Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held separate phone calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday afternoon, offering Iran’s readiness to help reduce tensions and misunderstandings between the two South Asian neighbors. The calls took place following recent terrorist incidents in the region, which have exacerbated strains between India and Pakistan.
During his call with Prime Minister Sharif, President Pezeshkian expressed deep regret and concern over recent terrorist events in the Indian subcontinent, particularly voicing apprehension about the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan following the terrorist incident in Pahalgam. He underscored that such terrorist acts not only claim innocent lives but also create new divisions and tensions among regional countries.
President Pezeshkian emphasized the “unavoidable necessity of joint cooperation to counter the ominous phenomenon of terrorism” and dismantle the financial and arms infrastructure of terrorist groups. He stated that all efforts must be directed towards establishing lasting peace, security, and tranquility in the region.
Highlighting the long-standing friendly relations between Iran and Pakistan, President Pezeshkian described Pakistan as a “friend and brother” nation. He explicitly declared Iran’s readiness to “provide any assistance towards resolving misunderstandings and reducing tensions between India and Pakistan.”
The President also discussed strengthening bilateral economic ties, including the upcoming 22nd Joint Economic Cooperation Commission meeting in Tehran, and called for enhanced cooperation among Islamic countries in scientific, economic, and cultural fields, as well as a coordinated fight against terrorism. He expressed his desire to host PM Sharif in Tehran.
Prime Minister Sharif thanked President Pezeshkian for his call, viewing it as a sign of fraternal bonds. He strongly condemned terrorism, noting Pakistan itself has been a victim and understands the need for a decisive fight.
Sharif affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to lasting peace, stability, and security in the region, mirroring Iran’s stance. He expressed readiness for transparent cooperation in investigating the incident in India and welcomed Iran’s “constructive and positive role in reducing current tensions.”
PM Sharif also indicated his desire to visit Tehran and suggested that the two countries’ foreign ministers connect soon to discuss preparations and initiatives for regional tension reduction.
In his call with Prime Minister Modi, President Pezeshkian strongly condemned the terrorist incident in Pahalgam and conveyed sincere condolences to the Indian government and nation. He stressed the need for regional countries to cooperate and show solidarity against this common threat, stating that these tragic incidents double the collective responsibility to “dry up the roots of terrorism through empathy, solidarity, and close cooperation” to ensure lasting peace and tranquility for their nations.
President Pezeshkian paid tribute to India’s legacy of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, describing them as “messengers of peace, friendship, and peaceful coexistence,” and hoped this strategic approach would continue to guide India’s relations with all countries.
Discussions also covered growing Iran-India economic ties, with President Pezeshkian expressing hope for expanded cooperation, particularly in economic, trade, and infrastructure sectors. He highlighted the strategic importance of Chabahar Port as a potential hub for regional interaction and a connection point between Iran, India, and Russia, urging acceleration of joint projects there. President Pezeshkian extended an official invitation for PM Modi to visit Tehran.
Prime Minister Modi appreciated President Pezeshkian’s call and message of sympathy, finding them valuable and encouraging. He acknowledged India’s pain following the Pahalgam attack, noting that Iran, with its own painful experiences of being a victim to terrorism, can best understand India’s feelings. Modi fully agreed on the necessity of regional unity and comprehensive cooperation to combat terrorism.
He highlighted positive bilateral relations, citing his recent meeting with President Pezeshkian, and reiterated commitment to strengthening ties. PM Modi praised Iran’s constructive role in ensuring global peace and security and stated that the Indian government supports Iran’s efforts to strengthen regional and global stability. He also emphasized the importance of diplomatic resolution of differences, including those between Iran and the United States.
Both leaders also expressed deep regret over the recent incident at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port in Hormozgan province and offered their countries’ readiness to provide assistance.
