Pakistan urges Iran to de-escalate as it hosts key regional ministers for talks

Ishaq Dar held talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi late Saturday, calling for “an end to all attacks and hostilities” amid escalating tensions in the region.

The conversation came ahead of a key diplomatic meeting in Islamabad, where top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt gathered as Pakistan intensified efforts to broker peace. Among those present were Faisal bin Farhan, Badr Abdelatty, and Hakan Fidan, who are also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, Dar stressed the urgency of de-escalation during his call with Araghchi, underscoring that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to lasting peace. He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring regional stability.

Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a mediator between Iran and the United States following the outbreak of hostilities involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. The ongoing conflict has disrupted critical oil shipments and cargo flows through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as regional air routes.

In a related development, Dar announced that Iran has agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani-flagged ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with two vessels expected to pass through daily under the arrangement. He described the move as a constructive gesture that could help ease tensions and contribute to regional stability.