ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday reaffirmed support for sustained diplomacy and regional peace, as Pakistan stepped up efforts to maintain momentum following recent Iran-related negotiations in Islamabad.
The 50-minute call comes at a sensitive stage in regional diplomacy, after weeks of conflict between Iran and the United States disrupted energy flows, pushed oil prices sharply higher and rattled global markets.
A fragile ceasefire brokered through Pakistan’s mediation earlier this month created space for talks aimed at reducing tensions.
During the conversation, Pakistani premier thanked Tehran for sending a high-level delegation led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad for talks on April 11-12, and welcomed Araghchi’s recent Friday visit to Pakistan for consultations on regional developments.
According to Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif said his recent diplomatic outreach to leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye had helped build “broader consensus” in support of dialogue and diplomacy, with the aim of securing lasting peace in what it described as a war-affected region.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a central mediator in the ongoing diplomatic process, facilitating initial contacts between Washington and Tehran while urging all sides to uphold the ceasefire.
The talks have focused on key issues including regional security, sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz and broader stability.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes, became a major flashpoint during the conflict, triggering sharp rises in oil prices and adding to inflationary concerns globally.
Its reopening under the ceasefire helped ease market pressures and renewed hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough.
PM Sharif also thanked the Iranian leadership for what the Prime Minister’s Office described as “fruitful discussions” with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his recent visit to Tehran, highlighting continued military and diplomatic coordination.
President Pezeshkian thanked Sharif, according to the statement, Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their “significant contribution” to peace efforts and reaffirmed Iran’s desire for peace, according to the statement.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination as diplomatic engagement continues.
