The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Iran held discussions on Thursday regarding diplomatic efforts to foster peace within the region. According to Pakistan’s foreign office, the talks occurred amid hopes that a peace agreement between Washington and Tehran could end months of fighting that have driven up oil prices and disrupted global shipping lines.
The phone call involved Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar, who also serves as the country’s deputy prime minister, and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. This communication coincided with international media reports on Wednesday suggesting that the US and Iran may be closing in on a one-page memo to end their war.
Pakistan’s Role as a Diplomatic Facilitator
Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a facilitator between Washington, and Tehran. This follows a period where Islamabad hosted direct talks between the two nations in April, though those discussions ended without a deal.
In addition to hosting talks, Islamabad has helped secure an extension of a previous ceasefire. The Pakistani government has also facilitated the dialogue process by passing messages between the two sides.
“The two exchanged views on recent regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability,” the foreign office stated.
The Touska Incident and Humanitarian Support
The diplomatic tension includes the seizure of the Iranian vessel Touska. US President Donald Trump claimed the US military struck and seized the ship on April 19 after it refused orders to withdraw from its planned passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan announced it would hand over the crew members to Iran on Monday night. The ship is expected to be “backloaded” to Pakistani waters to be returned to its owners following necessary repairs.
Foreign Minister Araghchi expressed gratitude to Pakistan for the repatriation of Iranian nationals from the seized vessels and appreciated the continued humanitarian and diplomatic support.
Global Coordination and Future Outlook
During the call, Araghchi briefed Dar on his visit to China on Wednesday, including consultations on international and regional issues of mutual interest. This visit occurred one week before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the Chinese capital for a summit with President Xi Jinping on May 14 and 15.
Pakistan’s foreign office has signaled growing optimism that diplomacy may resolve the conflict. Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi told reporters during a weekly briefing in Islamabad that he expects an agreement “sooner rather than later.”
Andrabi expressed hope that the parties could reach a sustainable, peaceful solution that would bring stability to both the region and the international community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary purpose of the call between Ishaq Dar and Seyed Abbas Araghchi?
The two foreign ministers discussed diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the region amid reports that the US and Iran are nearing a memo to end their war.
How has Pakistan acted as a facilitator between the US and Iran?
Pakistan has hosted direct talks between the two sides, helped secure a ceasefire extension, and passed messages between Washington and Tehran to assist the dialogue process.
What happened to the Iranian vessel Touska?
The vessel was seized by the US military on April 19 after it allegedly refused orders to withdraw from the Strait of Hormuz; its 22 crew members were later evacuated to Pakistan as a confidence-building measure.
Do you believe third-party facilitation is the most effective way to resolve long-standing conflicts between global powers?