ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Friday expressed concern over the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East as the regional conflict continues to intensify.
Tensions escalated sharply after air strikes by the United States and Israel last week killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior officials. The strikes triggered retaliatory actions from Iran, including attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, widening the conflict across the region.
Amid the escalating crisis, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach efforts aimed at easing tensions, particularly between Iran and Gulf states.
According to a statement shared by the Foreign Office of Pakistan on X, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister held a telephone conversation with Araghchi, during which both sides discussed the evolving regional developments.
“The DPM/FM expressed concern over the evolving regional situation. The two agreed to remain in touch on the development,” the statement said.
Earlier, Dar said Pakistan was actively pursuing diplomatic engagement and backchannel contacts to promote de-escalation between Washington and Tehran.
Addressing the Senate earlier this week, Dar said Pakistan had contacted several countries in recent days in an effort to encourage all sides to return to dialogue. “Through dialogue, a path of understanding can emerge,” he told lawmakers.
Dar also noted that diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran had been progressing in a “positive direction” prior to the escalation.
