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Pakistan, Iran express concern over Lebanon ceasefire violations amid US-Iran talks

By The South Asia Times

Islamabad/Tehran – Pakistan and Iran’s top diplomats on Friday expressed "serious concern" over the situation in Lebanon, including reported Israeli ceasefire violations, according to an official statement.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which he congratulated Iran’s leadership on the signing of the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" with the United States, according to a Pakistan Foreign Ministry statement.

Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its "constructive and sustained mediation efforts" in facilitating the agreement. Both leaders reviewed regional developments and expressed concern over reported Israeli military activity in Lebanon.

The call came after Iran postponed technical-level talks with the US, originally slated for Friday in Switzerland, in protest against "continued" Israeli ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon. No new date has been set, with Pakistan reportedly in touch with both sides to reschedule.

A senior US official later confirmed that a ceasefire was set to take effect at 1600 local time. Israel also stated the ceasefire with Hezbollah would remain in effect as long as the Lebanese group complies, according to Anadolu Agency.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian electronically signed the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," mediated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif . The 14-point framework aims to end the conflict that began Feb. 28 and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said consultations through mediators continue on drafting a final agreement