In a critical phone call on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian came together to urge calm amid the tense Iran-Israel conflict. The two leaders agreed: diplomacy, not aggression, is the only path forward.
PM Shehbaz made it clear that Pakistan is watching the Middle East situation with deep concern. He pushed for dialogue and a return to peace, stressing that Pakistan stands by Iran on international platforms like the UN and OIC. His message? Stick to the UN Charter, uphold the rules, and prioritize peace.
President Pezeshkian responded with appreciation, thanking Shehbaz for Pakistan’s consistent support. He acknowledged Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts during the crisis and agreed to maintain close coordination going forward.
Meanwhile, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar also welcomed the breakthrough. Posting on X, he said he was “immensely delighted” about the ceasefire and praised those who helped make it happen. “This is a positive step toward lasting peace and stability,” he wrote.
The truce, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, followed days of violence. But the situation remains fragile. Iran claims it launched a limited strike on a U.S. base in Qatar after American forces hit its nuclear sites. Israel says it held back on further strikes after pressure from Trump, while Iran insists its military response forced Israel to stop.
The 12-day war has left a trail of destruction. According to Human Rights Activists, at least 974 people have died in Iran and 24 in Israel, with thousands injured on both sides. The ceasefire has been welcomed by key global players including Russia, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.
Whether this truce holds — that’s the next big test.