Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Friday, during which both leaders expressed serious concern over ceasefire violations committed by Israel in Lebanon. The discussion took place despite the US-Iran peace agreement.
Exchange of Views on Regional Developments
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and highlighted the ceasefire violations by Israel in Lebanon, expressing serious concern over the situation. FM Dar congratulated the leadership, government, and people of Iran on the signing of the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' with the US.
He also conveyed his best wishes for the commencement of the next phase of negotiations, expressing hope that the process would move smoothly and yield positive outcomes, MoFA added.
Gratitude for Pakistan's Mediation
Iranian FM Araghchi expressed gratitude for Pakistan's constructive and sustained mediation efforts that led to the end of the conflict in the region. He also thanked FM Dar for Pakistan's facilitation of the repatriation of 30 Iranians, including eight fishermen rescued at sea by the United Kingdom and 22 crew members recently interdicted by the US. The transit arrangements for these individuals are currently being coordinated by Pakistan.
The two ministers underscored the importance of continued engagement and agreed to remain in close contact.
Islamabad MoU Signed
On June 18, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Islamabad MoU as a mediator, formalizing a major diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran, ending the 108-day war that started when the US and Israel assassinated Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. The memorandum also carries the signatures of US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The 14-point agreement extends a ceasefire announced in April by another 60 days, including in Lebanon, to allow the two sides to negotiate a final truce. Both Trump and Pezeshkian have digitally signed the memorandum in English and Farsi, US and Iran officials said, with Iran's foreign ministry stating that the agreement is already in effect as of Wednesday.
