Iranian President to visit Pakistan amid nuclear talks tensions with Europe

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to embark on his first foreign visit since recent regional conflict, travelling to Pakistan on July 26, Iranian officials confirmed.

The trip to Islamabad comes amidst heightened geopolitical tensions with Israel following the 12 Day War and ongoing tense nuclear talks with the European powers.

Read more: Iran blames Europeans for 2015 nuclear deal collapse

“This visit reflects the importance of relations with Pakistan”, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated, adding that diplomatic exchanges between the two neighbours have “accelerated” following recent hostilities.

The remarks refer to a period mid-June when Israel launched strikes on Iranian military personnel and scientists. Iran responded with a barrage of its own drones and missiles. The exchange of strikes would continue for a fortnight, in what the pro-Israel US President Trump would christen the 12-Day War,

Ahead of the presidential visit, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni held discussions with his Pakistani counterpart, Mohsin Naqvi. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmael Baqaei, talked about Pezeshkian’s ‘anticipation’ about the upcoming Islamabad visit.

Tensions with European powers

The visit comes as Iran navigates complex international relations, particularly concerning its nuclear programme. The Middle Eastern state is currently engaged in expert-level talks with Britain, France and Germany in Istanbul to discuss the future of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – Iran nuclear deal – that the US pulled out of under Trump’s first presidency and reimposed sanctions.

Read more: Iran to hold meeting with China, Russian regarding nuclear talks

As per the AFP, the European states reportedly warned Iran that crippling sanctions would be reimposed if a diplomatic resolution to the latter’s nuclear programme is not reached by August.