Pakistan PM Urges US and Iran to Honour Peace Agreement

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged the United States and Iran to uphold their commitments under a peace agreement framework signed last month, known as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. In a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, PM Sharif called on Iran and all other parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could jeopardise the peace achievements that were ‘hard-won’ over recent months, according to a statement from the PM’s office. Describing the pact, which was achieved through Pakistan’s mediation, as a durable framework for promoting mutual understanding, respect, and shared prosperity in the region and beyond, Sharif expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East and stressed the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability. In response to PM Sharif’s request, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its leadership in attending the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who fell on 28 February, the first day of the war. He also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace and praised Pakistan’s constructive support and sincere efforts for regional stability. The two leaders reviewed the decisions taken during Pezeshkian’s visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to expedite follow-up actions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields. They also agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.