Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed Monday that Iran is prepared to re-engage in diplomatic talks on the condition that Israel ceases its military aggression.
Speaking during a session of the Senate, Dar said that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed Tehran’s willingness to return to negotiations, but only if Israel refrains from launching further attacks.
“I was informed directly by my Iranian counterpart that if no additional strikes are carried out by Israel, Iran is open to dialogue,” Dar told lawmakers. “We’ve communicated this to several other countries. There’s still a window to halt Israel’s actions and bring Iran back to the table.”
The conflict, now in its fourth day, has seen a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting nuclear facilities, military bases, and populated areas. According to Iranian authorities, at least 224 people have died, including prominent military figures and civilians.
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Iran has responded with its own missile and drone attacks, which have reportedly killed at least 24 people in Israel, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
Tensions between the two countries are not new. Iran does not recognize Israel and has long accused it of orchestrating sabotage operations against its nuclear infrastructure and assassinating key scientists.
Dar emphasized that Pakistan has consistently pushed for diplomatic efforts and de-escalation, saying, “Our aim has always been to support dialogue, particularly between Iran and the United States.”
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The Foreign Minister added that he has been in constant contact with officials from both Iran and Oman since the start of hostilities. “I spoke to Iran’s foreign minister both before and after the Israeli attacks,” Dar stated, noting that Tehran had clearly warned of retaliation following the initial strike.
Highlighting the dangers of misinformation in such a volatile environment, Dar urged the public and media to be cautious. “This is a critical and dangerous moment. Misinformation can add fuel to the fire,” he said.
He condemned a surge in fake news and manipulated media circulating online since June 13, including old videos being presented as current and fabricated statements involving US and Israeli leaders.
One such rumor falsely claimed Pakistan would respond with a nuclear strike if Israel initiated one. Dar called this assertion “utterly false and reckless.”
“Our nuclear weapons are for deterrence and self-defense. We have maintained this stance since 1998,” he reiterated, stressing Pakistan’s doctrine is based on maintaining regional peace.
He also reminded the chamber that Pakistan is not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), underlining the country’s independent stance. Any attack on nuclear installations, he said, would constitute a violation of international law.
Regarding the safety of Pakistani citizens in Iran, Dar confirmed that the Foreign Office has activated a crisis cell and is actively tracking developments to ensure repatriation and assistance where needed.
