Iran’s President Pezeshkian lands in Pakistan for talks after US deal

What Happened

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on April 15, 2025, for a state visit—his first overseas trip since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28. The visit follows the first round of US-Iran talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, which yielded a 60-day roadmap toward a final deal. As part of the initial agreement, the US will release $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds and temporarily ease international sanctions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical sales until August 21. The diplomatic process stems from the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed on June 18 by US President Donald Trump and President Pezeshkian, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signing as mediator. During the day-long visit, Pezeshkian, accompanied by ministers and senior officials, will hold talks with Sharif and meet with President Asif Ali Zardari, focusing on bilateral trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity, as well as ongoing diplomatic engagements following the MoU.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Pezeshkian’s visit underscores Pakistan’s emergence as a critical mediator in US-Iran diplomacy, potentially de-escalating one of the Middle East’s most volatile standoffs. The temporary sanctions relief and $12 billion fund release offer Iran urgent economic breathing room, testing the credibility of the 60-day roadmap that could reshape Iran’s nuclear posture and regional proxy activities. The deal’s success or failure will reverberate across global energy markets, Israel’s security calculus, and the broader Axis of Resistance network, while solidifying Pakistan’s strategic leverage with both Washington and Tehran.

Watch For

The 60-day roadmap’s implementation milestones, particularly Iran’s compliance with any nuclear-related steps and the US delivery of sanctions relief by the August 21 deadline. Watch for reactions from Israel and Gulf states, potential pushback in the US Congress, and the scheduling of the next round of talks. Pakistan’s continued mediation role may be tested by any violations or spoiler actions, including regional proxy attacks or IAEA inspection disputes.