ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed continued dialogue and diplomacy in a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, as tensions persisted over the US-Iran conflict, Dawn reported.
Key points
- The ministers also discussed the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad
- Araghchi said Iran's seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remains on the table
- Iran's new defence minister warned of 'enormous damage' if the US attacks again
The Dar–Araghchi call
The Foreign Office said the two ministers reviewed the evolving regional situation and the OIC meeting under way in Baghdad, and agreed to stay in close contact.
Iran's conditions
Addressing the OIC meeting, Araghchi said Iran would not bow to coercion or threats from the US but remained open to talks based on mutual respect and credible guarantees.
Speaking to reporters, he said Washington had sent comments on Tehran's proposal that were under review. Iran's conditions include lifting the US blockade of its ports, removing sanctions on its oil exports and ending hostilities on all regional fronts. If they are accepted, he said, the strait could reopen within six days, with talks resuming the following day.
New defence minister's warning
Iran's newly appointed defence minister, Mehrdad Akhlaghi, said shortly after winning a parliamentary vote of confidence that any renewed US attack would bring heavy damage to the US and its regional allies, Dawn reported.
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