Iranian FM arrives in Pakistan to muster support on Middle East situation

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister (FM) Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a two-day official visit to discuss the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson.

Araghchi’s Islamabad visit takes place after last month’s escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, with both countries firing missiles at each other. Israel carried out strikes against Iran on Oct. 26, saying it was responding to missile attacks conducted by Tehran earlier in the month.

During his visit, he will hold meetings with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson.  

The Iranian Foreign Minister will hold consultations on the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations.

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According to sources, Iranian foreign minister will seek Pakistan’s advice and support. Islamabad was among the first countries which strongly condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, calling it a violation of Islamic Republic’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Official sources said while Pakistan held Israel responsible for the tensions, it wanted de-escalation and diplomacy to take precedence over use of force. The sources said that the Pakistani side would like to advise Iran to opt for diplomacy.

However, they admit that Iran alone cannot do anything if Israel continues with its aggressive policies. Pakistan is worried that any direct conflict between Iran and Israel will have far-reaching implications for the Middle East and beyond.