Iran offers mediation as India-Pakistan tensions escalate
Araghchi expressed Tehran’s readiness to help ease tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad during a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
The two officials spoke on Friday evening, exchanging views on the latest developments in Pakistan’s bilateral relations with India, PressTV reported.
Highlighting Iran’s friendly relations with both Pakistan and India, Araghchi said the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to offer its “readiness to help de-escalate tensions and strengthen regional stability.”
He emphasized the importance of “patience and restraint by both sides” in managing the situation.
During the conversation, Ishaq Dar briefed Araghchi on recent developments between Islamabad and New Delhi and expressed appreciation for Iran’s “constructive and responsible approach” toward the tensions between the two countries.
He also expressed hope for the success of the next round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled to take place in Muscat on April 26.
Earlier in the day, Araghchi took to X (formerly Twitter), describing India and Pakistan as “brotherly neighbors of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties.”
“Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time,” he wrote.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated after an attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday killed 26 tourists.
The Indian government said that the attack had “cross-border” links to Pakistan, a charge Islamabad strongly denies.
On Thursday night, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed region of Kashmir, marking a dangerous deterioration in ties between the two neighbors following the deadly shooting in Pahalgam.
The United Nations has urged both sides to exercise restraint.
Meanwhile, Islamabad accused New Delhi of failing to provide sufficient evidence linking Pakistan’s government to the attack. It also warned that any attempt by India to suspend the landmark water-sharing treaty between the two countries would be met with “full force.”
Both sides have hinted that the ongoing tensions could escalate into military confrontation.
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Iran supports independent Syria free from terrorism
Iravani said that Iran has never taken any action to destabilize Syria or the region, and any attempt to distort the principled position of Iran is a biased and rejected action.
The full text of the statement by Ambassador Iravani at a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East regarding Syria is as follows:
Statement by
H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the United Nations Security Council
On “The situation in the Middle East: (Syria)”
New York, 25 April 2025
Thank you, Mr. President.
As this is the first time my delegation takes the floor this month, I wish to congratulate France on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council. I also commend Denmark for its effective leadership and the successful conclusion of its Presidency in March. We appreciate Mr. Pedersen, the Special Envoy, and Ms. Joyce Msuya, the Assistant-Secretary-General, for their insightful briefings. We acknowledge the presence of HE. Mr. Assad Hassan Al-Shaibani in today’s meeting. In light of the evolving situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, I wish to make the following points:
First, Iran reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. We call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces that are in Syria illegally. Ending their occupation is essential for restoring Syria’s sovereignty and achieving lasting peace. In this context, the Israeli regime’s escalating military aggression against Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity constitutes a blatant violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and poses a serious threat to international peace and security. The latest UNDOF report confirms Israel’s illegal incursions into the buffer zone and details the occupying forces’ abuses. At the same time, Israeli military forces are entrenching their presence by establishing military outposts and promoting tourism in the occupied areas. It is clear evidence of their expansionist agenda. Israel”s objective is the systematic destruction of Syria’s infrastructure and the dismantling of its military and defensive capabilities, rendering Syria unable to defend itself against further aggression. The Israeli acts of aggression are possible only because of full U.S. political and military support. The United States is directly responsible for Israel’s continued violations. The Security Council must act now. Silence only encourages further aggression and impunity, just as we are tragically witnessing in Gaza.
Second, as highlighted by the ASG in today’s meeting, despite the UN”s commendable efforts, Syria is still facing a severe humanitarian crisis. Around 16.7 million people, over 70% of the population, need aid, the highest level since 2011. More than 7 million individuals are internally displaced, and millions more have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Humanitarian efforts are underfunded. As of March 2025, only 10% of the $1.2 billion needed has been raised. We are deeply concerned about the continued U.S. sanctions on Syria. These sanctions are unjustified. They block reconstruction, hurt the economy, and prevent refugees from returning. They cause suffering for the entire Syrian population. We call for their immediate and unconditional removal.
Third, we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of civilian life in Latakia and Tartus on 6 March, especially among the Alawite community. We support the Security Council’s call for an independent and transparent investigation. Syria’s interim authorities must ensure accountability and protect all communities in line with international law.
