Pakistan backs Iran as Shehbaz speaks with Pezeshkian
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian following the signing of the Islamabad Mo U between Iran and the United States. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), this was the first direct contact between the two leaders after the landmark agreement was finalised. During the 30-minute conversation, PM Shehbaz congratulated President Pezeshkian, Iran’s leadership, and the Iranian people on the successful signing of a historic peace agreement. He said the deal would play a key role in promoting regional peace and stability while also supporting Iran’s reconstruction efforts. He added that the agreement could further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran in areas of shared interest. Shehbaz also extended his best wishes to Iran as it moves into the next round of negotiations with the US, reaffirming Islamabad’s continued support for Tehran throughout the process. President Pezeshkian, speaking on behalf of the Iranian nation and personally, thanked PM Shehbaz as well as Field Marshal Asim Munir for their significant role in guiding the mediation process with skill and sincerity, which ultimately contributed to the success of the agreement. Pezeshkian said Iran deeply appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and unwavering support during a difficult period, adding that Tehran would remember Islamabad’s positive contribution in helping achieve the breakthrough. PM Shehbaz signs ‘Islamabad MoU’ as mediator between US and Iran