PM Shehbaz hopes of peace deal soon as Iran's Pezeshkian expresses appreciation for Pakistan role in negotiations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wedesday of a peace deal materialising soon between the United States and the Islamic republic as the latter appreciated Pakistan's role in the negotiations so far.

In recent months, Pakistan drew international attention for its involvement in mediation efforts between Iran and the US amid the Middle East crisis. On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran. Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other Gulf countries hosting US assets.

Pakistan subsequently positioned itself as a key mediator for peace, brokering a two-week ceasefire and hosting the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Although the "Islamabad Talks" ended without agreement, the ceasefire was held and later extended upon Islamabad's request. Since then, the two sides have been exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to reach a middle ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region.

In a post on X today, the government said the Iranian president called PM Shehbaz to exchange greetings for Eidul Azha.

"During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted around thirty minutes, the two leaders exchanged Eid greetings and conveyed best wishes to each other, the peoples of their two countries as well as the Muslim Ummah on this joyous occasion.

"The Iranian president expressed his profound gratitude to the prime minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan’s important role in the efforts to bring peace to the region," the statement said.

It added that he also appreciated the fact that other regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, were also on board in these peace efforts.

"The prime minister appreciated the Iranian president’s kind words for him and his team and stated that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had undoubtedly made tireless efforts to bring peace to the region."

In a separate post on X, PM Shehbaz said he expressed hope that the ongoing peace efforts would soon lead to an "enduring agreement, paving the way for regional stability, prosperity and cooperation".

He further said: "I reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran over the tragic loss of precious lives during the current crisis and emphasised that Pakistan will always stand by Iran as a sincere friend and neighbour."

PM Shehbaz said both agreed to remain in close coordination in pursuit of lasting peace in the region.

"While appreciating Pakistan’s important role in the ongoing regional peace efforts, the crown prince said that Kuwait was fully supportive of Pakistan," said a statement on the government's X account.

PM Shehbaz later said he reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait on the loss of lives and property resulting from the attacks during the current conflict. "We discussed the ongoing regional situation and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and collective efforts for lasting peace and stability," he said.

As per the PMO, the crown prince said that Qatar's emir was "full of praise and respect for the prime minister and he wished Pakistan every success in the peace efforts".

Meanwhile, the Malaysian premier acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s "remarkable role" in the ceasefire in the Gulf and the ongoing peace efforts to ensure an enduring peace settlement in the region.

"He prayed to Allah to give more strength and success to the prime minister and his team. While thanking his Malaysian counterpart for strongly supporting Pakistan’s peace initiative, the prime minister briefed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the latest developments in the peace efforts."

PM Shehbaz said he thanked PM Ibrahim for "Malaysia’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s sincere peace efforts", and exchanged views on the latest regional developments.

"I emphasised that the progress achieved thus far would not have been possible without the support of brotherly countries, including Malaysia, while also acknowledging the untiring efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in advancing the peace process. We also expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy."

As per the PMO, the Malaysian premier was "effusive in his praise for Pakistan’s peace initiative, which he said, was in accordance with the ideology and vision of the Quaid-e-Azam".