Key points
- Iran faces pressure after nuclear strikes amid Israel conflict
- Tehran resumes nuclear talks with European powers
- UN sanctions may lift unless snapback triggered by mid-September
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, stating that Islamabad stood firmly with Tehran on the issue.
“Pakistan stands with Iran for the acquisition of peaceful nuclear power,” said PM Shehbaz during a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is currently on his first official two-day visit to Pakistan.
This expression of support comes at a time when Iran continues to face significant international pressure over its nuclear programme — particularly in light of its recent conflict with Israel, during which the United States launched strikes on several Iranian nuclear facilities.
Reviving nuclear deal
Following an agreement between the US and its European allies — France, Germany, and the UK — to set the end of August as a deadline for reviving a nuclear deal with Iran, Tehran has since held “frank” discussions with these countries. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) views this as a potential step toward the resumption of inspections at Iranian nuclear sites.
These European nations, alongside China and Russia, remain parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US unilaterally withdrew in 2018. The agreement had lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities.
A looming deadline of 18 October now approaches, marking the expiry of the UN resolution underpinning the deal. Unless the “snapback” mechanism is triggered at least 30 days prior, all UN sanctions on Iran — covering sectors including energy, finance, and defence — will be automatically lifted.
$10 billion trade target
PM Shehbaz and President Pezeshkian held talks in a narrow format, followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides.
During the talks, PM Shehbaz was assisted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as well as other important Federal Ministers, Ministers of State and senior government officials.
During a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that both sides had engaged in discussions on bilateral relations, regional matters, and other shared concerns.
“Several MoUs have been signed with Iran today. I hope these will take the form of agreements very soon,” the prime minister said, adding that both countries had agreed on a $10 billion trade target.
Speaking on Iran’s recent conflict with Israel, PM Shehbaz condemned the “unjustified attack” and offered prayers for those martyred in Iran.
Palestinian cause
He praised Tehran’s leadership for its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and drew parallels with the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling on the global community to take a stand.
“The world must unite for peace in Gaza,” he urged.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s strong support for the creation of an independent state of Palestine in accordance with the UN resolutions, the Prime Minister called for an immediate end to Israeli barbarity against the innocent people of Gaza, who were being denied humanitarian assistance and being forced to starve.
Both leaders urged the international community to act swiftly to resolve this crisis.
While underscoring the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the Iranian leadership, Iranian armed forces and the people of Iran, who bravely fought against Israel’s aggression in the 12-day war.
PM Shehbaz offered condolences on the martyrdom of Iranian military officials, scientists and innocent citizens during the war and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.
He also thanked Iran for its strong support for Pakistan during the recent Pakistan-India standoff.
President Pezeshkian thanked the Government and people of Pakistan for their unwavering support to Iran during the war and said that the Iranian nation would always remember this gesture.
Bilateral cooperation
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised the need to further expand the existing wide-ranging bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, particularly in the areas of trade, connectivity, culture and people-to-people contacts.
In this regard, the Prime Minister called for the early convening of the 22nd Joint Economic Commission between Pakistan and Iran, which is expected to be held soon.
The two leaders witnessed the exchange of a number of MoUs and agreements in various sectors of mutual interest that will go a long way in enhancing bilateral ties.
A number of initiatives for enhancing trade were discussed, including facilitating barter trade, enhancing quotas for the export of rice, fruits and meat, border markets operationalisation, and addressing issues related to enhancing trade. The two leaders also expressed satisfaction at the progress of the recently held trade talks between Pakistan and Iran.
The two leaders reaffirmed their shared vision to enhance the existing volume of trade from $3 billion to the mutually agreed target of $10 billion soon.
Iranian President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality, calling the country his “second home”.
He described his talks with the Pakistani leadership as productive and expressed appreciation for Islamabad’s support against Israeli aggression. Stressing the importance of Muslim unity, the Iranian leader said that strengthening ties with Pakistan was an essential part of Tehran’s foreign policy.
“We are advancing bilateral relations in various dimensions. Promoting bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields is a priority,” Pezeshkian said, highlighting the importance of the recently signed MoUs.
He also noted ongoing cooperation between the two nations to enhance border security, underlining shared cultural and religious ties as the foundation of their relationship.
The Prime Minister also hosted a luncheon banquet for the visiting Iranian President and members of his delegation.
