ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have jointly condemned Israel’s military actions in the Middle East, criticizing its aggressive behavior and measures in occupied territories. In a joint news conference held in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, expressed their concerns over Israel’s actions, describing them as violations of international law and the UN Charter.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during the bilateral talks, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the country’s stance on the necessity of establishing an independent State of Palestine, based on Pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Dar emphasized rejecting the narrative that equates self-determination with terrorism, which he argued serves to prolong occupation and apartheid policies.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of addressing the Palestinian and Jammu and Kashmir issues through peaceful means, respecting the rights and aspirations of affected populations in line with relevant UN resolutions and the Charter. The discussions with the Iranian Foreign Minister also focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and border security, agreeing to intensify efforts on border management and tackle shared challenges.

The Foreign Ministers acknowledged the threat posed by terrorism and extremism to regional peace, pledging to coordinate efforts to eliminate these issues. The Iranian Foreign Minister commended Pakistan’s firm stance against Israeli actions and reiterated Iran’s right to legitimate defense under the UN Charter. He expressed a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan across various domains, including economy, trade, politics, and culture.