ISLAMABAD:
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their unwavering support amid US and Israeli aggression against his country.
On social media platform X in Urdu, Araghchi said: “On this blessed, divine and spiritual day, I express my deepest gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their strong expression of solidarity with the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the face of aggression by America and the Zionist regime.”
He added that Iran remained committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, fully relying on Almighty Allah, and called for steadfastness and perseverance in confronting external threats.
The current Middle East conflict erupted on February 28, 2026, when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated attacks on Iran. The attacks quickly escalated, with Iran retaliating with drone and missile strikes targeting US assets and allied interests across the Gulf.
Pakistan has maintained a cautious but supportive stance, calling for restraint and dialogue while avoiding direct involvement. Islamabad has expressed solidarity with Iran and highlighted historical, cultural and economic ties.
Officials have engaged in diplomatic efforts, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, holding regular calls with relevant regional leaders to urge de-escalation.
Last week, Pakistan supported a Bahrain-led resolution condemning Iran’s retaliatory strikes, which was passed by the UN Security Council. It also supported a Russian draft resolution on military escalation, although it was vetoed by the United States.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid a brief visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, where he held a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional developments.
The State Department described Pakistan’s role during the conflict as a “bridge builder” that balances solidarity with Iran while encouraging Gulf states and global powers to engage in negotiation and diplomacy.
