ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding would help restore regional peace, as Washington said it was reviewing the timing of a Switzerland visit expected to launch negotiations with Tehran under the framework.
The telephone call was the first contact between Sharif and Pezeshkian since the signing of the document that ended months of conflict between the two countries and launched a 60-day process aimed at reaching a broader settlement between them over Iran’s nuclear program and other outstanding issues.
The US-Iran understanding entered into force immediately after being signed electronically by President Donald Trump, Pezeshkian and Sharif in his capacity as mediator. As part of the agreement, the US lifted its naval blockade of Iran and shipping resumed through the Strait of Hormuz, while negotiations on a longer-term settlement are expected to begin in the coming days.
“This landmark deal ... would not only help restore peace in the region but also go a long way in rebuilding the Iranian nation and further strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties, across all areas of mutual interest,” Sharif told the Iranian president, according to a statement issued by his office.
The statement said the two leaders spoke for more than 30 minutes, during which Sharif congratulated the Iranian leadership and people on the signing of the deal and wished Tehran success in the next phase of negotiations.
It added that Sharif also assured the Iranian president of Pakistan’s continued support and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating peace and dialogue.
The call came as US Vice President JD Vance said Washington was still reviewing the timing of a planned visit to Switzerland that could help launch the next phase of negotiations between the US and Iran.
“Our plan is to go to Switzerland. I don’t know exactly when,” Vance told reporters at the White House.
“I suspect this weekend, but I’m not sure,” he added.
Sharif and Pezeshkian agreed to visit each other’s capitals at the earliest opportunity and remain in contact in the coming days, according to the Pakistani statement.
