Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday held separate telephone calls with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. According to the Iranian news agency, Araghchi discussed recent regional developments and the ongoing ceasefire between Iran and the United States during contacts with Pakistan’s political and military leadership. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the regional situation, the US-Iran ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict were discussed during the call between Araghchi and Dar. Dar stressed the importance of dialogue and communication with Iran to resolve its demands and issues. Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s “constant and constructive facilitation role,” and the two leaders agreed to remain in touch. The contacts came at a time of tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over the ceasefire, while diplomatic activity has intensified with Pakistan acting as a mediator. The first round of talks between the United States and Iran after a two-week ceasefire was held in Islamabad and ended without results. Efforts are now underway in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan, to bring the parties back to the negotiating table, with Iran demanding an end to the US naval blockade to participate. US President Donald Trump has said in several statements that he will continue the naval blockade of Iran. On Thursday, he ordered the US military to destroy Iran’s gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said distrust of the United States was the biggest obstacle to ongoing negotiations. Iran has also raised concerns over US behaviour, saying threats, port closures and “frivolous behaviour” are major obstacles to talks. He said Iran has always welcomed negotiations and agreements and will continue to do so, but differences remain over what it called contradictions between US rhetoric and actions.