ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran agreed to maintain close diplomatic coordination and support dialogue aimed at easing regional tensions during a meeting between their foreign ministers on Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The two officials reviewed regional developments and reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to peace, stability and economic cooperation.

Dar expressed concern over recent tensions and called for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement by all parties, according to an official statement.

He also stressed the need to build on understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding of June 2026, which forms part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to prevent further regional escalation.

Araghchi welcomed Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement and its role in supporting regional peace efforts.

The Iranian foreign minister also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including people aboard vessels intercepted by the United States.

Pakistan coordinated with Iranian, American and other relevant authorities to arrange their transit through the country and safe return to Iran, the statement said. Araghchi had previously acknowledged Pakistan’s assistance in repatriating Iranian crew members and fishermen during a June 27 conversation with Dar.

Both sides agreed to continue regular consultations on bilateral and regional matters.

The meeting took place as foreign ministers from SCO member states gathered in Kyrgyzstan to discuss regional security, political cooperation and economic relations. Araghchi arrived in Cholpon-Ata on Thursday to attend the ministerial meeting.

Pakistan and Iran share a long border and maintain cooperation in trade, security, energy and regional diplomacy. Their latest discussions focused primarily on preventing further conflict and preserving diplomatic channels during a period of heightened regional uncertainty.

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