EU Council chief hopes for US-Iran deal in call with PM

European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday expressed hope for a US-Iran deal during a call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying “the world is watching with bated breath” the next round of talks in Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz received a phone call from Costa this afternoon.

“During their cordial conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East,” he said.

According to the statement, the prime minister shared with Costa the latest updates on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and peace efforts.

“Costa expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and stability in the region, and said that the EU was ready to support this process in every possible way,” the statement read.

He further added that both leaders emphasized the need to continue dialogue and diplomacy to ensure lasting regional and global security. In this regard, the two leaders also agreed to remain in contact.

Costa later shared on X that speaking with Prime Minister Shehbaz was a “pleasure.” He expressed his “sincere gratitude to Pakistan for its tireless efforts” to promote peace and extended his best wishes for the important times ahead.

Costa added that the world “watches with bated breath the upcoming meeting” between the United States and Iran, which should take place in Islamabad as soon as possible.

“We hope that an agreement will be reached to end the conflict and lead to the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The European Union supports all ongoing efforts towards peace in the Middle East,” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said he was grateful for the EU’s recognition of Pakistan’s peace efforts and its willingness to support dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace and stability.

Last month, the head of the European Council reaffirmed diplomatic support for Pakistan’s peace efforts in the Middle East in a call with Prime Minister Shehbaz, stating that only dialogue and diplomacy could bring peace to the region.

After 40 days of airstrikes, American and Iranian negotiators began talks in Islamabad earlier this month, again focused on the familiar balance between nuclear restrictions and economic relief.

When American and Iranian negotiators met last weekend in Islamabad, the United States proposed a 20-year moratorium on all Iranian nuclear activity, while Iran suggested a three- to five-year moratorium, according to people familiar with the proposals.

Although negotiations have not yet formally begun, US President Donald Trump previously said that Vice President JD Vance and a US delegation would land in Pakistan within hours for talks on Iran and said a deal would be signed “today”, adding that he would be willing to meet with Iranian leaders himself if progress was made.

Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep distrust of the United States and said honoring commitments was essential for meaningful dialogue amid growing uncertainty about new peace talks.

Diplomats said a skeleton deal, built around a nuclear package and an economic package, is possible. But they warned that the nuclear component remains, by far, the most controversial.

The talks focus on Iran’s stockpile of about 440 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, material that could be used for several nuclear weapons if further enriched.

Beyond the reservations lies the deeper dispute over Iran’s right to enrich uranium. Trump has publicly pushed for zero enrichment, while Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes and denies it is seeking a bomb.

The war has hardened Iran’s stance, diplomats said, showing 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 during previous diplomatic efforts.