Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a renewed diplomatic push to help restore dialogue between the United States and Iran, holding talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Qatar’s leadership amid growing regional concern.

The discussions, held on Friday night, came as efforts gathered pace to rebuild the peace process after recent attacks and rising tensions between the rival sides.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif expressed “deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region” during his conversation with President Pezeshkian. He stressed the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability.

Sharif urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any action that could endanger the progress achieved over the past few months. He also underlined the importance of upholding the commitments made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, describing it as a lasting framework for mutual understanding, respect and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.

President Pezeshkian thanked the Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior officials, for attending the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and sincere efforts to support regional stability.

The two leaders also reviewed the implementation of decisions taken during President Pezeshkian’s visit to Islamabad last month. They agreed to speed up follow-up actions to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across different sectors.