Forth, Iran stresses the importance of fighting terrorism in Syria, especially from foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs). These groups remain a serious threat to Syria and the wider region. FTFs must be returned to their countries and held accountable under international law. Iran is ready to work with all responsible partners to fight terrorism.
Fifth, Iran supports a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process, in line with Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015). A peaceful solution must include free and fair elections, a national dialogue, and an inclusive government that represents all Syrians. The United Nations must lead this process fairly while respecting Syria’s sovereignty.
Finally, Iran’s position on Syria is clear and consistent: we support a sovereign, stable, and united Syria, free from terrorism, occupation, and foreign interference. Iran has never taken any action to destabilize Syria or the region. Any attempt to distort Iran’s position is politically motivated and categorically rejected.
I thank you, Mr. President.
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«ایهود باراک»: نتانیاهو مزخرف میگوید
به گزارش خبرگزاری مهر به نقل از معا، ایهود باراک نخست وزیر اسبق رژیم صهیونیستی از تداوم جنگ در نوار غزه انتقاد کرده و آن را یک اقدام بیهوده در راستای منافع بنیامین نتانیاهو توصیف کرد.
وی افزود، رژیم صهیونیستی در لبه پرتگاه قرار داشته و امنیت و آینده این رژیم در خطر است. نتانیاهو این رژیم را به سمت پرتگاه میکشاند.
باراک اضافه کرد: ما امروزه در یک جنگ بیهوده شرکت داریم و نتانیاهو مجبور است که این جنگ را ادامه دهد.
وی بیان کرد: نتانیاهو مزخرف میگوید. سه هفته قبل گفت که با قدرت وارد غزه میشویم و حماس را مجبور میکنیم سلاحش را زمین بگذارد. او به هیچ عنوان نمیتواند حماس را شکست دهد.
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Trump says most points on Ukraine deal agreed to
“A good day in talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine. They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to “finish it off”. Most of the major points are agreed to,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social page.
The US “will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the end” to the conflict, he claimed, TASS reported.
The fourth meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff since the beginning of the year took place on Friday. Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov has said that the conversation, which lasted three hours, was constructive and quite useful. Trump called it a good meeting.
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Iran, Oman FMs hold key meetings ahead of nuclear talks
The meetings were focused on finalizing the logistical and procedural arrangements for the upcoming round of talks between Tehran and Washington, which are set to be held on Saturday.
This round follows two earlier ones: the second held on April 19 in Rome, and the first on April 12 in Muscat.
All rounds have been mediated by Oman, which continues to play a key facilitative role.
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Iran condemns action by Paraguay against the IRGC
Issa Kameli, Director General for the America Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, considered Paraguayan action illegal, unjustifiable, and in violation of international legal rules and norms.
He expressed regret over adherence by Paraguay to the anti-Iran policies of the genocidal and occupying Israeli regime, and emphasized the international responsibility of the Paraguayan government for this unlawful act.
Kameli said that the political action by the Paraguayan government is a dangerous heresy that was designed and implemented at the insistence of the Israeli regime to distract public opinion from the genocide in Gaza.
He added that therefore, it constitutes the complicity of Paraguayan policymakers with criminals who are being prosecuted by the International Criminal Court.
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Iran denies destabilizing Syria, calls for end to occupation
Iravani reiterated on Friday Iran’s “unwavering commitment” to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, demanding the immediate withdrawal of all unauthorized foreign forces from Syrian territory.
“Iran has never taken any action to destabilize Syria or the region,” the envoy stated, dismissing contrary claims as “biased and unacceptable.” He affirmed support for a “stable, united Syria free from terrorism, occupation, and foreign interference.”
He condemned Israel’s military aggression on Syria as violations of international law and the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria, warning that continued attacks – enabled by US political and military support – systematically degrade Syria’s defensive capabilities.
The ambassador highlighted Syria’s worsening humanitarian crisis, with 16.7 million people (70% of the population) requiring aid – the highest level since 2011. He blamed US sanctions for obstructing reconstruction and refugee returns while noting only 10% of 2025’s $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal has been funded.
Iravani emphasized combating foreign militant groups in Syria and endorsed the Syrian-led political process under UNSC Resolution 2254, including holding free elections and forming an inclusive government.
Source: IFP Editorial Staff