ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday received a telephone call from the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy during which both sides voiced deep concerns over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister highlighted the serious threats to peace and stability in the region and beyond, stemming from Israel’s unjustified attacks on Iran, a Deputy PM’s Office news release said.
Both leaders stressed the need to defuse tensions and prevent further escalation.
Israel began launching strikes across Iran on Friday, saying it aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon — a charge Iran denies. Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes on Israel.
The strikes on Iran have killed at least 224 people, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, Iran said Sunday. It has not issued an updated toll since then.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, today received a telephone call from the UK Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon David Lammy MP @DavidLammy.
The two leaders expressed deep concerns over the fast deteriorating regional security situation.… pic.twitter.com/U9E0AqSdZZ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 17, 2025
At least 24 people have been killed in Israel and hundreds wounded, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Israeli forces claimed to have killed Iran’s newly appointed Chief of Staff General Ali Shadmani in an airstrike on a command centre in central Tehran, four days after he assumed the role following the death of his predecessor in an Israeli strike.
US President Donald Trump may decide that “further action” is needed to stop Iran’s nuclear programme, Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday, amid speculation that Washington could intervene in the Iran-Israel conflict.
“The president has shown remarkable restraint in keeping our military’s focus on protecting our troops and protecting our citizens. He may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment,” Vance said in a post on X.
