Sharif speaks to Iran, Qatar leaders to steady stalled US-Iran peace talks

Islamabad,UPDATED: Jul 11, 2026 10:56 IST

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate talks with the leaders of Iran and Qatar on Friday night as efforts gathered pace to revive the stalled US-Iran negotiations and ease regional tensions after the recent escalation and attacks on rival targets.

In both conversations, Sharif voiced "deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region" and called for restraint, while stressing the need to protect the peace process set in motion under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

During his conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif underscored the urgent need to "restore regional peace and stability", according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. He urged all sides to "exercise restraint and refrain from any action that could jeopardise the hard-earned peace gains achieved over the past few months". Sharif also stressed the importance of upholding the commitments made under the Islamabad MoU, describing it as an enduring framework for promoting mutual understanding, respect and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.

Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, Sharif assured Pezeshkian that Islamabad was ready to continue playing an "honest and sincere role" in facilitating dialogue and supporting efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability. Pezeshkian thanked Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior Pakistani leaders for attending the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He also reaffirmed Iran's commitment to peace and appreciated Pakistan's constructive support and sincere efforts for regional stability. The two leaders reviewed the implementation of decisions taken during Pezeshkian's visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to speed up follow-up action to strengthen bilateral cooperation in different fields. They also agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on issues of mutual interest and regional peace.

In a separate telephone call with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sharif repeated his "deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region". Expressing Pakistan's solidarity and support with the people of Qatar after the recent attacks, he said all parties must exercise restraint and avoid any action that could undermine peace in the region. Sharif also conveyed Pakistan's gratitude to the Qatari ruler for his consistent support for the peace efforts that led to the Islamabad MoU and the first round of high-level technical talks at Burgenstock. The two leaders agreed on the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue, and on adhering to the commitments made by all sides under the peace memorandum.

The US and Iran signed the MoU on June 18 with the aim of restoring peace in West Asia. This was followed by technical-level talks in Switzerland on June 21, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators. Sharif's talks with the leaders of Iran and Qatar came as part of efforts to keep that process on track and push for regional stability.

With PTI Inputs

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