Pakistan has renewed calls for diplomacy to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasizing the importance of dialogue and restraint during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The two leaders met in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting.

According to a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif and Pezeshkian discussed recent regional developments, strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation on regional connectivity projects.

Sharif said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, reached between Iran and the United States with Pakistan’s mediation, provides an important foundation for achieving lasting peace. He stressed that diplomatic efforts should continue and called on all parties to exercise restraint.

Pakistan seeks to prevent wider escalation

The meeting came amid renewed tensions between Tehran and Washington following recent military developments in the region.

Iran has said that continued conflict does not serve regional interests and has indicated that it is ready to implement the understandings reached under the memorandum if commitments are respected.

Pakistan has maintained close relations with Iran while also seeking to play a diplomatic role between Tehran and Washington. Islamabad has repeatedly warned that further escalation could threaten regional stability and security.

The latest talks underline Pakistan’s efforts to keep diplomatic channels open and prevent Iran-US tensions from developing into a broader regional confrontation.(ILKHA)