ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed this week thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts amid the war between the United States (US) and Iran, the organization said, with both sides stressing the need to continue dialogue and cooperation to address the conflict.

Pakistan has been actively involved in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East since the US-Iran war began in February. Islamabad helped the two sides sign an interim peace deal known as the Islamabad MoU in June, which lasted for weeks before collapsing when the US accused Iran of attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and launched attacks against it in July.

The US resumed attacks on Iran after a month-long pause from this Sunday. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at air bases in Jordan and a drone at the UAE. The two sides have since then exchanged missiles, drone attacks and airstrikes, driving oil prices higher and triggering calls for restraint from around the world.

Dar spoke to Ahmed over the phone on Thursday, with both sides reviewing the latest political and security developments in the region, the OIC said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General thanked His Excellency the Minister for the successful mediation efforts he and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan are undertaking to end the war ravaging the region,” the OIC said.

Dar and Ahmed exchanged views on the challenges facing regional peace and security, the organization said, stressing the importance of continuing dialogue and cooperation to address regional tensions.

The two also discussed political developments in the internationally disputed Jammu and Kashmir region. The Himalayan territory has been disputed between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, with each laying claim to the entire region but administering only parts of it.

“For his part, the Secretary-General reiterated the Organization’s principled and unwavering position in support of the legitimate rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the Organization’s commitment to its resolutions adopted at summit conferences and meetings of foreign ministers,” the OIC said.

In a separate statement, Pakistan’s foreign office said Dar spoke about the special importance that Islamabad attaches to the OIC.

“He expressed confidence that the SG [secretary-general] would make an important contribution toward advancing the interests of the Muslim Ummah and addressing issues of common concern, including Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir,” the statement added.

It added that the OIC official congratulated Dar on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, noting its significance for regional peace and security.

Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia signed the defense pact last month, which stipulates that an attack against any one country will be treated as an attack on all three.

“Both sides agreed to work closely for the OIC to further consolidate its role in serving the Muslim Ummah and looked forward to continued coordination and an early meeting,” the foreign office said.