PM Shehbaz reaffirms push for regional peace, diplomacy in talks with Iran's Pezeshkian
PM Shehbaz (right) holds talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (left) on US-Iran ceasefire
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing regional peace and security with the support of partners during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Both leaders held a conversation after US President Donald Trump confirmed another round of talks, saying US representatives would travel to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations with Iran aimed at addressing the Middle East crisis.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation during the call, which lasted around 45 minutes and involved detailed exchanges on ongoing developments.
"The prime minister thanked Pezeshkian and the Iranian leadership for sending a high-level delegation, led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi, for talks in Islamabad on April 11-12," it said.
Read: 'My representatives will be in Islamabad tomorrow evening': Trump on US-Iran negotiations
“Recent engagements with the leadership of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye have been most helpful in building consensus in support of sustained dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that such efforts were aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted for around forty-five minutes, the two leaders engaged in detailed exchanges… pic.twitter.com/Fd8PMkKx3gHe also thanked the Iranian leadership for their discussions with the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir during his recent visit to Tehran.
"The premier reiterated that Pakistan would remain fully committed to promoting regional peace and security with the support of its partners, and conveyed his regards for Iran’s supreme leader," said the statement.
President Pezeshkian, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to peace efforts, saying relations between Iran and Pakistan would continue to grow stronger in the days ahead.
Also Read: FM Dar stresses need for continued dialogue to resolve issues in call with Araghchi
Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and emphasised the need for continued dialogue and engagement to resolve ongoing issues.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Dar stressed that continued dialogue and engagement were essential for the timely resolution of current issues and for promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
“Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and also concurred on a phone call between the president of Iran and the prime minister of Pakistan, later today,” the statement said.
After 40 days of airstrikes, US and Iranian negotiators opened talks in Islamabad earlier this month, again focused on the familiar trade‑off of nuclear restrictions for economic relief.
When American and Iranian negotiators met last weekend in Islamabad, the US proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity, while Iran suggested a halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date had been set for the next round of negotiations, adding that a framework of understanding must be agreed first.
Read More: Pakistan pushes dialogue as standoff lingers
There were some signs in the Pakistani capital on Sunday of preparations for a resumption of face-to-face negotiations.
Though negotiations have yet to formally begin, US President Donald Trump on Sunday indicated that a US delegation would arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening for a new round of talks with Iran aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, a development seen as offering a renewed ray of hope for diplomacy.
“My representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — they will be there tomorrow evening, for negotiations,” President Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
The diplomats said a skeletal agreement may be achievable, built around a nuclear package and an economic package. But they warned the nuclear component remained by far the most contentious.
Talks are focusing on Iran's stockpile of roughly 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60%, material that could be used for several nuclear weapons if further enriched.
Beyond stockpiles lies the deeper dispute over Iran’s right to enrich uranium at all. Trump has publicly pushed for zero enrichment, while Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes and denies seeking a bomb.
The war has hardened Iran’s stance, diplomats said, showing it can absorb pressure even as it seeks financial relief.
Tehran’s top demand is a non‑aggression guarantee after being attacked by the US and Israel during earlier diplomatic efforts.