PM Shehbaz Sharif: US and Iran Genuinely Want Peace in Middle East
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that both the United States and Iran genuinely seek peace in the Middle East, framing the latest diplomatic overtures as evidence of a shared desire to de-escalate tensions. The comments, made during a press conference in Islamabad, come as Pakistan positions itself as a rare mediator between the two long-standing adversaries amid a regional security crisis.
According to Radio Pakistan and Dawn, Sharif’s remarks follow weeks of high-level engagements between Tehran and Washington, facilitated in part by Pakistan’s diplomatic channels. The U.S. and Iran have not directly communicated since 2022, when indirect talks in Oman collapsed over disputes related to regional proxies and sanctions relief.
Why Pakistan’s role matters
Pakistan’s diplomatic influence has surged as both nations face pressure to stabilize the region. A Bloomberg report highlights how Pakistan’s recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran—signed in March—has positioned Islamabad as a critical bridge. The agreement, which includes energy and trade concessions, aligns with Tehran’s push to reduce its isolation. Meanwhile, the U.S. has signaled openness to indirect talks, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating in February that Washington remains “open to dialogue” with Iran on regional security.
What the U.S. and Iran have said—and what they haven’t
The U.S. has not publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s mediation role, though a State Department spokesperson told The Diplomat that “any efforts to reduce tensions are welcome.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry has similarly avoided direct confirmation, instead emphasizing its willingness to engage with “regional partners” on de-escalation. However, a recent analysis in The Diplomat notes that both sides have avoided explicit endorsements of Pakistan’s role, likely to preserve flexibility in negotiations.
How this could reshape Pakistan’s regional standing
Pakistan’s diplomatic gains extend beyond symbolic gestures. According to The Express Tribune, Islamabad has leveraged its historical ties with both Tehran and Washington to secure concessions, including Iran’s agreement to resume gas supplies—a critical lifeline for Pakistan’s energy-starved economy. Analysts suggest this could mark the country’s most significant diplomatic achievement since the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, when Pakistan served as a key intermediary in the U.S.-Taliban talks.
Yet challenges remain. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has repeatedly warned against “naïve” trust in Western powers, while the U.S. Congress has shown little appetite for lifting sanctions unilaterally. A Diplomat report cautions that without concrete progress, Pakistan’s mediation efforts may face skepticism from hardliners in both Tehran and Washington.
The next steps hinge on a planned trilateral meeting, expected in the coming weeks, where Pakistan will present a framework for confidence-building measures. Sources close to the negotiations tell Bloomberg that Iran has proposed a phased reduction in proxy activities in exchange for limited sanctions relief, while the U.S. is pushing for verifiable commitments on nuclear transparency.
For now, Pakistan’s role as a neutral facilitator remains its strongest asset—but whether that translates into lasting peace depends on whether both sides are willing to take risks.