Iranian president meets with president, prime minister and COAS; Pezeshkian praises Pakistan’s sincere mediation
Prime Minister Sharif holds an umbrella over visiting Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, as he and President Asif Ali Zardari warmly welcome him upon his arrival at Nur Khan air base. Photo: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday acknowledged Pakistan’s central mediation role in recent diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington, saying Islamabad’s intervention was instrumental in reaching the current stage of negotiations 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 recent war and received 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 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.
Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz after delegation-level talks, Pezeshkian thanked the leadership and people of Pakistan for their support during a difficult period and praised Islamabad’s efforts in facilitating 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 reducing tensions and strengthening regional stability reflects a fraternal and forward-looking approach,” he said.
Praising Pakistan’s mediation efforts, the Iranian president said Islamabad had remained sincere and firm throughout the process. “If it were not for the efforts made by His Excellency and his team, we would not be here today,” commented Pezeshkian, directly acknowledging the role of Prime Minister Shehbaz.
The Iranian president also described Pakistan as more than a neighbor, saying the two countries were bound by deep historical, cultural and religious ties and shared a common destiny. However, the strongest message of the joint appearance concerned Iran’s ballistic missile program, following speculation that the issue had figured in discussions between Tehran and Washington.
Prime Minister Shehbaz categorically dismissed such reports. “Let me say without fear of contradiction that ballistic missiles were never a topic of discussion between Iran and the United States. 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 position, 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 will not be included in the MoU,” he said.
“If it were not 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 talks at the technical level would eventually culminate in a comprehensive agreement.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz said he hoped the Islamabad MoU would “evolve into a formal agreement and open new avenues of development.” He also warned that there were forces unhappy with the progress made through the peace initiative.
“There is no dearth of elements in the world who are dissatisfied with the progress made through the Islamabad MoU. Pakistan and Iran will stand as an iron wall against those who seek to sabotage peace in the region,” he said.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and said, “Their happiness is our happiness and their pain is our pain.”
Earlier, during delegation-level talks at the Prime Minister House, Shehbaz thanked Iranian leaders for entrusting Pakistan with a mediation role and pledged continued support to the 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 efforts that ultimately led to the ceasefire and signing of the Islamabad MoU, and said the army chief had worked tirelessly during the crisis to avoid a wider regional conflict.
Separately, President Pezeshkian met 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 the signing of the Islamabad MoU and expressed hope that the ongoing technical negotiations would lead to lasting peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability, while highlighting 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 relationship with Islamabad.
The Iranian president also met with Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces 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, reducing tensions and regional stability, and acknowledged Islamabad’s continued 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 underlined the growing diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Tehran post-conflict, with both sides expressing optimism that Islamabad’s MoU would pave the way for lasting peace, greater regional cooperation and stronger bilateral ties.
