Report by Syed Farzand Ali
LAHORE: Iranian Consul General Mehran Mohadfar has praised Pakistan for playing what he described as a historic and constructive diplomatic role in helping reduce tensions between Iran and the United States and supporting recent ceasefire efforts.
Addressing a seminar titled “Western Asia’s Development and Pakistan’s Role in Regional Peace” at the University of South Asia in Lahore, Mohadfar said Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement had been widely appreciated in Iran and internationally.
He specifically acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, stating that their diplomatic initiatives contributed to efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions.
According to the Iranian envoy, Pakistan demonstrated responsible regional leadership by actively supporting peace and dialogue during a period of heightened instability.
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Regional Security Depends on Cooperation
Mohadfar stressed that sustainable security in Western Asia can only be achieved through cooperation among regional countries without external interference.
He said neighboring nations share common security interests and should work collectively to resolve disputes through diplomacy and mutual respect.
“The future of regional peace lies in cooperation among regional states rather than outside intervention,” he said.
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Palestine Remains Central to Lasting Peace
The Iranian diplomat argued that lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a just and comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue.
He said protecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people remains essential for long-term regional stability and lasting peace.
Criticism of Sanctions and Remarks on Iran’s Nuclear Program
Mohadfar criticized unilateral economic sanctions imposed on Iran, arguing that countries should avoid using human rights as a political tool to exert pressure on sovereign nations.
Referring to Iran’s nuclear program, he reiterated Tehran’s position that, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran has the legal right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and does not require external approval to exercise that right.
Civilian Impact of Recent Conflict
The Consul General also referred to the humanitarian consequences of the recent conflict involving Iran, claiming that schools, hospitals, museums, historical landmarks and public infrastructure suffered damage during military attacks.
He mentioned an attack on a school in Minab that reportedly resulted in the deaths of children and compared the tragedy to the 2014 Army Public School attack in Peshawar, describing both incidents as devastating losses for humanity.
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Iran Seeks Stronger Relations with Islamic Countries
Concluding his address, Mohadfar reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening friendly and respectful relations with Islamic countries across the region.
He said Tehran believes regional cooperation remains the most effective path toward sustainable peace, economic development and long-term stability in Western Asia.
