In a key geopolitical turn of events, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran, discussing priority bilateral and regional matters, including recent tensions between Pakistan and India. But the Iranian reaction was diplomatically reserved, instead speaking about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the overall unity of the Islamic world. The top-level visit is almost a year after Iran and Pakistan conducted mutual airstrikes within each other's territory in response to cross-border terrorist attacks. The diplomatic overtures present today are a significant reset in the Iran-Pakistan relationship, fueled by a common position on the Palestinian cause.

The visit to Tehran comes after months of tense relations following Iran's airstrikes in Pakistan's Balochistan province against the Jaish al-Adl terror outfit in January 2024. Pakistan had responded by striking militant targets inside Iran, raising regional tensions. Ayatollah Khamenei referred to Iran-Pakistan relations as "warm and brotherly," remembering Islamabad's help throughout the Iran-Iraq war. A US Defense Intelligence Agency analysis reported that the two countries have made conscious efforts to cool down, including this high-profile diplomatic encounter.

Pakistan Rakes Up India Row, Iran’s Response Measured

During their meeting with Khamenei, PM Sharif mentioned India's air raids on Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which came after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilians' lives. Sharif appreciated Iran's "positive role" during that critical time and also offered peace talks with India on "all contentious issues" including Kashmir, water sharing, trade, and counter-terrorism. Though Iran did not take sides. "We are delighted with the end of conflicts between Pakistan and India and hope that the differences between the two countries will be resolved," Khamenei said on X.

During a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif said Pakistan is ready to talk with India "to find solutions" to "longstanding problems", including Kashmir, water-sharing, and trade. "We are ready to talk, for the sake of peace on water issues with our neighbour. We are ready to talk to promote trade and also, counter-terrorism. We wanted peace, we want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks, on the table, and resolve our outstanding issues," Sharif said, according to a report in The Dawn. "But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we want peace, seriously and sincerely."

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Even as Pakistan has been stepping up interaction with Iran, India has also kept active channels of diplomacy with Tehran. Recently, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar co-chaired the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Both countries denounced terrorism in all its manifestations and reaffirmed increased regional cooperation. Dr Jaishankar also apprised Iran of "Operation Sindoor," India's new counter-terrorism operation. Iran had also offered earlier to broker a relationship between India and Pakistan, but New Delhi has again made it clear that everything with Pakistan is bilateral. The Indian government continues to make it clear that "the only issue left to be discussed is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir."

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