions.
While affirming Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, Baghaei cautioned that progress would be challenging amid ongoing hostilities. He described the US campaign against Iran as a conflict impacting the entire region, underscoring Tehran’s view that the crisis extends beyond its borders.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced expectations of negotiations with Iran beginning Monday afternoon. Although favoring diplomacy over military action, Trump did not specify a deadline for an agreement, emphasizing that any deal must ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He also revealed postponing a planned military strike after requests from Iran and regional countries for more time to negotiate.
Baghaei mentioned ongoing positive discussions between Iran and Oman concerning a temporary maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, clarifying that these talks are separate from decisions about reopening the strategic passage. He warned that instability would persist as long as US aggression continues.
In recent days, Iran has intensified diplomatic outreach. On Monday, Araghchi held separate calls with Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss regional security and measures to prevent further escalation. Iran’s state news agency, Araghchi and Munir addressed the impact of US and Israeli actions against Iran and stressed the importance of regional cooperation and political solutions to avoid wider conflict.
Iran continues negotiations with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Officials emphasize these talks are distinct from any decisions about reopening the waterway.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Israel has maintained its stance to continue military operations if Iran resumes its nuclear program or expands ballistic missile capabilities. Tehran denies any intention to develop nuclear weapons.
