Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar and Iran’s Foreign Minister: Context, Diplomacy, and OIC’s Stance on US–Israel Strikes

In recent days, tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically following coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on multiple Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. This military action marked a significant shift in regional dynamics and prompted responses through diplomatic, political, and international organizational channels—including Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement.

1. The Strikes: A Regional Shockwave

On June 22, 2025, U.S. military forces launched precision airstrikes targeting key Iranian nuclear sites. President Trump hailed the operation as a “complete obliteration” of their nuclear capabilities. Israel simultaneously targeted Iranian military installations, such as long‑range missile sites near Yazd and launchers in Bushehr and Ahvaz. Iran reported injuries but no radioactive leakage, and downplayed civilian casualties.

Iran’s swift condemnation emphasized the violation of its national sovereignty and threatened retaliatory moves, including the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

2. OIC Convenes in Istanbul: Collective Rebuke and Diplomatic Initiative

In response, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)—representing 57 Muslim-majority countries—convened an emergency foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul on the very same day. The outcome was substantial:

• A 13‑article resolution condemned both U.S. and Israeli strikes, labeling them “barbaric” and contrary to international law.

• A ministerial contact group was formed to coordinate engagement with major powers and promote de-escalation.

• The OIC reaffirmed Iran’s inherent right to self-defense and urged Israel to accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and submit its nuclear sites to UN oversight.

3. Pakistan’s Diplomatic Signal

During the same OIC session, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar played a prominent role in shaping the group’s stance. He strongly supported collective diplomatic instruments aimed at addressing the crisis.

Notably absent, however, is any confirmed meeting between Dar and Iran’s Foreign Minister (Abbas Araghchi) in the immediate aftermath of the strikes. While Pakistani sources affirm Dar’s vocal support for OIC initiatives, there is no verifiable report of a bilateral meeting taking place right after the strikes.

That said, Dar and Araghchi have previously engaged in diplomatic dialogue on Middle Eastern and regional security issues:

• In February 2025, the two ministers spoke by phone to coordinate OIC action regarding Gaza and broader regional tensions.

• Earlier, in November 2024, Araghchi visited Islamabad and met Ishaq Dar, where both condemned Israeli aggression and agreed to bolster Pakistan–Iran economic cooperation.

4. Domestic Political Fallout in Pakistan

Domestically, Dar stirred significant debate in Islamabad by nominating President Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in easing India–Pakistan tensions. That gesture sparked backlash from political figures and media commentators, who criticized Trump’s involvement in strikes against Iran as contradicting peace credentials.

This internal controversy reflects Pakistan’s tightrope walk — balancing relations with global powers like the U.S. while maintaining solidarity with fellow Muslim-majority nations during heightened regional crises.

5. What This All Means

a) OIC’s Unified Response

The OIC’s decisive condemnation and diplomatic mobilization mark one of its most assertive collective responses in recent decades. The formation of a contact group signals readiness to engage global powers directly and push for peace.

b) Pakistan’s Strategic Diplomacy

Ishaq Dar’s active support for OIC measures—and his prior coordination with Iran’s FM—positions Pakistan as a regional mediator. However, the absence of a recent face‑to‑face meeting with Iran amid this crisis tempers claims of direct bilateral diplomacy.

c) Global Implications

The strikes—and the OIC’s reaction—undermine global non-proliferation frameworks by sidestepping diplomatic channels like the IAEA and UN Security Council. The call for Israel to join the NPT further complicates regional nuclear politics.

6. The Road Ahead

• The OIC contact group is expected to hold strategic discussions with major stakeholders, including members of the UN Security Council and IAEA officials.

• Iran has warned of “measured retaliation,” though the exact nature and timing remain unclear.

• Escalation risks loom large: regional oil markets, military posturing, and international diplomatic alignments hang in the balance.

Conclusion

The U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran have triggered a rare moment of unity within the OIC, marked by sharp condemnations and promises of political follow-through. Ishaq Dar has contributed to this unity through diplomatic advocacy, albeit without documented direct engagement with Iran’s FM in this specific context. Still, his earlier outreach to Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Malaysia highlights Pakistan’s active role in efforts to de-escalate a crisis that threatens regional stability.

Reference: امریکی حملے کے بعد اسحاق ڈار کی ایرانی ہم منصب سے ملاقات ، ایران کے حق دفاع کی حمایت