ISLAMABAD – June 16:
Iran has signaled its readiness to engage in diplomatic talks—on the condition that Israel halts its ongoing military operations, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed during a Senate session on Sunday.
Dar stated that Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, communicated through multiple diplomatic channels that Tehran is prepared to re-enter negotiations if Israel agrees to stop its airstrikes. The outreach reportedly included indirect messages delivered via Gulf states and Pakistan.
“Iran is not opposed to dialogue, but insists it cannot take place while Israeli aggression continues,” Dar told lawmakers. He emphasized that Iran had conveyed this stance to Pakistan and other regional actors, including Oman.
The development follows a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran. Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites last week left over 220 dead, prompting a retaliatory wave of missile and drone attacks by Tehran, which killed at least 24 people in Israel.
Dar also took the opportunity to dispel online misinformation, rejecting claims that Pakistan had issued a nuclear threat amid the crisis. “Such reports are entirely baseless, irresponsible, and fabricated,” he said.
While tensions remain high, Iran’s conditional willingness to return to the table introduces a potential opening for de-escalation. Regional powers and Western allies are reportedly encouraging both sides to pursue diplomatic solutions before the situation worsens further.
