Dar, Iranian FM discuss regional peace efforts

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations with his Iranian and Egyptian counterparts on Sunday to discuss regional developments, diplomatic efforts and cooperation among key Muslim countries.

During his conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Dar discussed the evolving regional situation and the ongoing meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and diplomacy to address regional challenges. The two foreign ministers also agreed to remain in close contact.

Pakistan and Iran were expected to hold further consultations on regional peace efforts on the sidelines of the OIC meeting, which took place on October 17 and 18. The discussions come amid continuing tensions involving Iran, the United States and other countries in the region.

Pakistan has repeatedly called for a negotiated settlement to the conflict and stressed the need to prevent further escalation. Islamabad has also condemned US and Israeli attacks on Iran, as well as Iranian strikes against Arab and Gulf countries.

In a separate telephone conversation, Dar spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty about regional developments and the next meeting of the R-4 grouping, which brings together Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.

The Foreign Office said Dar strongly condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kingdom. He also reiterated support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

Both foreign ministers expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating positions on regional issues. They also looked forward to holding the next R-4 meeting soon.

The four countries have used the R-4 framework to strengthen diplomatic coordination on regional crises and promote peace and stability. Their consultations have gained importance amid the conflict involving the United States and Iran and growing security concerns across the Middle East.

The grouping’s foreign ministers last met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22. They discussed regional developments, condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of diplomacy and stability. They also reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

A subsequent high-level meeting was held in Istanbul late last month as Pakistan intensified diplomatic engagement with regional partners. The next R-4 meeting is expected to provide another opportunity to coordinate responses to emerging challenges.

The consultations are also taking place following the signing of a defence agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in Makkah on August 7. The agreement provides for closer defence cooperation and collective security commitments among its signatories.

Egypt was not a signatory to the agreement, although its potential involvement in broader regional security arrangements has drawn attention because of its strategic position and military significance.

Through its engagement with Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, Pakistan is seeking to promote dialogue, strengthen regional partnerships and support diplomatic efforts to prevent further instability.