Dar and Araghchi keep diplomatic contact amid regional conflict
Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar and Iran’s Abbas Araghchi discussed regional tensions and bilateral relations by telephone. Dar emphasized continued dialogue and diplomacy, and the ministers agreed to stay in close contact. The conversation took place during the Islamic cooperation foreign ministers’ meeting in Baghdad, against the background of Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the US–Iran conflict.
Geopolitics··Morning
Ministers agree to maintain close contact
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke by telephone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on 18 October. Pakistan’s foreign ministry said they discussed bilateral relations and regional developments. Dar emphasized continued dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges, and the ministers agreed to maintain close contact.[1], [2]
Iran’s state news agency IRNA said the ministers exchanged views on diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote stability in West Asia.[1]
Baghdad hosts Islamic cooperation talks
Pakistan’s account also referred to the ongoing Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the grouping of Islamic countries. Araghchi was in Baghdad for the council’s fifty-second session. The call came during the US–Iran conflict that began in February. Pakistan has pursued mediation through visits to Iran by its civilian and military leadership.[1]
Mediation follows a collapsed temporary ceasefire
A Pakistan-brokered temporary ceasefire collapsed before Iran submitted a proposal in mid-September. In separate remarks on Sunday, Araghchi said Iran’s offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remained on the table. Iran has sought an end to the US blockade of its ports, oil-export sanctions and hostilities on all regional fronts. Washington wants the nuclear programme discussed from the start of negotiations.[1]
