'World watching with great expectation': EU council chief hopes for US-Iran deal in call with PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (L) and President of the European Council Antonio Costa. Photos: File
European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday expressed hope for a US-Iran agreement during a call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying the "world is watching with great expectation" the next round of talks in Islamabad.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on X, PM Shehbaz received a telephone call this evening from Costa.
"During their cordial conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East," it said.
According to the statement, the prime minister shared the latest updates on Pakistan's diplomatic outreach and peace efforts with Costa.
"Costa expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue and stability in the region, and said that the EU was ready to support this process in every possible manner," the statement read.
It further added that both leaders stressed the need to continue with dialogue and diplomacy to ensure lasting regional and global security. In this regard, the two leaders also agreed to remain in touch.
ISLAMABAD: 20 April 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call this evening from H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council.
During their cordial conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East.… pic.twitter.com/bNnqILfE1xLater, Costa shared on X that speaking with PM Shehbaz was a "pleasure". He expressed his "sincere gratitude to Pakistan for its tireless efforts" in promoting peace and extended his best wishes for the important times ahead.
Costa added that the world was "watching with great expectation the next meeting" between the US and Iran, which should take place in Islamabad as soon as possible.
"We hope that an agreement will be reached to bring an end to the conflict and lead to the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The European Union supports all ongoing efforts towards peace in the Middle East," he said.
It was a pleasure to speak with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, @CMShehbaz .
I expressed my sincere gratitude to Pakistan for its tireless efforts and extended my best wishes for the upcoming crucial period.
The world is watching with great expectation the next meeting between…PM Shehbaz said he was grateful for the EU’s appreciation of Pakistan's peace efforts and for its readiness to support dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace and stability.
I received a call from H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council, this evening.
During our cordial exchange, I shared with President Costa, updates on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and peace efforts in the Middle East.
Grateful for the European Union’s…Last month, the European Council chief reaffirmed diplomatic support for Pakistan's peace efforts in the Middle East in a call with PM Shehbaz, stating that only dialogue and diplomacy could bring peace to the region.
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.
Though negotiations have yet to formally begin, US President Donald Trump earlier said that Vice President JD Vance and a US delegation were set to land in Pakistan within hours for talks on Iran and asserted that a deal would be signed "today", adding that he would be willing to meet with Iranian leaders himself if progress was made.
On the other hand, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep mistrust towards the US, saying honouring commitments was essential for meaningful dialogue amid growing uncertainty over new peace talks.
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 kilogrammes 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.