FM Dar calls for sustained US-Iran ceasefire to prevent breakdown of understandings in call with Araghchi

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday stressed the importance of sustaining the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran to prevent any breakdown of existing understandings during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

Earlier today, Iranian state media said the Islamic Republic's negotiating team was stopping exchanging messages with Washington through mediators over attacks on Lebanon, where the US-Israeli war against Iran has reignited Israel's conflict with Hezbollah. However, United States President Donald Trump later claimed that talks with Iran were ongoing at a rapid pace and Israel had agreed to send no troops to Beirut.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the two leaders discussed the current regional situation and developments of mutual interest and agreed to remain in close contact.

“FM Dar conveyed Pakistan’s serious concern and emphasised the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire is sustained in order to prevent any breakdown of existing understandings,” the ministry said.

The statement further said that Araghchi expressed serious concern over recent developments in the region, including alleged ceasefire violations in Lebanon by Israel and orders issued by the Israeli government regarding a potential attack on parts of Beirut.

“FM Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in regional diplomacy and requested Pakistan to continue using its good offices to help facilitate de-escalation in the current situation and support efforts to maintain the ceasefire,” the statement said.

According to Iran's Mehr News Agency, FM Araghchi also held a telephone conversation with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

FM Dar also held a telephone conversation with Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty.

“The two leaders discussed the latest developments in the region and emphasised the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to promote peace and stability, particularly at this stage,” MOFA said.

The statement added that both sides agreed to remain in close contact.

Pakistan emerged as a central facilitator in the sensitive diplomatic track, positioning itself as an “honest broker” amid sharply polarised positions between Washington and Tehran.

The war began in February 2026 when US and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure. Iran retaliated across the region and closed the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a global energy shock. By early April, Trump was threatening to destroy Iranian civilisation entirely, deadlines set for March 21, then March 23, then April 7, as diplomats scrambled for an opening.

Pakistan provided that opening. On April 8, Islamabad brokered a conditional two-week ceasefire. Trump confirmed it himself, naming Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the Pakistanis who had persuaded him to stand down. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was equally warm, publicly thanking Pakistan's tireless efforts on behalf of the Islamic Republic.

With a ceasefire in place, Pakistan moved swiftly to host formal negotiations. On April 11 and 12, delegations from the United States and Iran convened at the Islamabad Serena Hotel.

The US team was led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Witkoff and Kushner; Iran sent a delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Qalibaf.

The talks ran for 21 hours and while both sides reported progress on most points, two issues proved intractable: the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme. No agreement was reached. No memorandum was signed.