Shehbaz Sharif Signals Willingness for Peace Talks with India During Iran Visit

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, currently on a regional diplomatic tour, expressed readiness to engage with India on a range of longstanding bilateral concerns. His remarks were made during a joint press conference in Tehran with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

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“We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations. We are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism,” Sharif said.

Sharif is visiting Iran on the second leg of his four-nation diplomatic outreach after concluding talks in Turkey. Upon his arrival in Tehran, he was received with ceremonial honours by President Pezeshkian at the Saadabad Palace before initiating formal discussions.

While extending the offer of dialogue, Sharif also cautioned that any aggressive posture by India would be met with strong retaliation. “If they choose to remain aggressors, then we shall defend our territory … like we have done a few days ago. But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely,” he said.

These comments come amid high diplomatic and military tension following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Between May 8–10, Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes on Indian military installations, prompting calibrated counter-responses from India. The standoff de-escalated after a ceasefire was agreed during DGMO-level communication on May 10.

During the media address, Sharif declared Pakistan the “victor” in the four-day confrontation and acknowledged Iran's backing during the escalation. “I thank President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for their support and diplomatic outreach,” he said. The meeting comes in the aftermath of the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor that crippled 20 per cent of Pakistani Air Force strength in less than 23 minutes.

On the bilateral front, Sharif described the meetings between the Iranian and Pakistani delegations as “very productive and useful,” covering avenues such as trade, investment, and regional cooperation. “There was total agreement that our two brotherly and neighbourly countries must enhance our cooperation in the field of trade, investments, commerce—in fact, every walk of life,” he noted.

Accompanying Sharif in Tehran were senior Pakistani officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. The delegation is also expected to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to discuss broader regional dynamics.