PM Shehbaz hopes to reach peace deal soon as Iran’s Pezeshkian expresses appreciation for Pakistan’s role in negotiations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed hope to Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian that a peace deal would materialize soon between the United States and the Islamic Republic, with the latter appreciating Pakistan’s role in the negotiations so far.

In recent months, Pakistan has attracted international attention for its involvement in mediation efforts between Iran and the United States amid the Middle East crisis. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran. Tehran retaliated by striking Israel and other Gulf countries harboring U.S. assets.

Pakistan then positioned itself as a key peace broker, brokering a two-week ceasefire and hosting the highest-level U.S.-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Although the “Islamabad Talks” ended without a deal, the ceasefire was maintained and then extended at Islamabad’s request. Since then, the two sides have exchanged proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to reach common ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life in the region.

In a message published today on X, the government said that the Iranian president called Prime Minister Shehbaz to exchange greetings with Eidul Azha.

“During their warm and cordial conversation which lasted around 30 minutes, the two leaders exchanged Eid greetings and conveyed their best wishes to each other, the people of their two countries and the Muslim Ummah on this joyous occasion.

“The Iranian President expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan’s important role in efforts to bring peace to the region,” the statement said.

He added that he also appreciated that other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, were also participating in these peace efforts.

“The Prime Minister appreciated the kind words of the Iranian President towards him and his team and said that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had undoubtedly made untiring efforts to bring peace to the region.”

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He added, “I reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran over the tragic loss of precious lives during the current crisis and emphasized that Pakistan will always stand by Iran as a sincere friend and neighbor.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the two agreed to remain in close coordination in seeking lasting peace in the region.

“While appreciating Pakistan’s important role in the ongoing regional peace efforts, the Crown Prince said that Kuwait fully supports Pakistan,” said a statement posted on the government’s X account.

Prime Minister Shehbaz later said he reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait over the loss of lives and property resulting from attacks during the current conflict. “We discussed the current regional situation and highlighted the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and collective efforts for lasting peace and stability,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the crown prince said Qatar’s emir was “full of praise and respect for the prime minister and wished Pakistan every success in its peace efforts.”

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Prime Minister acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s “remarkable role” in the Gulf ceasefire and ongoing peace efforts to ensure a lasting peace settlement in the region.

“He prayed to Allah to give greater strength and success to the Prime Minister and his team. While thanking his Malaysian counterpart for his strong support to Pakistan’s peace initiative, the Prime Minister briefed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the latest developments in the peace efforts.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz said he thanked Prime Minister Ibrahim for “Malaysia’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s sincere peace efforts” and exchanged views on the latest regional developments.

“I emphasized that the progress made so far would not have been possible without the support of brotherly countries, including Malaysia, while recognizing the tireless efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in moving the peace process forward. We also expressed our deep concern over the current humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon and reaffirmed our common commitment to peace, dialogue and diplomacy.”

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Malaysian prime minister “praised Pakistan’s peace initiative, which he said was in line with the ideology and vision of the Quaid-e-Azam.”