Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed Tehran for Islamabad on June 23, 2026, stating that his visit aims to express appreciation for Pakistan's role in facilitating the Iran-US Islamabad Memorandum and to advance implementation of the agreement.
Islamabad Memorandum Background
The Islamabad Memorandum, signed earlier this month after weeks of conflict between the United States and Iran, established a framework for a ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and negotiations toward a broader settlement of disputes including Iran's nuclear program, sanctions, and regional security issues. The memorandum paved the way for US and Iranian officials to hold their first high-level talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on Sunday. Pakistan and Qatar, who acted as mediators, said the meeting produced a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days and established mechanisms to support implementation of the accord.
Pezeshkian's Statement
“President Pezeshkian said the visit aims both to express appreciation and to advance implementation of all provisions of the Memorandum in line with international law and Iran’s rights,” the Iranian government said in a statement issued on X before his departure for Islamabad. “He added that full implementation could reduce tensions across the Middle East.” The Iranian government said Pezeshkian had praised the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and the Pakistani government in facilitating the agreement between Iran and the United States. According to the statement, the Iranian president said Pakistan’s commitment to achieving an agreement and promoting regional peace had been instrumental in bringing the process to fruition.
Bilateral Talks and Security
Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Pezeshkian would meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the state visit. “During the visit, the two sides will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore new avenues to further deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday. It added that the visit would also provide an opportunity to discuss diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest. According to a joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar after the Switzerland talks, the parties agreed to establish a High-Level Committee to oversee negotiations and continue technical discussions aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days. The statement said the parties also agreed to establish a communication line to help ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and a “de-confliction cell” involving Lebanon to support implementation of provisions relating to the cessation of military operations there.
Security Measures in Islamabad
Ahead of Pezeshkian’s arrival, authorities tightened security in Islamabad, restricting heavy traffic and access to parts of the capital’s high-security Red Zone which houses government and diplomatic buildings.
Pakistan's Mediation Role
Pakistan has played a central role in the diplomatic process so far, helping secure a ceasefire, facilitating direct engagement between US and Iranian officials, and working with regional partners to advance negotiations that culminated in the signing of the Islamabad memorandum earlier this month. In April, Islamabad also hosted a 21-hour diplomatic summit where the US and Iran agreed on a baseline ceasefire, though the talks initially fell short of a final deal due to severe disagreements over the Iranian nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.
