ISLAMABAD: As the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv enters its fourth day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Monday that Iran is willing to resume negotiations if Israel halts its military strikes. He emphasized that he had direct communication with Iran’s foreign minister following the initial hostilities.
During session in the Senate, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has apprised that “Iran’s Foreign Minister [Abbas Araghchi] told me that if Israel refrains from launching further attacks, Iran is prepared to return to the negotiation table,” there remains and opportunity to halt Israel’s aggression and bring Iran back to dialogue,” he added.
Since Friday, Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites, nuclear facilities, and residential areas across the country. These assaults have resulted in the deaths of at least 224 individuals within Iran, including top military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians.Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks that have killed at least 24 people in Israel, according to the latest figures from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Iran does not recognize Israel and has long accused it of sabotage against its nuclear program and the assassination of its scientists.Addressing the Senate, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in supporting diplomatic efforts, stating: “Our goal has always been to facilitate successful negotiations between the United States and Iran.”He also mentioned that the foreign ministers of Oman and Iran had maintained regular contact with him throughout the crisis. “I personally spoke with Iran’s foreign minister both prior to and following the Israeli strikes,” Dar noted.
The foreign minister made it clear after the first attack that “this act will be met with a response,” Dar added. He cautioned against the spread of misinformation and propaganda, emphasizing the sensitive and volatile nature of the current situation. “This is not a matter to be taken lightly — a serious conflict is unfolding,” he warned. “All parties must exercise restraint and responsibility. Recklessness is unacceptable in these times.”
Dar condemned the proliferation of false information circulating since June 13, including manipulated videos involving U.S. President Donald Trump and outdated interviews falsely presented as recent events.“Fake news is rampant we must be vigilant,” he urged, citing a video clip of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 2011 interview that has been falsely circulated as a recent statement.
He also dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting Pakistan would consider nuclear retaliation if Israel initiated a strike first. Calling such assertions “irresponsible and entirely unfounded,” Dar said: “Pakistan’s nuclear capability is solely for self-defense and deterrence. We declared in 1998 that our nuclear weapons are for our own protection.”
He reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is solely for regional stability and emphasized that any attack on nuclear facilities would be a grave violation of international law.Regarding the repatriation of Pakistani citizens from Iran, Dar mentioned that the Foreign Office has activated a crisis management team and is closely monitoring the developing situation
