Pakistan, June 16 -- ISLAMABAD - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Iran is willing to return to negotiations if Israel halts its military strikes. He made the statement while addressing the Senate on Monday, following direct communication with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Dar revealed that after the first attack, Iran made it clear that further aggression would be met with retaliation. "Iran's foreign minister told me they are ready for talks, provided Israel does not launch more attacks," Dar informed lawmakers, stressing that there is still a chance to prevent further escalation.

The conflict, now entering its fourth day, has resulted in the deaths of at least 224 people in Iran, including ...