Pakistan, Iran stress diplomacy and close coordination in phone talks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, during which both sides discussed the overall regional situation and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving outstanding issues.

According to a Foreign Office spokesperson, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and maintaining close contacts to address shared challenges. They agreed to continue regular consultations on key regional and global matters and stressed the need to employ diplomatic channels to ensure lasting peace in the region.

The discussion highlighted mutual support for negotiations and diplomatic engagement as central tools for addressing regional concerns, showing Pakistan and Iran’s intent to work together to promote stability and constructive solutions.

The Foreign Office noted that both leaders pledged to keep communication ongoing and to further consolidate ties between the two neighboring countries.

Iran maintains right to enrich uranium in U.S. talks

Earlier Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasised that recognition of Iran’s right to enrich uranium is essential for any successful nuclear negotiations with the United States. Speaking on Sunday, Araqchi said that “zero enrichment can never be accepted” and stressed that talks should focus on ensuring that enrichment occurs for peaceful purposes while building mutual trust.

The remarks came after indirect US-Iranian diplomatic discussions in Oman on Friday, held amid a US naval buildup near Iran and Tehran’s warnings of a strong response if attacked. The negotiations aim to revive stalled diplomacy, which broke down last year over disagreements regarding Iran’s enrichment activities. Iran maintains its nuclear program is exclusively for civilian purposes, while the US has expressed concerns that uranium enrichment could be a step toward nuclear weapons.

A regional diplomat briefed by Iran told Reuters that Tehran is open to discussing “the level and purity” of enrichment, along with other arrangements, provided it can continue enrichment on its soil and receive sanctions relief and military de-escalation. Araqchi framed the enrichment issue as a matter of national independence and dignity, asserting that no external power has the right to dictate Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Iran’s missile program remains outside the scope of negotiations, he added. President Masoud Pezeshkian described the recent talks as a “step forward” and reiterated Tehran’s insistence on rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Future rounds will be scheduled in consultation with Oman.