ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy while discussing the situation in Iran during a telephone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the European Union’s Vice President Kaja Kallas, according to the foreign office.

The call came amid heightened regional tensions linked to unrest in Iran, as European governments intensify scrutiny of Tehran’s response to protests and assess broader security risks.

“DPM/FM reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and engagement,” the foreign office said, adding that both sides agreed to remain in close contact.

The statement added that Dar and Kallas welcomed the “positive momentum” in Pakistan-EU relations and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

European governments have in recent days condemned Iran’s crackdown to quell the anti-government protests that broke out last month over economic hardship and escalated into widespread demonstrations.

On Friday, the European Union’s aviation regulator urged airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, citing heightened risks linked to weapons systems, air-defense activity and the potential for misidentification amid elevated regional tensions, according to a Reuters report.

Pakistan has consistently called for restraint, dialogue and political solutions in regional crises, positioning diplomacy as a means to prevent escalation and protect regional stability.