Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a high-level meeting in Tehran on Monday, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of cooperation on regional and international issues — particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a joint press conference following their discussions, President Pezeshkian underscored the strategic importance of enhancing ties between Iran and Pakistan, calling the relationship a cornerstone of regional stability.
“The expansion and strengthening of relations with Pakistan is a strategic priority for Iran,” Pezeshkian said, highlighting shared cultural, economic, and geopolitical interests. He also pointed to the role of both nations as active members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), voicing their united support for the Palestinian cause.
Both leaders strongly condemned Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip and criticized what they described as the silence and inaction of Western nations in response to the humanitarian crisis. President Pezeshkian urged Islamic countries to take a unified stand in defense of Palestinian rights.
“Iran and Pakistan stand together in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and denounce the crimes of the Israeli occupation,” he said. “It is time for the Islamic world to act decisively and not remain passive in the face of these atrocities.”
Prime Minister Sharif echoed those sentiments, denouncing what he called the “brutal Israeli aggression” and calling on the international community to push for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
“The world cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of innocent civilians,” Sharif said. “There must be urgent international efforts to halt the violence and establish a permanent peace.”
The two leaders also discussed avenues for greater economic cooperation, cross-border trade, and enhanced security collaboration, though further details were not disclosed.
The meeting marked the latest effort by Tehran and Islamabad to deepen diplomatic engagement amid shifting regional dynamics. Both leaders reiterated their intention to work together on common challenges, including regional security and economic development.
Monday’s visit comes as both countries seek to position themselves as key voices within the Islamic world, particularly on issues relating to the Middle East conflict.
