Arabic version: زيارة رئيس إيران إلى باكستان بعد المحادثات مع الولايات المتحدة

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has landed in Pakistan for a state visit – his first overseas trip since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28. He was welcomed at a military base near Islamabad by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

During his day-long visit, Pezeshkian is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and senior officials. He is set to engage in discussions with Prime Minister Sharif and is also expected to meet with President Zardari. According to Al Jazeera, the talks will focus on reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity.

Pezeshkian’s visit follows the crucial first round of talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar in Switzerland. These discussions resulted in an agreement for the US to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds and a temporary easing of international sanctions, allowing Iran to sell oil and petrochemicals until August 21. The negotiations concluded with a 60-day roadmap toward a final deal.

This trip represents Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan as president; his first occurred in August 2025, shortly after the 12-day Iran-Israel war. The current visit is seen as a gesture of appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed on June 18 by US President Donald Trump and Pezeshkian, with Prime Minister Sharif serving as a mediator.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this visit will also serve as a critical opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts following the signing of the Islamabad MoU, alongside regional and international developments of mutual interest.