Pakistan keeps Iran-US mediation push alive as PM Shehbaz seeks end to Iran war

NEW YORK: Pakistan remains focused on diplomatic efforts to help end the conflict between Iran and the United States, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying Islamabad has not abandoned hopes of achieving de-escalation.

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations on Wednesday during the 81st session of the General Assembly, Shehbaz said Pakistan was continuing its role as a mediator between Iran and the United States. He described Islamabad’s approach as sincere and aimed at reducing tensions through dialogue.

“Pakistan is playing the role of a sincere and honest mediator between Iran, our neighbouring country, and the United States,” the prime minister said.

Shehbaz referred to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed by himself, US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He said developments following the signing had taken an unpredictable turn, but stressed that Pakistan remained committed to diplomatic efforts.

“Pakistan is completely focused. We have not lost hope,” he said, adding that Islamabad was determined to continue efforts to make progress towards de-escalation.

The prime minister’s remarks came as diplomatic contacts surrounding the Iran-US conflict continued on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to Dawn, Pakistan has been working through a channel with Tehran while Qatar has been involved in shuttle diplomacy between the American and Iranian sides.

Islamabad Keeps Diplomatic Channel Open

Shehbaz also indicated that mediation was not tied to a single meeting or initiative. Asked whether another meeting between Iran and the United States was being planned, he described the diplomatic effort as a continuing process.

“All friendly countries are contributing to achieve peace,” he said.

Pakistan’s mediation efforts have involved repeated diplomatic contacts as Islamabad seeks to encourage Washington and Tehran to return to dialogue. Anadolu reported that Pakistan had previously helped facilitate a ceasefire and later hosted extensive talks between American and Iranian officials.

The Islamabad MoU was subsequently presented as a framework for further negotiations, but tensions later resurfaced. The renewed conflict has kept regional diplomacy in motion, with several countries attempting to maintain communication between the two sides.

UNGA Becomes Key Diplomatic Platform

The United Nations General Assembly has provided another opportunity for regional and international leaders to discuss ways of reducing tensions.

Iranian and American representatives have also been involved in indirect diplomatic contacts in New York, while regional countries continue to push for dialogue. Reuters reported that Iran had conveyed proposals through mediators and that its delegation was using the UN gathering as an opportunity for diplomacy.

For Pakistan, the latest statements underline Islamabad’s continued emphasis on mediation rather than confrontation. Shehbaz’s comments also signal that Pakistan intends to remain engaged even after earlier diplomatic understandings failed to prevent tensions from returning.

As discussions continue around the UN General Assembly, Islamabad says it remains committed to keeping diplomatic channels open and supporting efforts aimed at reducing the conflict between Washington and Tehran.