Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only effective means to resolve disputes and secure lasting peace in the region. The two officials exchanged views on the shifting regional dynamics, highlighting the importance of de-escalation and restraint.
Dar urged all involved parties to adhere to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed in June, calling for calm amid rising tensions. This diplomatic exchange comes in the wake of intense missile and drone strikes between US and Iranian forces, with Tehran targeting American facilities across Gulf states. Iran announced it had once again closed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump declared the end of a ceasefire intended to halt hostilities initiated by the US and Israel on February 28, though he left open the possibility for further negotiations. The recent escalation followed multiple attacks on commercial vessels in the region. Iran stated it closed the strait after firing a warning shot that hit a ship navigating an unauthorized route, and on Sunday, it claimed to have disabled a second vessel. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards declared the strait would remain closed until US interference in the area ceases.
Before the conflict, about 20% of the world’s oil supply passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s effective blockade has driven energy prices higher, exacerbating global inflation pressures. Meanwhile, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in fostering regional peace and stability.
The Foreign Office confirmed that both leaders agreed to maintain close communication. Notably, Araghchi accused the United States of breaching the ceasefire agreement, stating on X that mutual compliance is essential. On the same platform, Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared, “The era of one-sided deals is OVER,” warning that parties must honor their commitments or face consequences.
