Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held high-level talks with leaders from Iran and Qatar to revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran, diplomatic sources confirmed on 11 July 2026. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the funeral ceremony for the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Funeral diplomacy opens door for mediation
President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, thanked PM Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior Pakistani leaders for attending the funeral. The presence of Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership signaled Islamabad's commitment to deepening ties with Tehran and playing a constructive role in regional stability.
During the funeral, PM Shehbaz held separate meetings with President Pezeshkian and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Both meetings focused on the urgent need to restart the US-Iran nuclear talks, which have been stalled since early 2025 due to disagreements over uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief.
Pakistan offers mediation role
According to a statement from the Pakistan Foreign Office, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's willingness to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. "Pakistan has always advocated for peaceful resolution of disputes. We stand ready to support any initiative that brings stability to the region," the Prime Minister said during his meeting with President Pezeshkian.
President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's offer and noted that Iran remains open to negotiations but insisted on guarantees for the complete removal of sanctions. The Qatari Emir also expressed support for Pakistan's mediation efforts, highlighting Doha's own history of facilitating US-Iran talks.
Background of stalled negotiations
The US-Iran nuclear talks, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) revival negotiations, have been deadlocked since August 2025. Key sticking points include Iran's demand for verification of sanctions lifting and the US insistence on addressing Iran's ballistic missile program. The death of Ayatollah Khamenei in late June 2026 had raised questions about Iran's future negotiating stance.
Diplomatic observers note that Pakistan's involvement could provide a fresh channel, given its close ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as its strategic relationship with the United States. PM Shehbaz's government has been actively pursuing a policy of economic diplomacy, seeking to position Pakistan as a regional mediator.
Next steps and expectations
No immediate timeline has been announced for the next round of talks. However, sources indicate that Pakistan may host a preliminary meeting between Iranian and American negotiators in Islamabad within the next two months. The Qatari government has pledged logistical support for any such meeting.
Analysts caution that significant hurdles remain, particularly the hardening of positions on both sides after the leadership change in Iran. Nevertheless, the funeral diplomacy has opened a window of opportunity that Pakistan is keen to exploit.
