Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused Israel and the United States of undermining efforts to preserve the ceasefire, saying mutual respect and adherence to commitments are essential for any lasting agreement.
“Alongside diplomatic efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and prevent the crisis from expanding, a dual process has emerged in which, on the one hand, the Zionist regime and those supporting its policies of escalation, and on the other, the United States, by reneging on its commitments, are seeking to disrupt the existing process and prevent the restoration of calm in the region,” Pezeshkian said during a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, News.Az reports, citing Iran’s Mizan news agency.
The Iranian president said Tehran had consistently acted in good faith and expected the same from the other parties.
“It is only natural to expect the other parties to honour their commitments as well and refrain from taking positions or actions that undermine trust and further complicate diplomatic efforts. Mutual respect and practical commitment to obligations are prerequisites for any lasting and successful agreement,” Pezeshkian said.
He added that decisions on negotiations are made within the framework of Iran’s overall policies and under the guidance of the country’s leadership, expressing hope that all parties would act responsibly to preserve the opportunity for regional peace and stability.
Pezeshkian also called for the swift implementation of bilateral agreements and closer cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad in trade, agriculture, transport, industry and other sectors.
He praised the efforts of Sharif and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, to help reduce regional tensions.
“The more committed the relevant parties are to fulfilling their obligations, the brighter the prospects for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region will be,” he said.
Pezeshkian also thanked Pakistan for sending a high-level delegation to attend the funeral and memorial ceremony for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, describing the gesture as a reflection of the strong strategic partnership and the deep historical, cultural and religious ties between the two countries.
He also praised Pakistan’s support for efforts to reduce tensions and advance diplomatic initiatives amid recent regional developments.
For his part, Sharif described Pakistan’s participation in the funeral and memorial ceremonies as a duty stemming from the brotherly ties between the two countries.
Expressing concern over recent developments and the possibility of renewed tensions, he stressed the importance of continuing political efforts and exercising restraint.
“Pakistan remains ready, alongside other regional initiatives, including the efforts of the government of Qatar, to continue playing its role in advancing diplomatic processes and reducing tensions,” Sharif said.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continuing consultations and cooperation with Iran, saying the region needs peace, stability and cooperation “more than ever before”.
The two leaders also agreed to maintain political consultations and accelerate the implementation of bilateral economic and trade agreements.
