‘Iran is always prepared to respond to security challenges when necessary’
ISLAMABAD: Iran remains committed to negotiations and a peaceful and sustainable resolution of disputes but is also prepared to respond to security challenges when necessary, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Amiri Moghadam said on Thursday.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), the ambassador appreciated the solidarity extended by the Pakistani government and people during the recent hostilities between the United States and Iran.
He also acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior Pakistani leaders to reduce tensions and facilitate dialogue.
Referring to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, Moghadam stressed that credible commitments and effective implementation would be crucial to the success of future diplomatic processes.
On Pakistan-Iran relations, the envoy said the two countries had vast untapped potential to expand bilateral trade, connectivity and regional economic cooperation, with their geographical proximity offering opportunities to lower transportation costs and connect them to wider regional markets.
He said Iran could serve as a gateway for Pakistan to Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkiye and European markets, while Pakistan could provide Iran greater access to South Asian markets and beyond.
The ambassador identified road, rail and maritime connectivity as key pillars of economic cooperation, calling for expansion of border crossings and upgrading of infrastructure along the Pakistan-Iran border.
Referring to the potential connectivity between Karachi, Gwadar and Bandar Abbas, he said stronger maritime and land links could significantly facilitate trade and transit between Pakistan and Iran and the wider region.
Moghadam also highlighted considerable potential for increasing Pakistani food exports to Iran and expanding transit trade through Pakistan.
On railway connectivity, he said Iran had developed rail infrastructure towards Zahedan and the Pakistani border, while further development on the Pakistani side was required to establish an effective rail link connecting Pakistan with Central Asian and European markets.
The Iranian envoy expressed concern over continuing conflicts and tensions in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Gaza, warning that prolonged confrontation was contributing to greater instability across the region.
He called for sustained diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions and promote peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.
Moghadam said stronger and sustained engagement between Pakistan and Iran was essential not only for bilateral economic development but also for promoting peace, stability and connectivity across the region.
The roundtable, hosted by ISSI’s Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), was moderated by DG ISSI Moinul Haque and attended by diplomats, politicians, military officials, academics and security analysts.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026