Shehbaz discusses regional issues with Pezeshkian in Tehran, thanks Iran for its support during India tensions
TEHRAN:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed Pakistan’s full support for Iran’s right to maintain a peaceful nuclear programme and assured Tehran of Islamabad’s commitment to working together on all matters of shared interest.
Arriving in Tehran on the second leg of his regional tour, Shehbaz held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at Sa’dabad Palace and later met with Iranian Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
The prime minister was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar.
Speaking at a joint press conference following delegation-level talks, Shehbaz expressed his gratitude for Iran’s support during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme, stating: “We stand by our Iranian brothers and fully support Iran’s right to a civilian nuclear programme.”
Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan would continue to cooperate with Iran to promote peace, progress, and prosperity, while also highlighting the bravery and unity of Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens during the recent crisis with India. He repeated his call for talks with India to resolve longstanding issues—including Kashmir—according to UN Security Council resolutions.
“For the sake of peace, we are ready to discuss water, trade, and counter-terrorism if India is sincere,” Shehbaz said. “If they refuse, Pakistan will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
During the discussions, both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and regional security. “We reached a consensus that the two brotherly countries must turn these ties into a productive partnership,” Shehbaz stated.
President Pezeshkian welcomed Shehbaz and his delegation, urging cooperation to secure borders against terrorism and criminal activities. He also welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, saying dialogue was essential for regional stability.
The Iranian president also raised the issue of Palestine, condemning Israeli aggression and reiterating Tehran’s continued support for the Palestinian cause.
For his part, Shehbaz strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and called on the international community to intervene and secure a lasting ceasefire.
Meeting with Khamenei
Later, Shehbaz met Iranian Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei to brief him on India’s recent provocations and Pakistan’s efforts to elevate bilateral ties. He thanked the Iranian leadership for supporting Pakistan during the tensions with India.
Khamenei praised Shehbaz’s efforts to promote regional peace and his personal commitment to strengthening Iran-Pakistan relations, offering prayers for Pakistan’s growth and prosperity.
$10 Billion Trade Goal
Ahead of his Tehran visit, Shehbaz told Iran’s IRNA news agency that bilateral trade had already seen notable growth, reaching $3 billion in recent years, with a target of $10 billion in the near future.
“The potential is even greater,” Shehbaz said, noting discussions for a free trade agreement and the importance of sustained economic cooperation, particularly between Pakistan’s Balochistan and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan, in combating terrorism.
Shehbaz also reiterated his thanks for Iran’s support and its mediation offer during the India conflict—an offer he said India had rejected. He stressed that peace and justice in the region would remain elusive without resolving the Kashmir and Palestine issues in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri and Palestinian peoples.
Regarding Iran-US talks, Shehbaz said: “Negotiation, diplomacy, and engagement are the way forward. I have faith in Iran’s leadership and hope these talks yield positive outcomes.”
