Iran-US tensions remain in focus amid diplomatic activities

Regional tensions involving Iran remained in focus on Friday as Tehran continued diplomatic contacts over developments in the Middle East, while reports emerged that Iranian forces had downed a US drone over southern Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on Friday to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments and international issues.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi reiterated Iran's position regarding recent tensions with the United States and provided an update on ongoing negotiations with Oman over establishing safe shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has said the talks are aimed at ensuring maritime safety and addressing technical issues related to navigation in the strategic waterway.

Separately, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar stressed the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 18 during a meeting with US Charge d'Affaires Natalie A. Baker in Islamabad on Friday.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, Dar said implementation of the agreement "in letter and spirit" was the only way forward and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and security while safeguarding its national interests.

Meanwhile, Iran's Nour News reported on Friday that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Hormozgan Province. The report did not specify when the incident occurred. Nour News also published photographs it said showed the wreckage of drones and aircraft intercepted by Iranian air defense systems.

(With input from agencies)