Israeli Attack on Iran Followed Progress in US-Iran Talks, Says Ishaq Dar

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that significant progress in US-Iran negotiations was underway, but Israel launched a major strike on Iran after observing the potential success of talks, prompting Iran to retaliate with attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in the Senate, Ishaq Dar said that on March 29, foreign ministers from four countries met in Pakistan, and Pakistan also maintained communication with China’s Foreign Minister. He explained that Pakistan and China agreed on five key points, while the United States presented 15 points and Iran five points, which Pakistan conveyed to both parties.

Dar disclosed that the negotiations had reached a “critical breakthrough” when Israel struck Iran, seeing that both sides could be brought together. He noted that during the Israeli attack on Iran, he was in Medina, and Pakistan was the only Islamic country to publicly condemn the attack. Following the incident, Dar personally contacted the Iranian Foreign Minister.

According to Dar, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Arab countries within hours. He also highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing coordination with China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s mediation was accepted by both the US and Iran, and the country also successfully facilitated a condemnation of Israel in the proposed statement. He added that the Prime Minister remains engaged in other urgent matters but continues to support diplomatic engagement.