Pakistan's leadership welcomes US-Iran Peace Agreement, hails diplomacy as path to regional stability

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top political leadership on Monday warmly welcomed the recently announced peace agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a landmark diplomatic achievement that could enhance regional stability, strengthen global economic confidence and pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari all hailed the breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving international disputes.

President Zardari welcomed the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran, expressing hope that it would lead to a comprehensive and lasting settlement.

In a statement posted on X, the president said the agreement would hopefully pave the way for a final accord and lay the foundation for durable peace across the region.

He noted that Pakistan had consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy throughout the period of heightened tensions, describing the development as a significant step towards strengthening multilateralism and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes through engagement and mutual respect.

President Zardari expressed confidence that the diplomatic initiative would usher in greater peace, stability and prosperity for both the region and the wider world.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier announced that the United States and Iran had reached an agreement after intensive negotiations, with both sides agreeing to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also welcomed the breakthrough, calling it a triumph of sustained diplomatic engagement and collective international efforts.

“This significant breakthrough reflects the power of sustained diplomatic engagement and the collective resolve of friendly nations to choose dialogue over confrontation,” Dar said.

He described the agreement as a reassuring development for the international community that would help restore confidence in global markets and support economic stability, particularly for developing countries vulnerable to regional conflicts and geopolitical uncertainty.

Dar said Pakistan had remained actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders throughout the crisis and consistently advocated restraint and constructive engagement.

“Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means of resolving disputes and addressing regional challenges,” he remarked.

The foreign minister appreciated the confidence shown in Pakistan by the leaderships of both the United States and Iran and commended their commitment to pursuing a peaceful negotiated settlement.

He also thanked Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, the United Nations and other international partners for their diplomatic efforts in helping facilitate the breakthrough.

As discussions continue on unresolved issues, Dar said Pakistan stands ready to support all initiatives aimed at consolidating the gains achieved through the agreement.

He expressed optimism ahead of the formal signing ceremony scheduled to take place in Geneva on June 19, saying the agreement could pave the way for enduring peace, stability and shared prosperity.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the agreement, describing it as proof that diplomacy can achieve what confrontation cannot.

Bilawal commended the roles played by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, while also acknowledging the contributions of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic teams involved in facilitating dialogue.

Calling the agreement the beginning of a broader peace process, Bilawal said Pakistan remained prepared to support future phases of negotiations.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed the accord as a positive development for both the global economy and Pakistan’s economic outlook.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange marking the listing of Service Long March Tyres Limited, Aurangzeb described the agreement as a significant milestone for international stability and a proud moment for the global economy.

He said Pakistan’s leadership had played an important role in encouraging dialogue and de-escalation efforts and noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir were receiving international recognition for their contributions to the peace process.

According to the finance minister, Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic engagement had reinforced its reputation as a responsible and credible regional partner.

Aurangzeb said the agreement could ease economic uncertainty created by months of regional tensions and improve prospects for economic growth. While acknowledging that energy markets may take time to fully stabilize, he said the overall economic outlook appeared increasingly positive, with encouraging opportunities emerging for the next fiscal year.

The agreement follows months of tensions and conflict between the United States and Iran. Under the reported framework, both sides have agreed to work towards ending hostilities, lifting restrictions and reopening key trade routes, including the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The memorandum of understanding is expected to be formally signed in Geneva later this week, with negotiations continuing on outstanding issues, including aspects of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Pakistan has consistently advocated peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement throughout the crisis, maintaining that sustainable solutions to regional conflicts can only be achieved through negotiation and mutual understanding.