Says dialogue, diplomacy remain only viable path to resolving disputes, achieving lasting peace and stability
Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar (R). Photo: Files
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday during which the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and stressed the need for de-escalation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
According to MoFA’s post on X, both leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation.
The ministry said Dar stressed upon the parties “to follow the path of de-escalation and show restraint, as agreed in the Islamabad MOU in June 2026”.
An interim ceasefire agreement signed between Washington and Tehran — under the mediation of Pakistan — was intended to provide a 60-day window for negotiations on a permanent agreement, but indirect talks in Qatar ended last week with no sign of headway, and the US military unleashed a new wave of strikes against Iran on Tuesday. Iran subsequently said it had targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait and that it had shot down a US MQ-9 drone attempting to interfere in the operation. Bahrain’s army later said it had thwarted Iranian attacks.
He further underscored that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region”.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with His Excellency Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. @araghchi
Both leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional… pic.twitter.com/WuRxnROwwp
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 12, 2026
According to MoFA, Dar also reiterated “Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability”.
The ministry said the two leaders agreed “to remain in close contact”.
The conversation comes amid heightened regional tensions following the outbreak of fresh hostilities between the United States and Iran.
Dar on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The two expressed deep concern over the recent escalation between the United States and Iran despite the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
Read: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia urge restraint amid renewed US-Iran tensions
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate telephonic conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During his conversation with the Iranian president, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional peace and assured President Pezeshkian that Pakistan would continue to extend all possible support in playing “a sincere and constructive role” in restoring and maintaining regional peace and stability.
The premier urged Iran and all other relevant parties to exercise restraint and refrain from taking any steps that could undermine the peace gains made over the past few months.
President Pezeshkian thanked PM Shehbaz, FM Dar, Chief of Defence Forces, and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Pakistan’s other senior leadership for attending the funeral prayers and burial of the late Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei.
In a separate telephone conversation with Qatar’s emir, PM Shehbaz expressed deep concern over the recent regional tensions and reaffirmed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the people of Qatar in the wake of the recent attacks.
The two leaders agreed that continued diplomatic engagement and meaningful dialogue were essential for peace, and that all parties should implement the commitments made under the peace memorandum.
