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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealed to Iran and all regional stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine the substantive peace achievements gained over recent months amid escalating tensions between the United States and Tehran.
Advances toward resolving the Middle East conflict encountered significant challenges following Tehran’s recent maritime operations in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. Iran targeted at least three vessels in recent days, prompting retaliatory U.S. military strikes on Iranian objectives during Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by Iranian counterattacks on Gulf states.
In a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Prime Minister conveyed “grave concerns” over the region’s deteriorating security landscape and emphasized the “urgent necessity” of restoring stability, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The official statement highlighted Shehbaz’s plea for measured responses from all parties, stating, “He called on Iran and all other actors to refrain from any actions that might imperil the progress made in securing regional tranquility.” The Prime Minister also underscored the significance of adhering to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), characterizing it as a vital framework for fostering mutual respect and shared prosperity in the Middle East and beyond.
Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace was further emphasized through Shehbaz’s assurance to Pezeshkian regarding Islamabad’s willingness to continue playing an “honest and constructive role” in facilitating diplomatic dialogue between Washington and Tehran. The Iranian President expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in attending the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, thanking key Pakistani officials including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and military leadership.
Both leaders confirmed their dedication to maintaining diplomatic channels, with the statement noting that they “reviewed implementation progress” from Pezeshkian’s Islamabad visit and agreed to accelerate follow-up measures. The Prime Minister extended condolences to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, with both sides pledging ongoing coordination on mutual interests and regional security.
Prior to these developments, Pakistan had already issued a formal appeal for restraint following reciprocal overnight U.S.-Iran strikes, with the Foreign Office emphasizing that “renewed conflict serves no party’s interests.” Officials reiterated that “continued engagement, dialogue, and diplomacy remain the only viable paths to achieving a collective peace objective,” the statement concluded. This marks one of multiple cycles of mutual military action despite a ceasefire in place since April.
Last month, the U.S. conducted operations in Iran following claims of a downed military helicopter, prompting Iranian retaliation against Gulf targets. The Islamabad MoU, following these events, established a 60-day framework for negotiating a comprehensive Iran nuclear agreement and mandated a cessation of hostilities. However, U.S. President Donald Trump recently declared the ceasefire “over” at the NATO summit in Ankara, threatening further military action and initiating a second round of Iranian strikes.
U.S. officials stated the latest attacks target Iranian capabilities threatening “freedom of navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz, citing threats to commercial shipping from recent Iranian assaults.
