By The South Asia Times

NEW YORK -  Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have called for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomacy as they discussed the escalating regional conflict on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The two leaders met Thursday during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, reaffirming what Islamabad described as the close and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Iran and expressing a desire to expand bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

Sharif expressed deep concern over the prolonged conflict and stressed the need for diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, according to Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office.

He also emphasized the importance of building on and implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, under which Pakistan has sought to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States.

Sharif reiterated Pakistan's readiness to continue playing what he described as a sincere and constructive role in efforts to promote regional peace.

Pezeshkian welcomed Pakistan's diplomatic efforts and praised what Tehran described as Islamabad's role in supporting regional peace and security. The Iranian president also stressed the strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, citing their shared history, culture and faith, and expressed Tehran's interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan.

The two sides agreed to maintain regular consultations and closer coordination on regional challenges and opportunities, while working toward peace, security and prosperity.

- Islamabad MoU at center of diplomatic efforts

The meeting comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict involving Iran and the United States. Pakistan has hosted and facilitated earlier rounds of indirect U.S.-Iran contacts and has continued to advocate a diplomatic solution.

The Islamabad MoU was signed on June 17, 2026, following Pakistani-led diplomatic efforts involving Iran, the United States and other parties. Pakistan subsequently hosted high-level discussions in Switzerland on June 21 aimed at advancing implementation of the agreement.

Pakistan has continued to describe the agreement as a framework for dialogue, mutual understanding and regional stability. In July, Sharif urged Pezeshkian and other parties to uphold their commitments under the MoU and avoid actions that could undermine progress toward peace.

Following Thursday's meeting, Sharif said Pezeshkian remained committed to Pakistan-Iran friendship and close coordination at what he called a critical juncture.

“We reaffirmed the deep and longstanding bonds between Pakistan and Iran and our shared desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest,” Sharif said in a statement.

He added that the two leaders had an “important exchange” on the regional situation and reiterated Pakistan's concern over the continuing conflict.

- Pakistan seeks diplomatic role

Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a facilitator between Iran and the United States as the regional confrontation has intensified.

Sharif said earlier this week that Pakistan was determined to help reduce tensions and described Islamabad's role as that of a mediator between its neighbor Iran and Washington.

The latest meeting with Pezeshkian took place as the UN General Assembly became a major diplomatic venue for discussions over the conflict. Iran has also signaled its willingness to pursue diplomacy under certain conditions, while the United States and Iran remain divided over the terms of any broader settlement.

The regional crisis has also raised concerns about disruption to major energy and maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil supplies normally passes. Iran has said it could reopen the waterway under conditions involving reduced U.S. military pressure and an end to the blockade.

Pakistan's delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, along with senior officials from both countries.

The meeting concluded with both sides emphasizing continued consultations and cooperation, particularly as Pakistan seeks to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and preventing further escalation.