President Aliyev backs Pakistan as best mediator in US-Iran rensions
President Ilham Aliyev tells global media Pakistan is best placed to mediate US-Iran tensions, crediting PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir during the Shusha Global Media Forum.
Azerbaijani president credits PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim Munir for advancing regional peace and dialogue
Remarks made during 4th Shusha Global Media Forum attended by over 160 delegates from 54 countries
Aliyev says Pakistan is best placed to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran
Global forum focuses on media's role in peace-building, restoring truth and rebuilding public trust
Participants discuss misinformation, AI-driven journalism and ethical challenges facing global media
SHUSHA: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on Sunday said Pakistan was well placed to play the most effective mediating role in any future conflict involving the United States and Iran, while crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their efforts to promote peace, dialogue and regional stability.
The Azerbaijani president made the remarks while responding to questions from international media during the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, which has brought together more than 160 participants from 54 countries to deliberate on the media's role in promoting peace, restoring truth and rebuilding public trust.
President Ilham Aliyev at the opening ceremony of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum themed “The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust”https://t.co/zvynHvHeIi#ShushaGlobalMediaForum pic.twitter.com/Zc8y9qiRQg
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) July 13, 2026
Speaking during an interactive session with global media representatives, President Aliyev said Pakistan could serve as the most suitable mediator in easing tensions between the United States and Iran. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had played an important role in advancing peace efforts and sustaining dialogue among regional stakeholders.
Describing both Pakistani leaders as his personal friends, President Aliyev acknowledged their contribution to regional stability and underscored Pakistan's constructive role in encouraging peaceful engagement.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum opened on Sunday in Shusha, Azerbaijan, under the theme, "The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust." The event has brought together journalists, media leaders, policymakers, communication experts and representatives of international organisations from across the world to discuss the evolving role of journalism in fostering peace and strengthening public confidence in information.
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) July 13, 2026
More than 160 media representatives, experts and government officials from 54 countries are participating in the forum. The participants include representatives from 30 international news agencies, over 60 media organisations and around 10 international institutions and companies.
The gathering is focusing on the role of journalism in supporting peace, countering misinformation and responding to the rapid transformation of the media landscape driven by artificial intelligence. Organisers said the forum aims to strengthen cooperation among media organisations, encourage responsible reporting and promote international collaboration in addressing contemporary communication challenges.
The opening session, titled "Peace Building and Public Discourse Through the Media Lens," examined how the media can facilitate dialogue, foster constructive public engagement and help bridge communication gaps between communities. Speakers discussed the role of journalism in reducing misunderstandings and promoting informed public discourse.
Another session focused on the growing challenge of misinformation, with participants exploring how news organisations and public institutions can coordinate more effectively to counter false information. Experts also shared recommendations on improving fact-checking mechanisms, enhancing verification processes and reinforcing public trust in credible journalism.
President Ilham Aliyev answered questions from participants during his meeting with attendees of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum.#ShushaGlobalMediaForum pic.twitter.com/qPfsAG8wRz
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) July 13, 2026
Artificial intelligence remains one of the central themes of the forum, with discussions examining its impact on content creation, storytelling, audience engagement and the future of digital communication. Participants are also reviewing the ethical implications associated with AI-powered platforms and the increasing flow of online information.
Several panel discussions are devoted to post-conflict recovery, media diplomacy, media literacy and international cooperation. Speakers are exploring how responsible journalism can contribute to reconstruction efforts, strengthen dialogue and help rebuild trust in societies emerging from conflict.
The forum also features meetings of regional media alliances and discussions on the future of broadcasting, including the impact of emerging technologies on radio, television and digital media platforms.
The event will conclude with a session on cross-border media dialogue, where participants are expected to discuss international cooperation and the importance of collaborative media engagement in an increasingly interconnected digital information environment.
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