US, Iran genuinely want peace in the region: PM Shehbaz
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while speaking to the press in Burgenstock, where US, Iranian, Qatari and Pakistani delegations gathered for peace talks on Sunday, praised the Iranian delegation’s cool-headedness, dignity and attempts at de-escalation. “I think they genuinely mean to promote peace in the region,” PM Shehbaz said of the Iranian leadership, adding, “So does President Trump.” “I have no second thoughts about the fact that he is a man of peace — He has demonstrated that during the war between Pakistan and India,” he said. The premier was optimistic about the “renewed friendship” with the US, and hoped it would grow into a relationship of close coordination and cooperation between the two countries. First round of talks Closed-door quadripartite negotations between the US and Iran kicked off earlier today, with Qatar and Pakistan participating in a mediatory role. As the talks began, Fox News reported US President Donald Trump had threatened Iranian leadership over closure of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that he maintains “a variety of options” at his disposal. Roughly 80 minutes into the talks, Iranian media reported a pause, with delegations withdrawing to hold internal consultations. Following the pause, Iran’s chief negotiator Bagher Ghalibaf in a statement on X dismissed US threats, cautioning Washington to “be careful”. He vowed that Tehran stood “ready to respond”. ‘Peace requires give and take’ Addressing the opening ceremony ahead of the closed-door talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoped for an outcome that would ensure peace, progress and prosperity globally. PM Shehbaz said he was looking forward to productive talks, and expressed satisfaction that the joint efforts of everyone in involved in the peace process had culminated in the meet in Burgenstock. “I think here we are going to have wonderful discussions which will lead to, hopefully, very productive results in times to come,” he said. He thanked US President Trump and VP JD Vance for