Ishaq Dar calls Iran FM as fresh US-Iran strikes raise Gulf tensions

Islamabad,UPDATED: Jun 27, 2026 18:10 IST

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over the phone after fresh US-Iran strikes raised tensions in the Gulf region, according to a statement issued on Saturday.

The call came after a recent effort to restore peace in West Asia faltered. The US and Iran had signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18, followed by technical-level talks in Switzerland on June 21, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators.

However, the two sides again exchanged attacks. The US carried out airstrikes on Friday in response to an Iranian drone attack a day earlier on a ship trying to leave the Strait of Hormuz.

During the call on Friday night, Dar reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to play its "constructive role" in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region, Pakistan's Foreign Office said. Araghchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued support in advancing the peace process, according to the statement.

Araghchi also thanked Pakistan for helping ensure the safe and smooth repatriation of Iranian crew members and fishermen to their homeland. In a social media post on Friday, Dar said a new group of 22 Iranian crew members of a tanker seized by US authorities had reached Pakistan for repatriation. He said this was the fourth group of Iranian crew whose return had been facilitated by Islamabad over the past two months.

The crew members were on board the vessel M/T Davina, which was seized by US forces after a naval blockade was imposed on Iran on April 13. The Foreign Office said Dar and Araghchi also agreed to remain in close contact, as Pakistan reiterated its support for efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.

With PTI Inputs

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