PM Shehbaz hails US-Iran talks as breakthrough for peace, stability

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that the talks between the United States and Iran had created a new hope for peace and stability.

Addressing the National Assembly, the prime minister described the day as historic and significant, citing the substantial progress made in negotiations between the two countries.

He said important technical-level talks had taken place between Washington and Tehran, during which both sides held detailed discussions on a range of issues. “The negotiations resulted in a historic breakthrough that would be beneficial not only for the two countries but for the entire region,” he stated.

The development comes hours after Iran’s state media confirmed that technical talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland have concluded, with negotiating groups to be set up on nuclear issues and sanctions.

The negotiators “decided that four working groups would be established: Sanctions Termination, Nuclear Affairs, Reconstruction and Economic Development, and Monitoring and Implementation,” said IRNA state news agency, quoting Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had consistently promoted peace, dialogue and diplomacy in the region and had played a positive and constructive role in facilitating the resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran.

He added that the negotiations were made possible through Pakistan’s mediation and diplomatic efforts.

The prime minister said the Memorandum of Understanding reached in Islamabad between the United States and Iran was of great significance and would help improve bilateral relations and build mutual trust in the future.

“The next 60 days would pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement, which would contribute to reducing global tensions and promoting peace and stability,” he further said.

Shehbaz also noted that a ceasefire had been reached between Iran and the US, describing it as a positive development that would further strengthen the negotiation process. He expressed hope that both countries would be able to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.

During his speech, the premier also touched on the domestic political situation and criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He said the day was not meant for raising divisive political issues but rather for demonstrating unity on matters of national and international importance.

Pointing towards the opposition party’s calling the government “illegitimate” and blaming it of rigging the 2024 general elections, he added that if the PTI was genuinely interested in investigations, then any such inquiry should begin from 2018 so that all matters could be brought before the nation.