Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the event, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations amid rising regional tensions.

The meeting comes as the US-Iran conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in February, continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This critical waterway accounts for about a fifth of global oil supplies, making it a focal point for international trade and energy security. Pakistan has consistently called for an end to hostilities and for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The leaders discussed ways to de-escalate the situation and promote stability in the region. While no immediate agreement was announced, the meeting underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared challenges. The UN General Assembly has become a platform for diplomatic efforts to ease the ongoing tensions.

Pakistan’s position as a regional mediator has been reinforced through its calls for peace and its diplomatic outreach to Iran. The meeting reflects the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, where multiple actors seek to balance security concerns with economic interests.