Islamabad (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar appreciated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for setting the record straight on Iran’s position amid recent media coverage.
Taking to social media platform X, Ishaq Dar thanked Araghchi for his clarification and addressed him affectionately as a "Dear Brother."
Earlier, Araghchi had highlighted on his X account that US media reports were misrepresenting Iran’s stance.
He also conveyed sincere appreciation to Pakistan for its diplomatic support and made it clear that Iran has never turned down an invitation to visit Islamabad.
The Iranian FM underscored that the top priority is securing a definitive and enduring end to the "illegal war" affecting his country.
He closed his message with the patriotic slogan, "Pakistan Zindabad."
US publication The Wall Street Journal had reported on Friday that Iran conveyed to mediators its unwillingness to meet US representatives in Islamabad in the coming days, describing the US demands as unacceptable.
Araghchi, however, clarified that Iran “never refused to go to Islamabad” and expressed gratitude to Pakistan for facilitating peace efforts. He emphasized that Iran’s primary concern is securing “a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us.”
The ongoing conflict has caused a steep rise in global fuel and energy prices, partly due to Tehran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. In addition to conveying messages between Washington and Tehran, Pakistan hosted key regional ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt on March 31, coordinating efforts to bring an end to the war.
Following the quadrilateral gathering in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a high-level bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
The discussions proposed a five-point plan for peace, calling for an immediate ceasefire, swift commencement of talks, protection of civilian and non-military infrastructure, safeguarding shipping routes, and upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.
On April 2, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) announced that the country is intensifying its diplomatic engagement with the US to support de-escalation and create a pathway for meaningful negotiations.
“Pakistan is actively working to create a conducive environment for de-escalation and dialogue,” said FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi in Islamabad, noting that the next stage will focus on substantive talks among all relevant parties.