During a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York on Thursday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed Islamabad’s readiness to continue mediating between Tehran and Washington as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions, restore the negotiating track and end the conflict between Iran and the United States.
Sharif calls for de-escalation and the resumption of diplomacy
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings, where Sharif expressed deep concern over the continuation of the conflict. He stressed the need for the parties to exercise restraint, work to de-escalate tensions and maintain diplomatic engagement in pursuit of lasting peace and stability in the region, according to the official Pakistani news agency.
The Pakistani prime minister underscored the importance of implementing the memorandum of understanding concluded in Islamabad, stressing his country’s readiness to continue playing a supportive role in efforts to achieve regional peace and stability. Pakistan had participated in the efforts that led to the memorandum, which was intended as a temporary framework for ending the conflict, before confrontations and tensions between the two sides continued.
Pakistan remains committed to continued mediation between Tehran and Washington
Speaking to journalists at the United Nations headquarters, Sharif said Pakistan had not lost hope that tensions could be de-escalated and remained determined to continue its mediation efforts between Iran and the United States. He said he had signed the Islamabad memorandum alongside US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, but subsequent developments had taken an unexpected course.
Sharif added that the communication process was still continuing and that friendly countries were taking part in efforts to achieve peace. These efforts form part of simultaneous diplomatic moves aimed at keeping channels of dialogue open between Washington and Tehran and preventing contacts between the two sides from breaking down.
For his part, Pezeshkian praised at the meeting what he described as Pakistan’s principled diplomacy and Islamabad’s efforts to support peace and security at the regional level. Sharif and Pezeshkian discussed developments in the region and existing challenges, and agreed to continue consultations and co-ordination between their countries, as well as to work to promote regional peace, security and prosperity.
The meeting coincided with other diplomatic contacts held in New York, while Pakistani sources said Islamabad continued to push for dialogue and a diplomatic solution.
Pakistan’s moves are proceeding in parallel with efforts by other countries to preserve communication channels between the United States and Iran, with the aim of restarting negotiations and containing the escalation.
