Iran and Pakistan reaffirm unity on Gaza, regional security
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The leaders of Iran and Pakistan highlight unity against "Israel’s" crimes in Gaza, reaffirm strategic relations, and pledge stronger border security and trade cooperation.
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This handout picture provided by the office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei (R), shows him meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian (L) and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (C), in Tehran, on May 26, 2025. (KHAMENEI.IR/AFP)
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tehran on Monday, reaffirming the strength of Iran-Pakistan relations and calling for unified Islamic action in support of Palestine.
Sayyed Khamenei underscored Pakistan's significance in the Islamic world and stressed the need for “joint effective action” to stop the crimes committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza.
"While the warmongers in the world have many motives to create discord and war, the only thing that can ensure the security of the Islamic Ummah is unity among Islamic countries and promoting relations among these countries," he underscored.
The Iranian leader called the Palestinian cause the foremost issue in the Muslim world and expressed regret that, despite global outrage over the situation in Gaza, some Islamic governments continue to stand by "Israel".
Sayyed Khamenei welcomed the end of the latest conflict between Pakistan and India, expressing hope for further diplomatic progress.
Read more: Sayyed Khamenei rejects US pressure, doubts nuclear talks will succeed
Sayyed Khamenei hails Pakistan’s rejection of normalization with 'Israel'
He also praised Pakistan’s principled stance in rejecting normalization with "Israel" and acknowledged Islamabad’s support during the years of the Imposed War on Iran by the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq.
However, he noted that current Iran-Pakistan relations have not reached their full potential and called for strengthened cooperation in various fields.
Iran-Pakistan border security and regional stability
In a related context, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized during a joint press conference with Sharif the importance of securing shared borders.
"We believe that the common borders of the two countries should be free from insecurity and the presence and activities of terrorist and criminal groups,” he said.
Pezeshkian added that Iran and Pakistan share a unified stance on regional security and are determined to confront threats along their mutual frontier.
He described Iran's commitment to the peace and stability of the Pakistani people as a core strategic interest.
Read more: Iranian Navy chief says to enhance maritime cooperation with Pakistan
Iran welcomes Pakistan-India peace
The Iranian president welcomed any peace initiative between Pakistan and India and called for disputes to be resolved through dialogue.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the establishment of a ceasefire and peace between Pakistan and India,” he said.
Pezeshkian stressed that "the settlement of disputes through dialogue and peaceful methods is a prerequisite for sustainable development and the establishment of security in the region and the world.”
Mutual stance on Palestine, Gaza
Both leaders reiterated strong support for the Palestinian people. Pezeshkian said Iran and Pakistan, as active members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hold a common position on Gaza and the broader Palestinian cause.
They condemned the continued crimes of "Israel" in the Gaza Strip and the complicit role of Western governments in supporting the regime. The two sides called upon all Muslim countries to stand firmly behind the oppressed Palestinian people.
Sharif echoed this message, stating that Pakistan stands with the Palestinian people until the full liberation of their homeland.
Islamabad keen on expanding trade with Tehran
The Pakistani premier also expressed Islamabad’s interest in expanding trade with Tehran to at least $10 billion.
Pakistan supports Iran's peaceful nuclear program
He voiced support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and commended Tehran’s consistent efforts to promote peace and regional stability, including its constructive position on India-Pakistan tensions.
Sharif assured that Pakistan would never allow any entity to misuse its territory to threaten Iranian security.
Heading a senior delegation, the Pakistani prime minister arrived in Tehran on the third leg of his regional tour, which also includes visits to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.
Read more: Pezeshkian: Iran can withstand sanctions without US talks
