Pakistan PM Sharif Engages Iran and Qatar to Revive US-Iran Talks
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate telephone conversations with the leaders of Iran and Qatar on Friday, July 10, 2026, in an effort to revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran.
During his call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Mr. Sharif expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any action that could jeopardise the hard-earned peace gains achieved over the past few months.
Mr. Sharif stressed the importance of upholding commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing it as an enduring framework for promoting mutual understanding, respect and shared prosperity in the region and beyond. Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, he assured President Pezeshkian of Islamabad's readiness to continue playing an honest and sincere role in facilitating dialogue.
President Pezeshkian thanked the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior Pakistani leaders for attending the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He reaffirmed Iran's commitment to peace and appreciated Pakistan's constructive support for regional stability.
The two leaders also reviewed implementation of decisions taken during President Pezeshkian's visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to expedite follow-up actions to strengthen bilateral cooperation. They agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.
In a separate conversation with Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Mr. Sharif reiterated his deep concern over the recent escalation. He conveyed Pakistan's solidarity with the people of Qatar regarding recent attacks and stressed that all parties should exercise restraint. He thanked the Qatari ruler for consistent support in peace efforts leading to the Islamabad MoU and the first round of high-level technical talks at Burgenstock.
The two leaders agreed on the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement, dialogue, and adherence to commitments made under the peace memorandum. The US and Iran signed the MoU on June 18, followed by technical-level talks in Switzerland on June 21, with Pakistan and Qatar as mediators.
