PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the importance of building on the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of June 2026 signed by the United States and Iran through Pakistani mediation. Speaking during a meeting with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Leaders’ Summit of UNFCCC COP31 in Antalya, Turkiye, on Wednesday, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a sincere and constructive role in support of regional peace and stability.
It is regrettable that the conflict triggered by the US and Israeli aggression against Iran in February 2026 is still lingering on despite the signing of the peace deal in June that took care of main concerns of both sides. However, it is encouraging that barring occasional breaches, the ceasefire holds but a state of ‘no war, no peace’ is testing patience of the two countries and there are apprehensions that the tension could assume a dangerous dimension due to miscalculation of either side. Despite efforts of the mediators, especially Pakistan, to contain the conflict, it has already expanded as Houthis are being used to terrorize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and now Iran has warned it could target American bases and interests in Europe if Western countries facilitated American aggression against Iran. Such an eventuality might bring havoc for the entire world and complicate things for Iran. Changing remarks and statements of President Donald Trump notwithstanding, who hurls threats of renewed attacks on Iran one day and ruling out the possibility the next day on the plea negotiations were proceeding towards a final deal, Washington seems to be actively pursuing a third option of tightening economic blockade of Iran in a bid to pressure Tehran to offer concessions during table talks. It was in this backdrop that the Prime Minister emphasized the need for dialogue, restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. Pakistan and Qatar are continuing with their behind-the-scenes efforts to help bridge over differences between the two sides and a deal is still possible provided Washington and Tehran step back from their hard and extreme stances.
