welcomes Iran’s engagement in the Islamabad talks, reaffirms support for sustained dialogue and diplomacy
Prime Minister Shehbaz (right) negotiates with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (left) on the US-Iran ceasefire
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday that Pakistan would continue its “sincere and serious” efforts for peace in the region after the latest setback in talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic.
The development comes after US President Donald Trump canceled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. The Iranian foreign minister also left the country after a visit with senior officials.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz and the Iranian President held a 50-minute “warm and cordial” telephone conversation on Saturday evening, during which they exchanged views on the prevailing regional situation and ongoing efforts for peace and stability.
Read: US-Iran peace process stands in the way as Trump cancels envoy trip, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan
Reiterating Pakistan’s position, the Prime Minister said, “Pakistan will continue its sincere and honest efforts to promote regional peace and security.”
It added that Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the participation of the high-level Iranian delegation in the talks in Islamabad on 11-12 April, while welcoming Iran’s decision to send a delegation led by FM Araghchi to Islamabad today.
Islamabad: 25 April 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this evening.
During their warm and cordial conversation, which lasted fifty minutes, the two leaders had a…
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) 25 April 2026
Sharing details of his diplomatic efforts, the premier said his contacts with world leaders had helped build “broader consensus in support of sustained dialogue and diplomacy aimed at achieving lasting peace in the war-torn region”.
He also praised the “fruitful discussions” between the Iranian leadership and the Defense Chief and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during the latter’s recent visit to Tehran earlier this month.
President Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz, CDF Munir and Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their “significant contribution to peace efforts”. He also expressed Iran’s desire for peace and said he was confident that “the brotherly ties between Iran and Pakistan will continue to strengthen and expand in the future”.
The prime minister also conveyed his “respectful greetings and regards” to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
Also read: Turkish FM says Iran nuclear issue can be resolved at next round of talks in Pakistan
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue coordination on issues of mutual interest.
The prime minister said in a later post on X that he had a “warm and constructive call” about the developing regional situation.
“I appreciated Iran’s continued engagement, including the high-level delegation to Islamabad led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whom I had the pleasure of meeting earlier today. I reaffirmed that Pakistan, with the support of friends and partners, remains committed to serving as an honest and sincere facilitator – working tirelessly to promote lasting stability in the region.”
Had a warm and constructive telephone exchange this evening with my brother, President Masoud Pezeshkian, on developments in the regional situation.
I appreciated Iran’s continued engagement, including the high-level delegation to Islamabad led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) 25 April 2026
Washington remains locked in a costly stalemate with Tehran as tensions between the two sides continue to roil global energy markets. Iran has reportedly tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz – a key shipping route that typically carries about a fifth of global oil supplies – while the US continues to restrict Iranian oil exports. The standoff, along with a broader regional conflict involving Israel, has pushed energy prices to multi-year highs, fueling inflation and weakening global growth prospects.
However, Iran has stated that its officials do not plan to meet US representatives to discuss an end to the ongoing conflict, which has reportedly caused heavy casualties among Iranian and Lebanese civilians and rattled global markets.
The situation appeared to ease briefly earlier this week when US President Donald Trump unilaterally extended a ceasefire on Tuesday, giving negotiators extra time to resume talks.
Read: Pakistan envoy to US says Islamabad committed to diplomacy, regional stability
Diplomatic efforts had apparently regained momentum after an earlier round of dead-end discussions involving US officials JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner along with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. These talks, held in Islamabad two weeks ago, did not yield any breakthrough.
On Friday, Trump told Reuters that Iran was expected to present an offer aimed at meeting US demands, although he did not specify its details.
Subsequently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced a visit to Pakistan on Friday. Around the same time, Trump also said he would send a US delegation to Islamabad, reportedly including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, for further talks.
But when Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, the president announced that he had canceled the planned visit of US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for peace talks with Iran.
Asked by Axios if the cancellation signaled a possible resumption of hostilities, Trump said: “No. It doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet.”
Later, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the US president said the decision was made due to what he described as unnecessary travel and workload considerations.
