ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held an hour-long phone call on Saturday, focusing on the escalating regional conflict and efforts to find a diplomatic solution, officials said.
Shehbaz Sharif condemned continued Israeli strikes on Iran, including recent attacks on civilian infrastructure. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Iran in these challenging times,” Sharif said, offering condolences over the loss of more than 1,900 lives and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured and displaced.
The prime minister briefed Pezeshkian on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, including contacts with the United States and key Gulf and Islamic countries. He said the efforts aim to build momentum for peace talks and have received broad support.
Pezeshkian shared Iran’s perspective on the conflict and stressed the need for trust-building measures to enable dialogue and mediation. He acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting a diplomatic solution.
Sharif said Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and leadership targets, triggering a wider confrontation.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S.-linked targets across the Middle East, raising fears of a broader war. Since then, fighting has intensified, with continued airstrikes, retaliatory attacks, and rising civilian casualties.
Diplomatic efforts, often conducted through intermediaries, have struggled to gain traction. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key facilitator, maintaining channels with both Iran and the United States.
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Officials say Islamabad has relayed messages between the two sides, leveraging its ties with Tehran and its close relations with Gulf states. While Iran has not confirmed direct talks with Washington, diplomatic sources say Tehran has conveyed responses to proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump through intermediaries, including Pakistan.
