Iranian President holds talks with President, PM, COAS, Pezeshkian hails Pakistan’s sincere mediation
Prime Minister Sharif holds an umbrella over visiting Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian as he and President Asif Ali Zardari extend a cordial welcome to him upon his arrival at Nur Khan Air Base. Photo: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday acknowledged Pakistan’s central mediating role in recent diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington, saying Islamabad’s intervention was instrumental in reaching the current stage of negotiations, as Iranian and Pakistani leaders strongly rejected reports that Iran’s ballistic missile program was part of any discussions.
Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad for his first foreign visit since the recent war, receiving a red carpet welcome at the Nur Khan Air Base. His plane was escorted by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets as it entered Pakistani airspace, while a 21-gun salute marked its arrival, honors reserved for distinguished guests of the state and close allies.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian president was received by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz after the delegation-level talks, Pezeshkian thanked Pakistani leaders and people for their support during a difficult time and praised Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation.
“At a critical historical juncture when the region is facing multiple challenges, the responsible and visionary role played by Pakistan in supporting discussions and negotiations aimed at de-escalation and strengthening regional stability reflects a fraternal and forward-looking approach,” he said.
Welcoming Pakistan’s mediation efforts, the Iranian president said Islamabad remained sincere and steadfast throughout the process. “Without the efforts of Your Excellency and your team, we would not be here today,” Pezeshkian remarked, directly acknowledging the role of Prime Minister Shehbaz.
The Iranian president also described Pakistan as more than just a neighbor, saying the two countries were linked by deep historical, cultural and religious ties and shared a common destiny. However, the strongest message from the joint conference concerned Iran’s ballistic missile program, following speculation that the issue had figured in discussions between Tehran and Washington.
Prime Minister Shehbaz categorically rejected these reports. “Let me say without fear of contradiction that ballistic missiles have never been a topic of discussion between Iran and the United States. It has not been on the table at all and there is no mention of ballistic missiles in the MoU,” he said.
Pezeshkian echoed the same position, describing Iran’s ballistic capability as a non-negotiable element of its national defense. “I would like to confirm that our missile program was not included in the MoU and will not be included in the MoU,” he said.
“Without Iran’s missile capabilities, our country would have been plundered and destroyed by the US regime and the Zionist regime. We will never compromise on our missile capabilities and it will never be part of any agreement between Iran and any other party.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the signing of the Islamabad MoU and expressed hope that the ongoing technical talks would ultimately result in a comprehensive agreement.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz said he expected the Islamabad MoU to “transform into a formal agreement and open new avenues of development.” He also warned that some forces were unhappy with the progress made through the peace initiative.
“There is no shortage of elements in the world who are unhappy with the progress made through the Islamabad MoU. Pakistan and Iran will stand like an iron wall against those who seek to sabotage peace in the region,” he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran, saying: “Your happiness is our happiness and your sorrow is our sorrow.”
Earlier, during delegation-level talks at the Prime Minister House, Shehbaz thanked Iranian leaders for entrusting Pakistan with a mediation role and pledged to continue supporting peace efforts. “As brothers, we will never let you down,” he told the visiting Iranian delegation.
The Prime Minister also thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing an important role in the efforts that ultimately led to the ceasefire and the signing of the Islamabad MoU, saying the army chief had worked tirelessly during the crisis to prevent a wider regional conflict.
Separately, President Pezeshkian met with President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional peace and security, economic cooperation and connectivity initiatives.
President Zardari congratulated the Iranian President on signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and expressed hope that the ongoing technical negotiations would result in lasting peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability, while emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving regional disputes.
Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its constructive role in promoting peace and dialogue and said Tehran attaches great importance to its relations with Islamabad.
The Iranian President also met with Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Force Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. According to the ISPR, the discussions focused on regional developments and ongoing peace initiatives.
During the meeting, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role” in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability, and recognized Islamabad’s consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, while both sides agreed to maintain close consultations on issues of mutual interest and further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations.
The visit highlighted the growing diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Tehran in the wake of the conflict, with both sides expressing optimism that the Islamabad MoU would pave the way for lasting peace, enhanced regional cooperation and stronger bilateral relations.
