Pakistan stresses diplomacy as Iran rejects US ‘threats’

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conversed with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing dialogue and diplomacy amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and the escalation of violence in Yemen. The two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and the ongoing Organisations of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) foreign ministers meeting in Baghdad. Dar affirmed their intent to maintain close communication.

In a separate telephone call, Dar spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, where they addressed the latest regional developments. Both ministers firmly rejected Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming their support for the kingdom's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security. They also deliberated on collaboration under the Regional Four (R-4) framework, which includes Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

The pair expressed their anticipation for the upcoming R-4 meeting to coordinate further actions on regional matters.

Araghchi addressed the OIC gathering in Baghdad, asserting that Iran "rejects coercion, threats, or intimidation" from the US and that it will not surrender its sovereign rights under pressure. However, he added that Iran remains open to dialogue based on mutual respect and credible assurances. Iran has proposed reopening the strategic waterway within seven days, a proposal that is currently under review by the US.

Araghchi stated that if the US demonstrates honesty, the path towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz is clear. Iran's conditions for reopening include lifting the US blockade on its ports, eliminating sanctions on its oil exports, and ceasing hostilities across regional fronts. Araghchi further indicated that if Washington agrees to Iran's terms, the strait could reopen within six days, followed by the resumption of talks the following day.

Iran's newly appointed Defense Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi, speaking to reporters after securing parliament's vote of confidence, warned that any renewed US military attack would inflict "enormous damage" on Washington and its regional allies. "People can rest assured that they will most likely not dare to attack us," Akhlaghi stated. "If they do, they themselves and the region will suffer enormous damage."