Pakistan and Iran leaders discuss US-Iran conflict and Middle East tensions at COP31
By The South Asia Times
ANTALYA, Türkiye - Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the escalating regional situation, including the prolonged conflict involving Iran and the United States, during a meeting on the sidelines of the COP31 climate summit in Türkiye on Wednesday.
According to a statement from Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and stressed the importance of dialogue, restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Sharif expressed deep concern over the prolonged conflict and highlighted the need to build on understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2026. He reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to continue playing a constructive role in efforts to promote regional peace.
President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's consistent diplomatic support for Iran and its efforts to advance regional peace and security.
The two leaders also reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran, rooted in shared history, culture and faith, and agreed to strengthen cooperation across various sectors.
They emphasized the importance of regular consultations and closer coordination to address common challenges and promote regional security and prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Senator Sherry Rehman and senior officials from both countries.
The talks took place amid continuing tensions in the Middle East and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to help ease the confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
- Saudi Arabia and Houthi terrorist attacks
Pakistan has also expressed concern over attacks by Yemen's Houthi terrorists movement targeting Saudi Arabia. However, the Prime Minister's Office statement on Wednesday's meeting did not specifically mention whether Sharif raised the Houthi attacks with the Iranian president.
Pakistan has previously condemned attacks on Saudi territory and called for regional de-escalation. The issue remains significant for Islamabad because of its close relations with both Riyadh and Tehran.
