Pahalgam attack: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday urged India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” and prevent an escalation, as he held talks with Pakistan’s top leadership amid tensions between the two neighbouring countries following the Pahalgam terror attack.
During his discussions with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the two leaders “exchanged views on the evolving situation in South Asia and ongoing US-Iran talks,” the Pakistani Foreign Office stated, reported PTI.
Araghchi also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed the regional situation as well as matters of bilateral interest.
Iran urges for ‘restraint’ by both sides
During his meeting with President Zardari, Araghchi called for restraint by both sides to de-escalate the tensions in the region, according to a statement from the presidential office.
Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.
The Iranian foreign minister’s visit comes amid tensions between Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. He will travel to India on Thursday.
‘De-escalate tensions in the region’
Three days after the Pahalgam terror attack, Araghchi offered to defuse tensions between India and Pakistan, saying Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to “forge greater understanding at this difficult time.”
“The situation in the region is very important for Iran, and we emphasise (on the