New York, September 24, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, as Islamabad continued diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the United States.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed Pakistan-Iran relations and the regional situation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi attended the meeting, along with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The meeting came amid renewed diplomatic contacts surrounding the US-Iran conflict, with Pakistan maintaining a parallel channel with Tehran while Qatar has been involved in shuttle diplomacy between the two sides in New York.
Pakistan has repeatedly said it remains committed to facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Speaking to reporters at the UN on Wednesday, PM Shehbaz said Islamabad had not lost hope of helping achieve de-escalation and described Pakistan as a “sincere and honest mediator” between Iran and the United States.
The latest meeting follows talks between Shehbaz and Pezeshkian in Bishkek on August 31, where the two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional connectivity.
The two leaders had also held extensive discussions during Iranian President Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan in June, when Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting regional peace and stability.
The New York meeting comes as diplomatic efforts continue around the stalled Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and renewed contacts between Washington and Tehran. Iran has indicated openness to diplomatic engagement, while negotiations remain complicated by the continuing conflict and broader regional tensions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly early Friday, Pakistan time, with regional peace and Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts expected to feature prominently in his address.
