Islamabad, June 16, 2025: Amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Monday that Iran is ready to return to negotiations—provided Israel ceases further military attacks.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Dar disclosed that he had held direct communication with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi following the initial Israeli airstrikes.
“Iran’s Foreign Minister told me that if Israel refrains from further attacks, Tehran is prepared to return to the negotiating table,” Dar said.
“We have conveyed this message to other countries. There is still time to halt Israeli aggression and revive diplomacy.”
The conflict, now in its fourth day, erupted after Israel launched large-scale airstrikes across Iran on Friday, targeting military installations, nuclear facilities, and residential areas. The attacks have killed at least 224 people, including senior military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians, according to Iranian authorities.
In retaliation, Iran has launched multiple drone and missile strikes into Israeli territory, killing at least 24 people, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace in the region.
“Pakistan has played a constructive role in supporting diplomatic efforts. Our aim has always been to facilitate successful negotiations between the United States and Iran,” he said.
He added that foreign ministers from Oman and Iran had remained in close contact with him throughout the crisis.
“I spoke with the Iranian foreign minister both before and after the initial Israeli attack. He made it clear that Iran would respond.”
Dar also cautioned against the spread of disinformation, calling the current situation “extremely delicate.”
“This is not child’s play. A serious conflict is unfolding. Everyone must act responsibly,” he said, condemning the circulation of fake news and edited videos—such as an old 2011 interview of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu being presented as recent.
He firmly denied viral social media claims that Pakistan might launch a nuclear strike if Israel did so.
“These are entirely false and highly irresponsible statements,” he said. “Our nuclear weapons, as declared in 1998, are solely for our own defence and deterrence.”
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s independent nuclear doctrine, noting the country’s decision not to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and called any attack on nuclear installations a “serious crime under international law.”
Regarding Pakistani nationals in Iran, he said the Foreign Office had activated a crisis management unit and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure their safe repatriation.
