In meeting with Iran's Pezeshkian, PM emphasises need for restraint, de-escalation

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and emphasised the need for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and senior officials from both sides.

The two leaders reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran and underscored the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.

PM Shehbaz also stressed the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to continue playing a sincere and constructive role in support of regional peace and stability.

President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's principled diplomacy and concerted efforts for regional peace and security.

He underscored the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, rooted in shared history, culture and faith, and reaffirmed Tehran's strong desire to further deepen multifaceted cooperation.

Both sides agreed to work for regional peace, security and prosperity while maintaining regular consultations and close coordination.

Speaking to journalists in New York after the meeting, PM Shehbaz said detailed talks had been held with the Iranian president and that Pezeshkian had expressed readiness to move the Islamabad agreement forward, affirming that the MoU was still acceptable to Tehran.

He said efforts were ongoing to end the provocation in the Bab el-Mandeb, with friendly countries working together to contain the escalation.

He said Pakistan's military and political leadership would continue its efforts for peace, adding that by the grace of Allah, Pakistan's civil and military leadership had together made concerted efforts on the diplomatic front.

On terrorism, the prime minister said militants operating from Afghan soil were carrying out attacks against Pakistan, but that Pakistan was responding to these terrorist activities firmly and decisively.

The meeting took place amid stalled talks between the United States and Iran to end the war that began on February 28, when coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran's leadership and infrastructure.

Tehran responded with retaliatory operations, including disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on Israeli and US targets in the region, while Washington responded by blocking shipping to and from Iranian ports.

Pakistan played a central role in mediating a ceasefire announced on April 8, followed by 21-hour-long talks in Islamabad.

The US and Iran subsequently signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 18, endorsed by PM Shehbaz as mediator alongside US President Donald Trump and President Pezeshkian.

However, in July the US and Iran resumed strikes and accused each other of violations of the MoU.