Tehran: Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei has extended his congratulations to the Iranian and Pakistani nations on the birth anniversary of the esteemed poet, politician, and Islamic philosopher Muhammad Iqbal. Baghaei shared his message on X, commemorating November 9, the birthday of Iqbal, an influential Pakistani poet celebrated for his literary contributions in the Persian language. In Iran, he is honored as Allama Iqbal Lahori, with "Allama" denoting a profound scholar. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baghaei's message on X began with a poem by Iqbal. He continued by expressing, "We honor the birthday of Allama Iqbal Lahori, the national poet of Pakistan, Iran-loving and Persian-speaking poet, and the great Islamic thinker at a time when the Islamic world needs to apply his thoughts more than ever." He further conveyed his congratulations to the "two great nations of Iran and Pakistan and lovers of Persian literature on this occasion." Baghaei's post also included a picture of Iqbal, underscoring the cultural and historical significance the poet holds in both countries.