Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, emphasized that the Iranian nation had stood firmly and with dignity in the face of external pressure and threats, while both sides reviewed key regional and international developments and pledged to expand strategic cooperation, economic ties, and Islamic unity.
President Pezeshkian, visiting Pakistan at the head of a high-ranking delegation on Tuesday, held discussions with the Pakistani prime minister on bilateral relations, regional dynamics, economic cooperation, and ongoing global developments. The Iranian president expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s warm hospitality, feeling that both sides share a common goal and a common path.
Referring to recent regional tensions, the president condemned a US and Israeli aggression against Iran, stating that such attacks had no legal justification and resulted in the killing of officials and civilians, including 168 innocent school children in Minab City. He said those responsible, who speak of democracy while committing crimes, had been proven as a major source of instability in the region.
President Pezeshkian stressed that Iran’s adversaries had miscalculated, believing the country would collapse within days, but the Iranian people, Armed Forces, and leadership stood united and thwarted their objectives. He added that attempts to target infrastructure and civilians had failed to weaken Iran.
Reaffirming Iran’s principled stance, he stated that no negotiations have taken place or will take place regarding Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities. While expressing deep mistrust toward the United States due to past experiences during diplomatic engagement, he emphasized that Iran remains committed to dialogue and peace.
The president also underlined that the Islamic Republic would not accept illegal or unjust demands, while reaffirming Iran’s commitment to its international obligations, provided that all parties respect agreed frameworks.
Highlighting Iran’s ancient civilization, President Pezeshkian rejected claims that the country could be weakened or erased, emphasizing its enduring historical identity.
He further called for greater unity among Muslim nations, stressing that Muslims are brothers with shared faith, scripture, and direction of prayer, and therefore have no justification for division.
He reiterated Iran’s readiness to expand relations with Islamic countries, particularly Pakistan, and warned against efforts to divide Muslim nations for external interests. He stressed that Iran–Pakistan relations must be strengthened in practice and reflected in future agreements.
Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the Iranian delegation and described the visit as highly significant following recent developments. He referred to Pakistan’s role, alongside other regional actors, in supporting ceasefire efforts and ending recent conflict, noting contributions from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s defense capabilities, clarified that missile issues were not part of any memorandum of understanding (MoU), and emphasized that no such discussions were intended. He praised Iran as a great civilization and stressed that Tehran and Islamabad currently enjoy their strongest bilateral relations.
He further called for expanding trade from current levels toward $30 billion annually through improved transit routes, banking cooperation, and customs facilitation, and described the Iran–Pakistan relationship as an iron friendship deeply rooted in shared history and mutual trust.