Iran offers ‘blank cheque’ to support Pakistan-Afghanistan peace, eyes stronger bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: Iran has expressed its readiness to play a supportive role in addressing ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, offering a “blank cheque” to help resolve these issues, while also emphasizing the strengthening of trade and economic relations between Tehran and Islamabad.

In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, highlighted Tehran’s willingness to assist if Pakistan seeks Iran’s involvement in resolving regional issues.

“Pakistan is very dear and honourable to the Iranian people," Larijani said, adding we can help ease regional tensions.

Earlier, addressing a press conference, the senior Iranian official said: “We are prepared to give the Pakistanis a ‘blank cheque’ to help resolve the regional issues, to be used whenever they deem necessary.”

He said this is the blank cheque for peace, and Pakistan can encash it whenever it wants.

In the interview with Pakistan TV, Ali Larijani said: “We have left this matter to our Pakistani brothers and are ready to move forward if they see a role for us. Our goal is to support the solution for the people of Pakistan.”

Larijani also noted that Iran has shown “expressive readiness” to help facilitate dialogue and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following discussions with Pakistani leadership.

Pakistan and Iran share historically friendly ties, with cooperation spanning trade, energy and regional security. Over the past decade, both countries have worked on multiple initiatives, including energy pipelines, cross-border trade agreements and joint efforts to maintain stability in Afghanistan.

Iran has previously too shown its interest in fostering peace and stability in the region. Pakistan also emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in trade, transport and energy infrastructure, seeking to strengthen bilateral ties through tangible projects.

Larijani also touched upon bilateral trade and investment initiatives. He noted that following the recent visit of Iran’s president, both countries have intensified efforts to enhance economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, railway networks and pipeline projects.

“Work has begun on promoting trade and economic ties between our countries, especially in agriculture, as per the directives of our leaders. We are exploring various avenues to elevate trade volume,” Larijani stated.

He added that both sides have discussed multiple strategies to expand and strengthen these relations, with optimism for tangible outcomes in the near future.