Pakistan, Iran Reaffirm Commitment to Deepen Security and Strategic Ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have pledged to strengthen defense cooperation and collaborate more closely on regional peace and security, as high-level officials from both countries held key meetings in Islamabad on Saturday.

Iran’s Defence Minister, Brigadier General Aziz Nasir-Zadeh—part of President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visiting delegation—met with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to discuss bilateral relations and regional challenges.

The two ministers reviewed shared concerns, including counter-terrorism, border security, and prospects for expanding defense collaboration. They reiterated their commitment to advancing strategic ties through mutual trust and defense diplomacy.

According to Pakistan’s Defence Ministry, Minister Asif expressed appreciation for Iran’s continued engagement, emphasizing that enhanced defense cooperation is vital for tackling common security issues. General Nasir-Zadeh echoed the sentiment, stating Iran is committed to building defense relations “based on mutual respect, shared values, and trust.”

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism about the future of Pakistan-Iran defense ties and their shared vision for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region.

Pak-Iran FM Discuss Bilateral Engagement

In a separate meeting, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, who is also accompanying President Pezeshkian on his state visit from August 2–3, 2025.

The two diplomats engaged in preliminary discussions ahead of leadership-level talks, focusing on regional developments, trade and connectivity, energy cooperation, and the need for institutionalized dialogue.

Both leaders reaffirmed the enduring and brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Iran and highlighted the importance of structured consultation, economic cooperation, and people-to-people linkages in deepening bilateral ties.