United News of Bangladesh

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi has arrived in the Indian capital to hold diplomatic talks with senior officials, as tensions continue to simmer between India and Pakistan following recent cross-border hostilities. A spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as “an opportunity to review and enhance bilateral cooperation on the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty”. The two countries have long maintained diplomatic and economic ties, particularly in energy and regional connectivity. Aragchi’s visit to Delhi follows his stopover in Islamabad just a day before India carried out a series of airstrikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. While in Pakistan, the Iranian envoy held talks with his counterpart, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, as part of Iran’s ongoing diplomatic outreach in the region. In recent weeks, Iran has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan in a bid to ease tensions and prevent further escalation. Tehran has expressed concern over rising instability in South Asia, a region in which it has both strategic and economic interests. Tensions soar as Pakistan vows retaliation over Indian strikes Neither New Delhi nor Islamabad has officially responded to the offer of mediation, though both sides continue to engage with Iran at various diplomatic levels. Aragchi’s back-to-back visits to the two nuclear-armed neighbours underscore Iran’s attempt to play a stabilising role amid a volatile geopolitical climate. Analysts say Iran’s engagement may also be aimed at bolstering its regional influence and maintaining strategic balance. Source: With inputs from BBC  

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Monday in a diplomatic effort to mediate between Islamabad and New Delhi following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that has sharply raised tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi is the first foreign dignitary to visit the country since the April 22 assault in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, mostly Hindus. His visit follows Tehran’s recent offer to help deescalate the crisis. Upon arrival near Islamabad, Araghchi was received by senior Pakistani officials. During his trip, he is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. No further details were provided. Pakistan’s military remains on high alert after Minister Attaullah Tarar warned last week of “credible intelligence” suggesting a possible Indian retaliatory strike. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the Kashmir attack and has proposed an impartial international investigation — an offer India has yet to respond to. Israel to expand military campaign in Gaza, says official Global leaders, including U.S. officials, have urged both countries to act with restraint to prevent further escalation. Kashmir remains a deeply contentious issue, with both India and Pakistan claiming the region in full. The two nations have fought two wars over the Himalayan territory, and their relationship continues to be defined by hostility, mistrust, and disputes over Kashmir. The recent surge in hostilities has already led to tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and the closure of airspace between the two sides.      

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