Pakistan to remain ‘honest facilitator’ in Iran–US diplomacy, PM tells Pezeshkian in 50-minute call

• Call follows setback in US–Iran talks and departure of Iranian delegation from Islamabad amid regional diplomatic churn

• PM Shehbaz recalls Islamabad Talks held on April 11–12 as diplomatic channel remains open

• Highlights consensus-building through outreach to global leaders, focusing on regional stability

• Iran appreciates Pakistan’s role, thanks leadership for contribution to peace efforts

• Both sides agree to maintain close coordination amid evolving regional situation

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to continue serving as an “honest and sincere facilitator” following the latest setback in US–Iran talks and hours after the Iranian delegation departed Islamabad.

The development came after US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials, in the wake of the departure of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the call as “warm and constructive,” saying it focused on the evolving regional situation.

Had a warm and constructive telephone exchange this evening with my brother, President Masoud Pezeshkian, on the evolving regional situation.

I appreciated Iran’s continued engagement, including the high-level delegation to Islamabad led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whom…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 25, 2026

“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,” he said.

He added: “I reaffirmed that, with the support of friends and partners, Pakistan remains committed to serving as an honest and sincere facilitator — working tirelessly to advance durable peace and lasting stability in the region.”

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the phone call lasted 50 minutes, during which both leaders exchanged views on the current regional situation and ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability.

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 that lasted fifty minutes, the two leaders had a…

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 25, 2026

The PMO said the prime minister appreciated the participation of the high-level Iranian delegation in the Islamabad Talks held on April 11 and 12, and also welcomed Iran’s decision to send a delegation led by FM Araghchi to Islamabad.

It added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed the Iranian president on his recent diplomatic outreach to several world leaders, noting that these engagements had helped build broader consensus in favour of sustained dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the conflict-affected region.

The statement further said the prime minister also appreciated the “fruitful discussions” between Iranian leadership and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during his recent visit to Tehran.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability, the prime minister said Islamabad would continue its sincere and consistent efforts to promote peace and security in the region.

President Pezeshkian, according to the PMO, thanked the prime minister, Field Marshal Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their “significant contribution to peace efforts.”

He also expressed Iran’s desire for peace and confidence that fraternal ties between Iran and Pakistan would continue to strengthen and expand in the future.

Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination going forward.

The PMO said the first round of direct US–Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, lasting more than 20 hours but ending without agreement, though the diplomatic channel remained open.

Since then, exchanges have continued indirectly through Pakistan, with both sides calibrating positions while avoiding a formal breakdown.

The ceasefire, originally brokered around April 7 and 8, has been extended without a defined timeline, creating diplomatic space but also prolonging uncertainty.