Shehbaz, Pezeshkian Hold 50-Min Call; Pakistan Offers Mediation
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- Shehbaz Sharif held a 50-minute phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (April 25, 2026) evening, with both leaders exchanging views on the 'current regional situation' and ongoing peace efforts, according to the PM's office.
- Pakistan's Prime Minister offered Islamabad as a 'sincere and honest' facilitator for lasting peace and briefed Pezeshkian on his recent diplomatic outreach to various world leaders, claiming those interactions have built 'a broader consensus in favour of sustained dialogue.'
- The call coincided with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Islamabad, where Araghchi held a 'detailed two-hour meeting' with PM Shehbaz, and Shehbaz welcomed Iran's continued engagement following earlier Islamabad talks held on April 11-12.
- President Pezeshkian thanked PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their peace contributions, while expressing confidence that 'fraternal ties between Iran and Pakistan would continue to strengthen.'
- PM Shehbaz conveyed 'respectful greetings and regards' to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, and both leaders agreed to continue their close coordination, per the PM Office readout.
Why it matters: Pakistan is publicly positioning itself as a neutral mediator in a volatile regional landscape, with the 50-minute call and Araghchi's concurrent two-hour meeting in Islamabad signaling high-level diplomatic activity beyond routine bilateral ties. President Pezeshkian's explicit thanks to Pakistan's civilian and military leadership — including Field Marshal Munir — underscores Tehran's acceptance of Islamabad's mediation offer, giving Pakistan a tangible diplomatic role while regional tensions remain elevated.
