Iran's president tells PM Shehbaz trust needed for talks to end Middle East conflict

PM condoles over 1,900 Iranian deaths as Pakistan presses multiple stakeholders for path to peace talks

ISLAMABAD:

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ​told Prime Minister ‌Shehbaz Sharif that trust is needed to ​facilitate talks and ​mediation on the conflict in ⁠the Middle East, ​the prime minister's office ​said on Saturday.

It said Pezeshkian had praised Pakistan's diplomatic ​efforts and that ​the two leaders had discussed ‌hostilities ⁠in the region and efforts to end the conflict during ​a call ​that ⁠lasted over an hour. PM Shehbaz briefed Pezeshkian on ​Pakistan's ⁠diplomatic contacts with the United States and ⁠Gulf ​states, it said.

The call came as Islamabad has stepped up its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East and position itself as a key mediator.

Telephone call between the Prime Minister and the President of Iran

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, earlier today.

During their detailed conversation,…

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 28, 2026

According to a statement posted on X by the Government of Pakistan, the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation in detail, with a particular focus on ongoing hostilities and prospects for peace.

PM Shehbaz strongly condemned "the continued Israeli attacks on Iran, including recent strikes on civilian infrastructure", reaffirming Pakistan's solidarity and support for the Iranian people during what he described as a “challenging time”.

The premier also conveyed condolences over the reported loss of more than 1,900 lives and prayed for the recovery of the injured and displaced.

Read: Why is Pakistan involved in efforts to stop the war in Iran?

The prime minister briefed the Iranian president on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach. The efforts, he said, are aimed at creating a conducive environment for dialogue and eventual peace talks.

He also highlighted what Islamabad sees as growing international endorsement of its peace initiative, expressing hope that collective efforts could help chart a viable path toward ending the conflict.

President Pezeshkian, while appreciating Pakistan’s diplomatic role, shared Tehran’s perspective on the hostilities and underscored the importance of trust-building as a prerequisite for meaningful negotiations. He praised Islamabad’s efforts and its supportive stance in pursuit of regional peace.

The prime minister, in response, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting stability and facilitating dialogue.

Read More: Pakistan offers to host Iran-US talks

In a parallel development that underscores Islamabad’s increasing diplomatic activity, the Foreign Office announced that the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt will visit Pakistan on March 29-30 for consultations.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty are expected to hold in-depth discussions with the Pakistani leadership on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.

The visiting dignitaries will also call on the prime minister, according to the foreign ministry.

The back-to-back diplomatic engagements highlight Pakistan’s emerging role at the centre of efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East, with Islamabad seeking to leverage its ties with multiple stakeholders to facilitate dialogue between rival sides.