PM Shehbaz, Iranian President Pezeshkian Discuss Need for Restraint and Regional Stability

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday in New York, highlighting the urgent need for restraint and de-escalation to support long-term peace and stability in the region. The meeting took place during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and included participation from Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials from both sides.

During the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the enduring relationship between Pakistan and Iran, expressing interest in further strengthening mutual cooperation in all relevant sectors. Prime Minister Shehbaz underlined the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to playing a positive and effective role for regional peace.

President Pezeshkian acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and approaches aimed at regional security, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between both countries, shaped by shared history, culture, and faith. He also voiced Tehran’s intent to expand multifaceted cooperation with Pakistan.

The two sides concluded with an agreement to maintain close communication and coordination to promote regional security, prosperity, and regular consultations.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz told journalists that his talks with President Pezeshkian were comprehensive and that Iran remained willing to advance the Islamabad agreement, considering the MoU valid on Tehran’s end. He stated that cooperative efforts were in progress with other countries to manage tensions in the Bab el-Mandeb area.

On regional security concerns, PM Shehbaz commented that militants from Afghanistan had been carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, to which Pakistan was responding with firmness. He stressed that the country’s political and military leadership would persist in its pursuit of peace.

These developments come amid stalled negotiations between the US and Iran regarding an ongoing conflict that escalated in late February. Pakistan previously played a mediating role, facilitating a ceasefire and contributing to the Islamabad MoU signed in June. However, hostilities between the US and Iran resumed in July, amid mutual accusations of violating the agreement.