TEHRAN (The Thursday Times) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Saturday, using the visit to brief Pakistan’s leadership on Tehran’s position following the latest ceasefire developments in the recent US-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.
The meeting, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, focused on bilateral ties, regional security, and the next phase of diplomatic engagement after days of heightened tension across the Middle East.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to deepening relations with Tehran, stressing that both neighbouring Muslim countries had a shared interest in stronger political, economic and multilateral cooperation. He said the momentum in ties should continue firmly in line with mutual interests.
Araqchi, for his part, said Iran’s leadership places special importance on expanding relations with neighbouring states, particularly Pakistan. He described Pakistan as holding a significant place in Tehran’s foreign policy outlook and reiterated Iran’s intention to broaden cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Iranian minister also thanked Pakistan’s senior leadership for its diplomatic efforts during the conflict, including support for de-escalation, facilitating contacts and helping create conditions that led to a ceasefire.
According to Tasnim News Agency, Araqchi also outlined Iran’s core positions on the ceasefire arrangement and what Tehran described as the need for a full end to the imposed war.
The talks extended beyond Iran. Araqchi raised the continuing conflict in the Palestinian territories and accused Israel of repeated violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, while praising Pakistan’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause and its backing for ceasefire understandings in Lebanon.
