Tehran: In a significant diplomatic engagement, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran, aiming to reset regional relations and reaffirm bilateral ties. While Sharif attempted to spotlight tensions with India during the visit, Iran maintained a tactfully neutral posture, focusing its statements on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader goal of Islamic unity.
The high-level visit follows a period of strained Iran-Pakistan relations, marked by reciprocal airstrikes earlier this year. In January 2024, Iran launched strikes on militant positions in Pakistan’s Balochistan province targeting the Jaish al-Adl group. Pakistan responded with retaliatory strikes inside Iran, escalating cross-border tensions. This latest engagement is part of concerted efforts from both sides to de-escalate and rebuild trust.
Ayatollah Khamenei described the Iran-Pakistan relationship as “warm and brotherly,” recalling Islamabad’s support during the Iran-Iraq war. According to a recent analysis by the US Defense Intelligence Agency, both nations have undertaken deliberate steps to cool tensions—this diplomatic encounter being a key milestone.
Pakistan Raises India Issue, Iran Avoids Alignment
During his meeting with Khamenei, Prime Minister Sharif referred to Indian airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir that followed the April Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives. Sharif thanked Iran for playing a “positive role” during the period of heightened military tensions, and reiterated his willingness to engage in peace talks with India on various contentious issues including Kashmir, water sharing, trade, and counter-terrorism.
Despite the mention of India, Iran’s Supreme Leader refrained from taking sides. “We are delighted with the end of conflicts between Pakistan and India and hope that the differences between the two countries will be resolved,” Khamenei stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
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At a joint press briefing with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, PM Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to engage India in dialogue. “We are ready to talk, for the sake of peace on water issues with our neighbour. We are ready to talk to promote trade and also, counter-terrorism. We wanted peace, we want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks, on the table, and resolve our outstanding issues,” Sharif said, as reported by The Dawn. “But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we want peace, seriously and sincerely.”
India-Iran Ties Remain Strong
While Pakistan has ramped up its outreach to Iran, New Delhi continues to maintain strong diplomatic ties with Tehran. Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar co-chaired the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Both sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all forms and agreed to expand regional cooperation.
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Dr. Jaishankar also briefed the Iranian side on “Operation Sindoor,” India’s new counter-terrorism initiative launched after the Pahalgam attack. Although Iran has previously expressed interest in mediating between India and Pakistan, New Delhi maintains a consistent position that dialogue with Islamabad must remain bilateral. Indian officials continue to emphasize that “the only issue left to be discussed is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”
