Dar, Araghchi stress dialogue, diplomacy amid regional tensions

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi discussed bilateral ties, regional situation and developments in West Asia during a telephone conversation, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Sunday.

The two leaders stressed the importance of continued dialogue and diplomacy to address regional challenges and agreed to maintain close contact, according to the Foreign Office.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA has reported that Araghchi spoke with Dar by telephone while attending the 52nd session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad.

During the call, the two foreign ministers discussed bilateral matters and recent regional developments, focusing on the situation in West Asia and regional stability, according to Iranian media.

They also discussed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and promote stability in the region.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that the conversation between the two leaders focused regional situation and the ongoing OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Baghdad.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi @araghchi. The two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and the ongoing OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad. DPM/FM underscored the importance of continued dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges. The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact.

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 18, 2026

Both leaders emphasised the need to continue dialogue and use diplomatic channels to address the complex challenges facing the region, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson. They also agreed to maintain consultations and communication on regional issues.

The latest telephonic conversation comes as OIC foreign ministers meet in Baghdad to discuss cooperation among member states and key regional and international issues.

Earlier in the day, Araqchi told Iranian media outlets that Iran’s offer to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days is still on the table.

Iran presented its proposal in mid-September after an interim ceasefire collapsed. Tehran later acknowledged receiving a US response but Iran’s security chief said last week negotiations have stalled because Washington failed to address all seven conditions for reopening the strait.

“Our situation is clear and based on the seven-days proposal presented to the US. They shared comments which we are reviewing, but our proposal is still on the table and if there is any honesty on the US part, which there isn’t, the way to reopening the Strait of Hormuz is obvious,” Araqchi said while in Baghdad for a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Iran’s conditions include, among other demands, the lifting of the US blockade on its ports, the lifting of US sanctions on its oil exports as well as ending hostilities on all regional fronts.

If Washington accept Tehran’s conditions, the strait could reopen within six days, with talks resuming the following day, Araqchi said.

A central point of disagreement has been Washington’s insistence on addressing Iran’s nuclear programme from the outset.