Dar holds talk with Russian and Iranian Ambassadors, pledges to strengthen Pakistan’s bilateral ties

WEB DESK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hosted Iranian Ambassador Raza Amiri Moghaddam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Saturday, February 7, 2026, for detailed discussions aimed at advancing bilateral relations.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation through established institutional mechanisms and explored ways to further enhance partnerships in key areas such as trade, energy, connectivity, and border security. Dar emphasised that strengthening ties with Iran remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy, rooted in deep historical, cultural, and geographic connections, as well as shared economic and strategic interests.

Ambassador Moghaddam conveyed Iran’s condolences over the tragic suicide bombing at the Khadijatul Kubra Imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad, which claimed at least 31 lives and left many injured. He expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. Dar strongly condemned the attack as an assault on humanity and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all forms, regardless of ideology or origin, while appreciating Iran’s swift support and sympathy.

The meeting follows recent high-level contacts, including last week’s phone call between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, which focused on promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity through continued diplomatic engagement.

Russia Welcomes Closer Pakistan-Iran Ties

Moscow has welcomed the growing momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations, viewing stronger cooperation between Islamabad and Tehran as a stabilising factor in South and West Asia. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova described the ongoing dialogue as “constructive and timely,” highlighting shared challenges such as counter-terrorism, regional connectivity, and energy security. She added that Russia supports multilateral efforts including through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to foster trust and practical collaboration in the region, noting that enhanced Pakistan-Iran relations contribute to collective security and economic integration across Eurasia.