Both leaders discuss regional developments, agree on continued diplomatic engagement and efforts
Prime Minister Shehbaz (right) speaks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (left) on the U.S.-Iran ceasefire
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing regional peace and security with the support of its partners during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The two leaders held a conversation after US President Donald Trump confirmed a new round of talks, saying US representatives would visit Islamabad for a second round of talks with Iran aimed at resolving 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 approximately 45 minutes and featured 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 and 12,” the statement said.
Read: “My representatives will be in Islamabad tomorrow evening”: Trump on US-Iran negotiations
“The recent engagements with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey were very helpful in building consensus for sustained dialogue and diplomacy,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said, adding that these efforts were aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
During their warm and cordial conversation which lasted approximately forty-five minutes, the two leaders had in-depth exchanges… pic.twitter.com/Fd8PMkKx3g
– Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 19, 2026
He also thanked Iranian leaders for their discussions with Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Force Field Marshal Asim Munir during his recent visit to Tehran.
“The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan would remain fully committed to promoting regional peace and security with the support of its partners, and conveyed his greetings to the Iranian Supreme Leader,” the statement said.
President Pezeshkian, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to peace efforts, saying that relations between Iran and Pakistan would continue to strengthen in the days to come.
Read also: FM Dar stresses need for continued dialogue to resolve issues during call with Araghchi
Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and stressed the need for continued dialogue and engagement to resolve the ongoing issues.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Dar stressed that continued dialogue and engagement was essential to quickly resolve current issues and to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond.
“The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and also agreed on a telephone call between the Iranian President and the Pakistani Prime Minister later today,” the statement said.
After 40 days of airstrikes, U.S. and Iranian negotiators began negotiations in Islamabad earlier this month, once again focused on the usual compromise between nuclear restrictions and economic relief.
When American and Iranian negotiators met last weekend in Islamabad, the United States proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity, while Iran suggested a three- to five-year halt, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date had been set for the next round of negotiations, adding that a framework for the deal must first be agreed.
Learn more: Pakistan pushes dialogue as impasse persists
In the Pakistani capital on Sunday, signs of preparation for a resumption of face-to-face negotiations were visible.
Although negotiations have yet to officially begin, US President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that an American 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 new glimmer of hope for diplomacy.
“My representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan – they will be there tomorrow night for negotiations,” President Trump said in an article on Truth Social.
Diplomats said a schematic deal could be feasible, built around a nuclear package and an economic package. But they warned that the nuclear component remained by far the most controversial.
The discussions focus on Iran’s stockpile of about 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of 60% enriched uranium, a material that could be used for several nuclear weapons if further enriched.
Beyond the stockpiles lies the deeper dispute over Iran’s right to enrich uranium. Trump has publicly advocated zero enrichment, while Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes and denies it wants a bomb.
The war has hardened Iran’s position, diplomats said, demonstrating that it can absorb pressure even as it seeks financial relief.
Tehran’s main demand is a guarantee of non-aggression after being attacked by the United States and Israel in previous diplomatic efforts.
