ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stressed that diplomacy is on the only viable path to achive peace and stability in the region.
Deputy PM Dar made the remarks during a meeting with Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghaddam who called on him at his office on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
Ishaq Dar conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives in the conflict and expressed hope for an early resolution.
The Ambassador conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering moral support shown by the people of Pakistan during this difficult period.
Ambassador of Iran, H.E. Reza Amiri Moghaddam today called on Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the strong moral support extended by the people of Pakistan during this challenging time.
The… pic.twitter.com/nES2j0tZIq
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 17, 2026
US Counterterrorism Chief resigns
Earlier, the director of the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Joe Kent, resigned on in protest over the war with Iran, becoming the most senior official in President Donald Trump’s administration to step down over the conflict.
In a resignation letter posted on X, Kent said he could not support the ongoing military campaign, arguing that Iran did not pose an immediate danger to the United States.
“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent wrote.
“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
He also urged Trump to reconsider the course of the conflict.
Oil prices climb
Meanwhile, Oil prices surged on Tuesday as fresh attacks on energy infrastructure across the Middle East heightened concerns over global supply, while equity markets showed resilience ahead of key central bank decisions.
International benchmark Brent crude rose around two percent to trade above $102 per barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate gained about 1.7 percent to hover near $95.
The gains partially reversed sharp losses in the previous session, which followed comments by Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, that additional emergency stockpiles could be released if needed.
