ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN June 23, 2026 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday warmly welcomed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, hailing Tehran’s recent diplomatic breakthroughs and reaffirming Islamabad’s role as a trusted mediator in ending the 2026 Iran war.
In opening remarks at a delegation-level meeting, Sharif expressed deep satisfaction over the visit and asked Pezeshkian to convey his “warmest regards” to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (noted in some reports as Mojtaba Khamenei in succession context). Sharif paid tribute to the Iranian leadership’s role in securing a US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding and ceasefire “with dignity and honour.”
“It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Pakistan. This is a matter of great happiness and satisfaction for all of us,” Sharif said. “I am very grateful to you and the Iranian leadership for placing abiding trust in Pakistan’s ability to mediate with honesty and sincerity. I want to assure you that, as your brothers, we will never let you down and will continue to play this important role until everlasting peace is achieved on terms and conditions that are guided by dignity and honour.”
Pezeshkian’s visit marks his first overseas trip since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February 2026. He was received at Nur Khan Airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Sharif, and other senior officials, followed by a ceremonial guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House.
Pakistan played a central role in brokering the initial April 2026 ceasefire and the subsequent Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed in mid-June. The agreement includes a 60-day framework to finalize a permanent deal, covering de-escalation in Lebanon, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and other regional issues.
Sharif’s government has positioned itself as an honest broker between Washington and Tehran, conducting shuttle diplomacy and hosting key discussions alongside Qatar and other partners.
Discussions in Islamabad are expected to cover strengthening bilateral ties in trade, energy, border security, and people-to-people contacts, as well as broader regional stability. Pezeshkian and Sharif were scheduled to hold a joint press conference following their talks.
The visit comes amid mixed reactions. While many in Pakistan and parts of the Muslim world have praised the mediation efforts for preventing further bloodshed, some Iranian opposition voices and critics have expressed strong disapproval, accusing Pakistan of supporting the Iranian regime.
Pakistan has emphasized its commitment to “brotherly” relations and a balanced approach in a volatile region. Officials say the mediation has enhanced Islamabad’s diplomatic stature despite domestic and international challenges.
This high-level engagement underscores Pakistan’s growing influence as a regional peacemaker following months of intense behind-the-scenes negotiations that helped halt one of the most disruptive conflicts in recent Middle Eastern history.
Further updates expected from official briefings.
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