Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday exchanged phone calls with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as well as Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to discuss the Middle East situation and the ceasefire with the United States.
According to Iranian state media, the separate calls discussed issues related to the ceasefire as well as the wider Middle East situation. Confirming the call with Dar, the Foreign Office said they had exchanged views on regional developments, the ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic efforts of Islamabad to facilitate engagement between Washington and Tehran.
During the talk, read the statement, the deputy prime minister underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and engagement to address outstanding issues and advance regional peace and stability at the earliest. “FM Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s consistent and constructive facilitation role in this regard, and both leaders agreed to remain in close contact,” it added.
Pakistan mediated a ceasefire between Iran and the United States two weeks ago, followed by a round of talks between the two sides in Islamabad. A second round was due to take place this week, but could not proceed amid a lack of trust between Iran and the United States.
Islamabad, per sources, is continuing its efforts to achieve a second round of talks though neither side has indicated any progress on the matter. The federal capital has been virtually locked down for the past week in anticipation of the potential talks, troubling citizens and causing problems for businesses, many of which have been forced to shutter operations owing to security concerns.
With no public signs of the talks occurring in the near-term, residents of Islamabad are increasingly demanding an end to all restrictions until and unless both sides confirm their participation in potential dialogue.