Islamabad MoU: Iran’s President Pezeshkian arrives in Islamabad for high-level talks

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday on an official visit, leading a high-level delegation amid renewed regional diplomacy following the recent US–Iran conflict and the emerging framework known as the Islamabad MoU.

The Iranian leader was received at Nur Khan Airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A ceremonial 21-gun salute and a Pakistan Air Force JF-17 flypast marked the arrival.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived earlier with the delegation and was welcomed by Ishaq Dar, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Officials described the visit as part of what they called “strong brotherly ties rooted in history, faith and culture.”

The trip comes shortly after the signing of the Islamabad MoU, a diplomatic framework aimed at reducing tensions and outlining a roadmap for longer-term stability. Pakistan played a mediating role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States alongside other regional actors.

During the visit, President Pezeshkian is expected to hold separate meetings with President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two sides will review bilateral relations and discuss cooperation in trade, energy, border security and regional connectivity, according to the Foreign Office.

Officials said the discussions will also focus on implementing understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU and assessing broader regional developments. Pezeshkian is expected to acknowledge Pakistan’s diplomatic role in supporting dialogue during the recent conflict, diplomatic sources added.

Islamabad has placed the capital under tight security arrangements, with traffic diversions announced across key routes due to the movement of foreign delegations.

This marks Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan and his first overseas trip since the latest phase of the US–Iran conflict, underscoring the shifting regional diplomatic landscape and renewed efforts to stabilise ties between Tehran and Washington through mediated channels.