Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reiterated in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path for regional stability, as deadlock persists on peace talks between Washington and Tehran.
Since entering into a ceasefire on April 8, and engaging in one round of talks in Islamabad, Iran and the United States have remained at odds over a permanent end to the conflict triggered on Feb. 28 by joint Israeli-U.S. strikes on Tehran. The U.S. is demanding an end to Iran’s nuclear program as part of any deal, while the latter has called for deferring the nuclear talks until after the conflict ends. Amidst the back-and-forth, the Strait of Hormuz remained blockaded by both nations, hampering global shipping lanes.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar and Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi talked via telephone late on Sunday, with their discussion focusing on the regional situation and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts for regional peace and stability. It said Araghchi had appreciated Pakistan for its constructive role and sincere mediation efforts, while Dar had reaffirmed Islamabad’s continued commitment to promoting constructive engagement.
The deputy prime minister stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward peaceful resolution of all pending issues, adding lasting peace and stability for the region and beyond also required the same.
On Sunday, Iran’s foreign ministry announced Tehran has received Washington’s latest response to its proposal for peace. It said the reply is currently under review.