Iran rules out a compromise on missile capabilities

ISLAMABAD:

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday acknowledged Pakistan’s key mediating role in recent diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington, saying Islamabad’s intervention was instrumental in reaching the current stage of talks, as both Iranian and Pakistani leaders firmly rejected reports that Iran’s ballistic missile program was part of any discussions.

Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on his first foreign visit since the last war, and received a red carpet welcome at Nur Khan Airbase. His plane was escorted by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets as he entered Pakistani airspace, while a 21-gun salute marked his arrival, honors reserved for distinguished state guests 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 delegation-level talks, Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan’s leadership and people for their support during a difficult period and praised Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation.

“At a critical historical time when the region is facing several 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.

The Iranian president praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts and said Islamabad had remained sincere and steadfast throughout the process. “If it was not for the efforts of your excellency and your team, we would not be here today,” remarked Pezeshkian, directly acknowledging the role of Prime Minister Shehbaz.

The Iranian president also described Pakistan as more than a neighbor and said the two countries were bound by deep historical, cultural and religious ties and shared a common destiny. But the strongest message from the joint appearance concerned Iran’s ballistic missile program, after speculation that the issue had come up in discussions between Tehran and Washington.

Prime Minister Shehbaz categorically rejected such reports. “Let me say without fear of contradiction that ballistic missiles were never a topic of discussion between Iran and the US. It was not on the table at all and there is no mention of ballistic missiles anywhere in the MoU,” he said.

Pezeshkian echoed the same sentiment, describing Iran’s missile 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 should not be included in the MoU,” he said.

“If it wasn’t for Iran’s missile capabilities, our country would have been looted and destroyed by the American regime and the Zionist regime. We will never compromise our missile capabilities, and this 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-level talks would eventually culminate in a comprehensive agreement.

According to the prime minister’s office, Shehbaz said he expected the Islamabad MoU to “evolve into a formal agreement and open new avenues for development.” He also warned that there were forces unhappy with the progress achieved through the peace initiative.

“There is no shortage of elements in the world who are unhappy with the gains made through the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Pakistan and Iran will stand as an iron wall against those who seek to sabotage peace in the region,” he said.

Reiterating Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran, the prime minister said: “Your happiness is our happiness and your sorrow is our sorrow.”

Earlier, during delegation-level talks at the Prime Minister’s House, Shehbaz thanked the Iranian leadership for trusting Pakistan with a mediation role and pledged continued support for peace efforts. “As brothers, we will never let you down,” he told the visiting Iranian delegation.

The prime minister also credited Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing an important role in the effort 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 President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where the two leaders discussed bilateral ties, regional peace and security, economic cooperation and connectivity initiatives.

President Zardari congratulated the Iranian President on the signing of the Islamabad MoU and expressed hope that the ongoing technical negotiations would lead to a lasting and lasting peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability, while stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional disputes.

Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its constructive role in promoting peace and dialogue and said Tehran attaches great importance to its relationship with Islamabad.

The Iranian President also met Army Chief of Staff and Defense Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. According to the ISPR, the discussions focused on regional development and ongoing peace initiatives.

During the meeting, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role” in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability and acknowledged 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 underscored 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, improved regional cooperation and stronger bilateral ties.